How to create a secure network through a shared Internet connection

BROWSE BY TAG Network Security,   Network Protocols and Security,   Enterprise Network Security,   IPsec VPN Security,   Secure VPN Setup and Configuration,   VIEW ALL TAGS

Digg This!     StumbleUpon     Del.icio.us

RELATED CONTENT Network Security How to set up a split-tunnel VPN in Windows Vista What is the difference between static and dynamic network validation? Port scan attack prevention best practices Securing the intranet with remote access VPN security How to prevent network sniffing and eavesdropping How to implement virtual firewalls in a complex network infrastructure How to manage network bandwidth with distributed ISP bandwidth How to edit group policy objects to give a user local admin rights How to prevent operating system cloning with AES 256-bit encryption How to securely connect a LAN POS to a remote point-of-sale device Network Protocols and Security How to keep networks secure when deploying an 802.11n upgrade Expert calls SSL protocol vulnerability a non issue How to prevent phishing attacks with social engineering tests How SSL-encrypted Web connections are intercepted DNSSEC deployment challenges can be overcome Microsoft issues SMB vulnerability advisory, patch pending Microsoft repairs Windows media, TCP/IP vulnerabilities How to test IPv6 infrastructures DNSSEC deployments gain momentum since Kaminsky DNS bug Kaminsky interview: DNSSEC addresses cross-organizational trust and security IPsec VPN Security Best Remote Access Products How to set up a split-tunnel VPN in Windows Vista What is the difference between a VPN and remote control? A short enterprise VPN deployment guide From the ground up: Creating secure WLANs Can S/MIME, XML and IPsec operate in one protocol layer? What firewall controls should be placed on the VPN? VoIP tools, attacks could increase threat Best practices for processing financial data through remote servers What ports should be opened and closed when IPsec filters are used? IPsec VPN Security Research

RELATED GLOSSARY TERMS Terms from Whatis.com − the technology online dictionary 5 terms you need to know before you employ VoIP  (SearchSecurity.com) digest authentication  (SearchSecurity.com) IGP  (SearchSecurity.com) IP spoofing  (SearchSecurity.com) Secure Sockets Layer  (SearchSecurity.com) smurfing  (SearchSecurity.com) Transport Layer Security  (SearchSecurity.com)

RELATED RESOURCES 2020software.com, trial software downloads for accounting software, ERP software, CRM software and business software systems Search Bitpipe.com for the latest white papers and business webcasts Whatis.com, the online computer dictionary

My best recommendation on how to create a secure network through a shared Internet connection is to treat the network on the property just like you would the Internet -- assume that anything you send over it unencrypted can be monitored. If you're sharing an Internet connection with others, there's really no way to stop them from seeing your network traffic. What you can do, however, is use online packet encryption, so when they eavesdrop, they won't be able to make heads or tails of it.

First, purchase a small firewall/router combination unit and place it at the point where your office connects to the property network. This simple step will stop others on the network from accessing the systems on your network. You should be able to pick up one of these devices for less than $100 at any electronics store.

Next, encrypt any traffic that leaves your office network headed for the Internet. The easiest way to do this is through the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). If the office is a satellite office of a larger company, you can probably connect to a corporate VPN, preventing those on the property network from decrypting your Internet traffic.

If a VPN is not an option, you'll need to encrypt every service you use. For example, when browsing the Web, be sure to connect only to secure websites that begin with the https:// prefix. Similarly, configure your connection to your email server to use SSL-secured connections. If you're using other services, consult the documentation to determine how to configure encryption for them as well.

Really, your situation isn't much different from that of anyone purchasing an Internet connection, other than the fact that you know the people who may attempt to eavesdrop. Taking a few simple security measures should allow you to use the shared Internet connection privately.

For more information:

• Learn what security software should be installed on Internet cafe computers.
• Read more about implementing and enforcing a social networking policy.