# User's Guide |

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# Securing Your Media Vault from Intruders

The HP Media Vault is designed as an "always on" device, which comes in handy for accessing files any time your network users need or want them. But a network device that is set up for file sharing also presents certain security risks. Because the server can be used on a network that has both wireless and wired functionality, you'll want to ensure that unauthorized users can't access your server and your files stored on it.

If your network comes with wireless capability, it has a piece of equipment called a Wireless Access Point (WAP). A WAP can come within an all-in-one-gateway, router, or as a standalone unit. In many cases, an WAP's security settings are toggled off by default and you must manually turn on the security settings. If the security settings are toggled off, anyone can get into your server as well as any computer or other devices on your network. Firewalls and anti-virus software do not keep intruders out of wireless networks.

Most wireless networking equipment supports two forms of data encryption as security features: Wired Equivalent Privacy or WEP and, Wi-Fi Protected Access or WPA. For more information on how to configure the security for your wireless network, see the user's guide that came with your networking equipment.

| Anti-virus software

You should install anti-virus software on one or more computers on your network, and configure the software to scan all the shared folders on your server. You might be required to assign (map) drive letters to all your shared folders to enable the anti-virus software to scan the HP Media Vault.

| Note
| Remember to keep your anti-virus definitions up-to-date.

| Establishing an administrator user name and password

Setting up an administrator user name and password is one way to safeguard your folders and files. If you do set up a user name and password, you are prompted to enter this information each time you enter the Configuration screens.

| Important
| It is strongly recommended that you create an administrator user name and password if you enable remote access.

For additional information, see Remote Access.

| Securing the HP Media Vault’s shared folders on your LAN

The server offers additional security options for your network users and specific shared folders. For additional information, see Enhance Security on your Shared Folders.

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