How to Secure a PC on Broadband

With more and more people opting for Braodband connections, more and more people are opening their computers to potential security issues. By connecting a computer directly to a cable modem, you are potentially exposing your PC to all kinds of security issues. The use of a basic router will immediately stop all BROADCAST packets bouncing around the network that could possible start a program on your PC.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• A Rasic Home Router (wired or wireless).

1. Jot down the current network settings Start by getting your current network settings.
   
   This can be done by opening a Command Window (DOS) and typing in IPCONFIC /ALL
2. Find a Cheap Router ( wired is best if you don't have the need for wireless ). Searching Froogle will give you plenty of options.
   
   If you're not going to use the wireless function, disable it completely using the manufacturers instructions.
3. Plug the ethernet cable that came with the router into the WLAN port on the router.
4. Plug the other end of the ethernet cable into the ethernet port on the cable modem.
5. Connect the router power supply to the router
6. Connect an ethernet cable to 1 of the LAN ports on the Router and the other end into your computer.
7. Turn on your computer
   
   If the router(most do) has a DHCP server built into it, your PC will get an IP address for the router.
8. After the computer has finished starting up, try and visit a web site to see if your computer has gotten a connection.
9. Check your network settings as in STEP 1, if you do not have a DNS setting, you may have to manually enter using the manufacturers instructions.

Tips & Warnings

• Putting a router in between your PC and the cable modem will block all Broadcast request.(broadcast request are targeting any network device that is directly connected to the internet )
• By blocking broadcast request directly to your PC, you will stop a lot of trojans from working, even if they get onto your machine.
• You will block any port scanning by your ISP
• This will also work on DSL connection. ( any continuous connection )
• Read all manufacturers instructions beforhand.
• Make sure your ISP allows router connections directly to their cable modem.
• Make sure your PC is setup to communicate with the router by using the router isntructions and or software.