Any security risks with setting up server on home network?
Posted by Papa G, 06-28-2008, 04:09 PM Any security risks with setting up server on home network? I would like to set up a computer running linux or xp as a computer on our home network. We have about 3 other computers on the same network. My network manager says that it would be a security risk to the other computers on the network if I were to have the server running on the network. The server would be connected to a netgear wireless router and I would have ports 80 and 21 opened just for the internal ip address of the server. (for example, the server is on 192.168.0.3, and I had just the two ports open for it, while there were computers on 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.4). The netgear router has a firewall built into it. Each of the other computers on the network have software firewalls. I would not have a firewall on the server, and I really don't care if someone hacks it. So, what at worst could happen? Would the other computers be at risk? If you are a professional, I want your opinion also. It would help if you posted your previous experience with related stuff.
Posted by activelobby4u, 06-28-2008, 04:22 PM There is absolutely no problems in running a server from your home network. However the priorities are 1. Permission from ISP 2. Security
Posted by Papa G, 06-28-2008, 04:24 PM Yeah, umm, about the ISP...let's just act like I never read the "Terms of Use". And when you say security, in what way? I'm really only concerned about the other computers on the network if they could be "exposed" because I am running a webserver.
Posted by activelobby4u, 06-28-2008, 05:19 PM if you are running a vulnerable software, there is every chance that you can affect the network once you are exposed. Security is the key here . Run stable applications only and keep yourself firewalled
Posted by PCS-Chris, 06-28-2008, 06:46 PM Considering a lot of people just use a USB Modem and a Software firewall I don't think security is that much of an issue. At least not on a home network. If you get a warning for using your Residential connection for web/hosting services, you cant exactly tell them you never read their T&C's as you agreed to it before/during the signup process; so you really have no leg to stand on.