DRAFT
Chapter 3
:
Getting Started
Release 34 DRAFT 1.6 June 2017
Touchstone DG3450 Data Gateway User Guide
© 2017 ARRIS Enterprises LLC. All Rights Reserved.
14
What About Security?
Having a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet requires a certain amount of
responsibility to other Internet users—including the need to maintain a reasonably secure
system. While no system is 100% secure, you can use the following tips to enhance your
system’s security:
Keep the operating system of your computer updated with the latest security patches.
Run the system update utility at least weekly.
Keep your email program updated with the latest security patches. In addition, avoid
opening email containing attachments, or opening files sent through chat rooms,
whenever possible.
Install a virus checker and keep it updated.
Avoid providing web or file-sharing services over your Data Gateway. Besides certain
vulnerability problems, most cable companies prohibit running servers on consumer-
level accounts and may suspend your account for violating your terms of service.
Use the service provider’s mail servers for sending email.
Avoid using proxy software unless you are certain that it is not open for abuse by other
Internet users (some are shipped open by default). Criminals can take advantage of open
proxies to hide their identity when breaking into other computers or sending spam. If
you have an open proxy, your service provider may suspend your account to protect the
rest of the network.
The DG3450 ships with wireless LAN security set by default (for the same reasons that
you should run only secured proxies). See the security label on your product for the
factory security settings. If you need to modify the default wireless security settings, see
Configuring Your Wireless Connection.
Ethernet or Wireless?
There are two ways to connect your computer (or other equipment) to the Data Gateway.
The following will help you decide which is best for you:
Ethernet
Ethernet is a standard method of connecting two or more computers into a Local Area
Network (LAN). You can use the Ethernet connection if your computer has built-in Ethernet
hardware.
Note:
To connect more than four computers to the DG3450 through the Ethernet ports, you
need an Ethernet hub (available at computer retailers).
