NETGEAR Security: The Importance of Not Using Just the Defaults

Improving Your Default NETGEAR Security

You can create a very secure network with NETGEAR products, but by default most security is turned off. Security is critical: we urge you to use at least some security features as soon as your basic installation is done.

Most security features are not activated by default, since:

In initial setup, especially with non-NETGEAR equipment, default values are easiest.
There are several kinds of security. Any choice we make may not be best for your network. Unsuitable security might cause equipment to be disconnected or to be insecure.
Security is an extra implementation step — beyond just getting your equipment connected. Since some security features are suited to advanced users, for convenience, we leave them out of default configurations.

What Should You Do?

Scan the Reference Manuals' Table of Contents to see what security features your products have. Very frequently, networked devices all need to implement the same features. For example, if you have a router and adapter, and want to use WEP, they each need to support WEP — and have it turned on.

These security features are straightforward to configure:

Router password. Everyone should change this from the default value!
MAC access control lists (This is most suitable for small networks.)
WEP. See What is WEP Encryption for Wireless Network?
WPA-PSK. See What's New in Security: WPA.
Port forwarding (instead of a DMZ). See How is Port Forwarding Configured?

Trend Micro Security Turned on By Default

In home routers bought or upgraded in the last year, this security is turned on by default. Read this article if you have any of these problems:

You cannot access the router's administration pages. However, you may be able to browse the Internet or ping the router.
When using DHCP, the connection fails ( when the IP address is renewed ). DHCP is often used by ISPs.
Bad packets from the router are reported by your anti-virus program such as Norton, or other intrusion detection program.

These security features are for advanced users, or users with special requirements such as accessing work from home. These are not available for all products:

WPA (non-PSK)
VPN

Spend a few minutes looking over Guide to Internet Security. Just understanding where you are at risk is a good step toward making your network secure.

Read Instructions on how to Configure Wireless Security (WEP/WPA/Access list). Instructions are also included on the User Manuals and Reference Manuals for wireless products (available on the Product page on this site as downloads).

Doc: n101379.asp June 27, 2004