Routers – You absolutely must be using a router if you have broadband internet access (through cable, dsl, etc., anything access except dialup). This is the simplest and most effective security measure anyone can take. Routers are small boxes, can cost anywhere from $20 to $80 depending upon many factors, and can be found in any electronics or computer store. There are some simple steps everyone can take, some more advanced then others, but even doing the basics can make your security far better then most, and keep intruders out of our computer. More detailed information on these is listed in the link below.

Firewalls – By default, if you already have a router as mentioned above, then you already have a firewall too. Software firewalls (software that you install on your pc to keep intruders out) can be found all over the internet, but a hardware router is one of the best firewalls you can get. If you have a router, then by default you also have a firewall already. More detailed information on these is listed in the link below.

Wireless connections must be made secure, if you are using a wireless router as most are, make sure you have done a few simple steps to keep your information from being stolen out of the airwaves. You can password protect your router by setting up encryption. This should be done by everyone who is using a wireless router. Thats why you can see your neighbors computer, its because they haven’t bothered to set this up. If password encryption is setup, your neighbors will not be able to see your computer or access it. You can also setup remote access by only allowing only specific computers to access your router. This means you tell the router which computers can access your connection, anyone else (or any new laptop, etc.) would not be able to access it unless you say so. If you have done either of these methods, then you have a secure system (at least far more secure then most would do!).