This is your most formidable enemy! Comrades, you need to spend most of your efforts fortifying this weak link. Ready, Aim, Fire!
Security Layer 1: Protect your router
This is where the rubber meets the road. By far the best method to protect the router is by using OpenDNS. Why, you ask? It does not require you to install any software. It is easy to use. It always remains current. It protects all the devices in your home. Do we need any other reason? Yes, I almost forgot, it is free!
How do you use OpenDNS? This is done by simply changing the DNS configuration of your router to point to. You do not need to understand the details, simply take a deep breath and follow the instructions on this page.( http://use.opendns.com/). On this page, simple choose your brand of router to get instructions for it. If your brand is not listed, please choose ‘generic router’. I agree this may be intimidating at first but give it a try. You will be handsomely rewarded!
Once you have done the above, all the internet traffic into your house flows through the OpenDNS servers. This is good! However, there are no parental controls yet. To configure parental controls on OpenDNS, sign up here. (http://www.opendns.com/home-internet-security/parental-controls/opendns-home/).
Once you are setup, you can actually manage and tweak your parental controls using the above link from anywhere in the world. It allows you to block different categories like pornography, file sharing and nudity. It is a good idea to block proxy websites because they are often used to bypass filters. Yes, it is magic. You are most welcome!
Security Layer 2: Disable the reset switch
Disabled reset switch
This is the very important. This is the missing link. Very few people take this step which leaves a gaping hole in their fortress. Today, I’ll let you in on this secret.
Almost all routers have a small reset button on the back. What happens when you press this? The router loses its configuration! Is there a way to disable it? The surprising answer is: No! Anyone can walk in, reset the router and open up your fort to attack. Help!
Friends, the best way around this is to put a dollop of superglue on the reset button! Do not balk at this! Yes, this is crude, voids your warranty but is very effective. In my opinion, this is a small price to pay for security. Like my grandmother used to say, ‘Sometimes the crude method is the best method’. Wise words, Grandma, wise words. Oh yes, another thing my grandmother used to say is, ‘Don’t forget your router’s administrator password’!
Security Layer 3: Parental filter on your computers
The third security layer is to put parental control software on your devices. There are more options to choose from than brands of
cereal in the cereal aisle. Do you like strawberry with oats or blueberry with rice flakes? This can get confusing.
Let me suggest that you start by experimenting with the built-in options first: Windows Security
Essentials for PC’s and Parental Controls on the Mac. These should suffice but I will suggest also installing a dedicated web blocker
software on the computer. Let us try a free one. Free is good, right?
Net Nanny
K9 Web Protection
The best free options are K9 filter and Norton Family filter. You will need to install the software on all your computers. Both these are easy to install, simply follow the instructions on their websites. A great feature of these parental monitoring software is that one can block internet access according to a fixed schedule.
Quick, lock the back door: Please ensure that your kids (or the loved ones you are protecting) do not have an administrative account on the computer. You can check this by going to Control Panel>User Accounts on a PC or by going to System Preferences>Accounts on a Mac. This is another often-missed security hole. This is like fortifying your front door while leaving the back door wide open!
Leave a Reply