Archives - Networked Devices


Connect stationary devices via Ethernet

An Ethernet connection, if available, is ideal for streaming boxes/TVs, game consoles and other hardware that sits in one place most of the time. It provides more predictable performance and is also more secure since transmissions are not interceptable over the air.

Change the preset passphrase on your router

Leaving a default passphrase unchanged makes it much easier for hackers to access your network. You should change it as soon as possible. A strong passphrase is a sentence that is at least 12 characters long. Focus on positive sentences or phrases that you like to think about and are easy to remember (for example, […]

Know the different types of Ethernet ports

All Ethernet ports on consumer electronics like laptops and gaming consoles look the same from the outside, but they’re not necessarily the same under the hood. Some support Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps), while others are merely Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps). Even faster speeds like 10 Gigabit Ethernet are available on some computers like the iMac […]

Create a plan for dealing with cyberattacks

Once your system is infected with malware, there are steps you can take to fix the problem and prevent it from happening again. Disconnect from your network, reboot the device, download a virus scanner, and delete any old applications and files you don’t need.

What do firewalls do?

Firewalls provide protection against outside cyber attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic. Firewalls can also prevent malicious software from accessing a computer or network via the internet. Firewalls can be configured to block data from certain locations (i.e., computer network addresses), applications, or ports while allowing relevant and […]

When your computer gets infected with malware, remove it from the network

Malware can spread from one device to another under the same network, so it’s important to isolate computers, phones and other devices once they get infected. Disable the compromised one from all networking capabilities, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, then reboot all your devices.