Understanding Security Issues

Chapter 5 Protecting Your Home Network

When you are at home or work, the network itself is your first line of defense against attack by hackers, malware, or other attacks. In the past, a home computer network might consist of one or two personal computers connected to the home router by a physical cable. As shown in Figure 5.1, today, a home computer network may consist of a dozen or more internet of things (IoT) devices all connected to the home computer network wirelessly and providing for streaming TV (e.g., Netflix, Amazon on Demand, Hulu), automated door locks, physical security monitoring systems, climate control, refrigerator monitoring, home health, and other functions.

Figure 5.1: Home computer networks are increasingly capable and ...