Network security: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What network security is

A specialist reviews your network for weaknesses, configures firewalls and access controls, updates devices and sets up monitoring to lower the risk of intrusion. You need it when you run a business that handles customer data, when you have had a suspicious login or break in, or when you have many connected devices and no clear security setup.

Signs you need it

  • Devices show unfamiliar names or activity on the network
  • You have had a suspicious login, a hacked account or a ransomware message
  • The router still uses its default admin password or old settings
  • You have many smart devices, cameras or staff devices with no separation
  • A customer, insurer or bank asks you to show your network security

What the pro does

  • Reviews the devices, accounts, router settings and open ports on the network
  • Checks the firmware and software versions of each device and lists the ones to update
  • Configures the firewall rules, the access controls and the network separation
  • Sets up logging or alerts so unusual activity can be seen
  • Tests the changes and writes a plain report with the steps taken and the next steps

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The number of devices, users and locations on the network
  • Whether the review includes testing for weak points or only a settings check
  • Whether firewall or monitoring equipment must be bought
  • Whether the network has cloud services that need configuring
  • Whether the work is one time or an ongoing service
  • Whether staff training is included

What a written quote should spell out

  • The scope of the review and the devices included
  • The firewall, access control and monitoring settings to be changed
  • Any new equipment, with model and warranty
  • The written report and the list of recommended steps
  • The schedule for follow up checks, if any

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What will you check, and will you give me a written report?
  • Will you change the router's admin password and firmware?
  • Which devices will be separated from the main network, and why?
  • Can you set up alerts that tell me about unusual activity?
  • Do you need admin access, and how long will you keep it?
  • What happens after the review, and do you offer follow up checks?

Red flags

  • Promises that the network is unhackable
  • Asks for administrator passwords with no written scope of work
  • Installs remote access tools on the network without telling you
  • Sells expensive equipment before reviewing the network

What you can do yourself

Change the default admin password on your router and smart devices, turn on automatic updates, and remove devices you no longer use. Turn on two factor login for your main accounts, and do not change firewall rules or open ports unless you understand what they do. Hire a specialist for the review, the firewall setup and any business network.

Licenses and permits

A license is usually not required for network security work. Check with your state or local licensing agency about any business registration that applies, and ask the specialist for proof of training and its insurance.

Network security questions

Is my home network at risk?

Any network can be at risk. A review shows which weak points are most likely and gives you a plan to close them.

Do I need a firewall appliance or is the router enough?

It depends on the size and the data you handle. A specialist can tell you whether the router's built in protection is enough.

How often should the network be checked?

Ask the specialist for a schedule. Most people benefit from a check after a change, and from regular updates in between.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer network security remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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