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Introduction

In this digital age, securing your home or small business network is crucial to protect your sensitive data and maintain your privacy. This guide offers both step-by-step instructions and some equipment recommendations to bolster your network security, tailored for low, medium, and high budgets.

Basic Network Security Steps

1. Change Default Passwords: Immediately update default usernames and passwords for all network devices. Use strong, unique passwords.
2. Firmware Updates: Regularly update device firmware to address security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if possible.
3. Network Encryption: Implement WPA3/WPA2 encryption for Wi-Fi, using a robust passphrase.
4. Guest Network: Establish a separate guest network to isolate guest devices from the main network.
5. Firewall: Utilize your router’s built-in firewall and consider an additional firewall appliance.
6. Disable Remote Management: Turn off remote management on your router to prevent unauthorized external access.
7. Regular Backups: Frequently backup critical data to secure locations.
8. Educate Users: Inform household or business members about basic cybersecurity practices.
9. Use a VPN for Remote Access: Set up a VPN for secure remote access to your network.
10. Secure IoT Devices: Regularly update IoT devices and change their default passwords.
11. Network Segmentation: Consider dividing your network for different device types.
12. Physical Security: Keep network devices in a secure, tamper-proof location.

Products

This section provides some recommendations of popular equipment for several different budgets. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but is meant to provide some insight into popular hardware for networking. There are also many variants for switches and routers, depending on the number of ports your network needs for wired connections, speeds, etc.

It is not necessary to include an independent firewall appliance for all setups, especially low-budget ones. Most wifi routers will be sufficient for simple setups, and include a firewall. However, once you get into more advanced setups, a firewall is beneficial for additional security layers such as VLANs (more on these coming soon) and other features which most lower-end wifi routers do not support.

Generic equipment searches by type on Amazon

WiFi Routers

Modems

Switches

Access Points

Firewalls

Low Budget Network Equipment

• Modem/Router Combo: TP-Link Archer AC1750 ($60-80): Dual-band Wi-Fi, basic firewall.
• Firewall Appliance: Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X ($60-100): Hardware firewall, VLAN support.
• Wireless Access Point: TP-Link EAP225 ($40-60): For extending Wi-Fi coverage.
• Switch: NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (NetGear GS305) ($15-25).

Medium Budget Network Equipment

• Modem/Router Combo: ASUS AC2900 – RT-AC68U ($150-180): Dual-band, robust firewall, for larger households or small businesses.
• Firewall Appliance: NetGate 1100 ($200-250): Advanced firewall, VPN support.
• Managed Switch: TP-Link TL-SG108E ($30-50): VLAN support, QoS.
• Switch: TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch (TP-Link TL-SG108E).

High Performance Network Equipment

• Modem: Motorola MB8600 ($150-200): High-speed DOCSIS 3.1.
• Router: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 ($400-500): Tri-band Wi-Fi, advanced security.
• Firewall Appliance: Fortinet FortiGate 60F ($800-1100): Enterprise-grade firewall.
• Managed Switch: Cisco Catalyst 2960X ($500-1000): Advanced VLAN, QoS, and security features.
• Switch: NETGEAR 10-Port Gigabit/10G Ethernet Smart Managed Pro Switch (NetGear GS110EMX) ($250-300).

Additional Security Measures

• Antivirus and Antimalware Software: Install and regularly update security software.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA on important accounts.
• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of current cybersecurity threats and best practices.

Glossary of Terms

1. WPA3/WPA2:
   • Definition: Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) are security protocols used to secure wireless networks. WPA3 is the latest and most secure version.
2. Firmware:
   • Definition: Firmware is the low-level software programmed into the hardware of a network device. It controls the device’s basic operations and can be updated to fix bugs and vulnerabilities.
3. Guest Network:
   • Definition: A separate Wi-Fi access point on a router that allows guests to use the internet without accessing the main network. It enhances security by isolating guest traffic.
4. Firewall:
   • Definition: A network security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on an organization’s previously established security policies.
5. VPN (Virtual Private Network):
   • Definition: A service that encrypts your internet traffic and protects your online identity by hiding your IP address. It’s used for secure communication over a less secure network, such as the internet.
6. IoT Devices (Internet of Things):
   • Definition: Devices that connect to the internet to send and receive data – includes smart home devices like thermostats, security cameras, and smart appliances.
7. VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network):
   • Definition: A method to create multiple, separate networks on a single physical network infrastructure, providing segmentation and improved traffic management.
8. DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification):
   • Definition: An international telecommunications standard that permits the addition of high-bandwidth data transfer to an existing cable TV (CATV) system.
9. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
   • Definition: An additional security layer requiring not only a password and username but also something that only the user has on them, i.e., a piece of information only they should know or have immediately to hand – such as a physical token.
10. Antimalware:
    • Definition: Software designed to detect, prevent, and take action to disarm or remove malicious software from computers and other devices.
11. QoS (Quality of Service):
    • Definition: A networking feature that prioritizes certain types of traffic to ensure optimal performance for critical applications, often used in switches and routers.
12. Managed Switch:
    • Definition: A network switch that provides functionality to configure, manage, and monitor LAN traffic, significantly more advanced than unmanaged switches.
13. SSID (Service Set Identifier):
    • Definition: The name of a wireless network. When setting up a Wi-Fi network, you assign it a name to distinguish it from other nearby networks.
14. Encryption:
    • Definition: The process of converting data or information into a code to prevent unauthorized access. In networking, it’s used to secure data transmitted over a network.

By adhering to these guidelines and selecting equipment based on your budget and needs, you can significantly enhance the security of your network. Regularly review and adjust your security measures to combat evolving threats.