What to Do If Home Security is Compromised?
- It is especially important if your network security has been compromised to get rid of any possible spyware or other such programs that may have been left on your systems by the hackers before you go around adding new security. If you implement new security procedures first, then any malicious programming left behind may still be able to transmit the new security information to the hacker, leaving you defenseless.
The best way to find any problems is to get a good antivirus and firewall program downloaded through the Internet. There are free ones available, but the maximum security (for a beginner) is to be gained by purchasing one of the common ones from AVG, Symantec or McAfee. - Once the security programs you have purchased have cleared out any viruses, spyware or Trojan horses hiding on any computer systems in your home network, it is time to re-secure your space. Log into your router (follow the directions that came with the router or call technical support for assistance), and set up WPA or WPA2 encryption. This will require you to generate a password that any other computers that try to wirelessly get into your network must know. This password should not be simple or obvious by any means and should contain a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and possibly symbols as well.
- You will have to go around to every computer on your home network and reconnect to the wireless network (if they are wireless; if they are wired, they will not need to use the password), by inputting your new password in each instance. Once connected, the computers should remember the password and be able to reconnect to the network automatically from there on out.
It is not recommended that you share your new password information with any children who are on the network (and old enough to care), unless you truly trust them to be responsible with it. The same holds true for your firewall settings which prevents outsiders on the Internet from getting into your network.
