Table 7-4 Securing a SOHO Wired Network

Security Feature Benefit Notes
     
Changing default user- Prevents unauthorized Be sure to record new username and
names and passwords users from accessing password for access to router.
  router setup screens  


 

Enabling MAC Allows only listed net-

 

filtering work devices to use net-

 

work


MAC addresses can be spoofed, so use other security features as well.


 

Assigning static IP Only devices known to Requires you to create a list of
addresses you get an IP address IP addresses to assign to known
    devices; each device must be set up
    separately; disable DHCP unless you
    host transient wireless guests (tab-
    lets, smartphones, and so on).
     

    Chapter 7: Security 147
     
     
Security Feature Benefit Notes
     
Disabling Ports Prevents unused ports on Some routers might not include this
  router from being used feature. Look for firmware updates
    (vendor and third-party) to add this
    option.
     
Establishing physical Prevents unauthorized Routers and switches need adequate
security access to router ventilation to avoid overheating, so
    be sure to choose a secure location
    that has adequate airflow.
     

 

 

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Chapter 8

 

 

Mobile Devices

 

Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones have broadened the scope of business automation and, as a consequence, have broadened the responsibility of IT technicians. As a result, mobile devic-es are a new domain in the CompTIA A+ Certification exams, representing 9% of the 220-802 exam.

 

 

Mobile Operating Systems

 

Although there are other players in the mobile operating systems space, Android and Apple iOS are the principle players. The following sections review their differences and cover features of these mobile operating systems.

 

Android (Open Source)

 

Android is an example of open source software. It is a Linux-based operating system used mostly on smartphones and tablet computers and is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, a group directed by Google. Google releases the Android OS code as open source, allowing developers to modify it and freely create applications for it.

 

To find out the version you are currently running, start at the Home screen; this is the main screen that boots by default. Then tap the Menu button, and then tap Settings. Scroll to the bottom and tap the About Phone(or justAbout) option. Then tapSoftware Informationor a similar option. This willdisplay the version of Android. Figure 8-1 shows a smartphone running Android version 2.3.3 (also known as Gingerbread).

 

Many versions of the Android operating system are currently in use. Table 8-1 provides a brief over-view of the major Android releases.