In modern homes, everything is connected to the internet: computers, cell phones, printers, tablets, Xbox and Playstations, TVs, cameras, electrical outlets, routers and other electronic accessories. If a device is connected to the network, it is also accessible via the internet.
There is also a site, Shodan, which functions as a search engine for online devices such as cameras, telephones, routers and more, directly accessible via the internet.
In this guide we see how to prevent all devices connected to the network from being found and accessible from the outside, by outsiders.
READ ALSO: How to protect the wireless network from hacker intrusions and access attempts
Protecting the router is the main task .
In a typical home network, as long as there are no devices connected directly to the modem, the router is the only device connected directly to the Internet and, assuming that the router is configured correctly, it is also the only device accessible from the Internet
All other devices are connected to the network created by the router, via cables or wifi, accessible via the internet only if the router allows it.
You must therefore check that the router is secure.
In the article on how a home network works: router, switch, ethernet and wifi there are all the details of the typical connections that are used in the home.
The problem is that many routers have " remote administration " or " remote management " features that allow you to access the router from the Internet and configure settings.
The vast majority of people will never use this feature, so it would be better to disable it.
If this feature was enabled and there was a weak password, a hacker could access the router remotely and, from that, access all the other devices.
You will find this option, if any, in the router's web interface (see how to access router settings easily).
Many routers also have a serious security vulnerability represented by UPnP, an insecure protocol that allows devices on the local network to talk to each other.
In some older routers this UPnP will accept requests from the internet allowing anyone to create firewall rules on the router.
You must therefore disable UPnP on the router if exposed to security problems.
To check it, you can use the GRC.com website.
If it is vulnerable, you can disable UPnP in the router options or update the firmware or replace the too old and insecure router.
However, if on a computer it is important to be careful of viruses (see here the programs to protect the computer), to be sure that the devices connected to the router are not accessible via the internet, in reality, nothing must be done .
Reaching a device via the internet, which is connected to a router and within a home network is impossible unless port forwarding or DMZ options have been correctly configured on the router itself.
Obviously, if you want to make the devices accessible online, such as shooting a camera, you will need to make sure that everything is set up securely, putting a strong password for access.
This may seem obvious, but the number of Internet-connected printers and cameras that are freely usable online by anyone shows that many people are not careful.
Obviously the basis of the security of a home network is all in the login password .
It is therefore important to use WPA2 encryption with a fairly strong and long password made up of numbers and symbols, as well as letters.
The router must also be protected and you must never forget to change your username and password.
In the guide on how to secure your home Wifi network and protect yourself from intrusions there are all the instructions to follow.
READ ALSO: Check if someone steals the wifi internet connection and how to protect the wireless network
