How to secure your HP 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 media vault 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 media vault 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 AP'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 media vault 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 media vault. You might be required to assign (map) drive letters to all your Shared Folders to enable the anti-virus software to scan the media vault. (For information on how to map drive letters to your Shared Folders, see Map drive letters to Shared Folders.)

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

Establishing an administrator username and password

Setting up an administrator username and password is one way to safeguard your folders and files. If you do set up a username and password, you will be prompted to enter this information each time you enter the Configuration screens. For information on setting up a username and password, see Change the administrator username and password. For information on entering the Configuration screens, see Access the configuration screens.

Securing the HP Media Vault’s Shared Folders on your LAN

The media vault offers additional security options for your network users and specific Shared Folders. For more information on Shared Folder and user security on your local area network (LAN), see Enhance security on your Shared Folders.