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Your home media server can be a ransomware liability. Here’s what NOT to do
Restrict Internet access to avoid malware infection
2 min. read
Published onFebruary 6, 2024
published onFebruary 6, 2024
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Over the years, experts have raised concerns about the threats accompanied by enabling SMB 1.0. But troubleshooting guides often recommend turning on SMB 1.0 tofix issues with file sharing.
Recently, a user shared on Reddit about losing years’ worth of data on the home media server after enabling SMB 1.0 simply because one of the ports had access to the Internet. When using SMB 1.0, it’s critical that none of the devices on the network are exposed to the Internet.
For the unversed, SMB is a network protocol used for sharing files and data between devices on the network. While the later versions, SMB 2.0 and SMB 3.0, are comparatively safer, SMB 1.0, released in 1980, is outdated and lacks the basic security protocols.
Why should I disable SMB 1.0?
Microsoft encourages users to disable SMB 1.0, and the feature is not present by default on Windows 11, Windows Server 2019, and later versions. This is done citing significant security vulnerabilities, and it’s recommended that you update the SMB servers instead of enabling SMB 1.0.
Also, given that the network protocol is outdated, it significantly diminishes the performance. Besides, you miss out on the following features offered by later versions of the SMB protocol:
Todisable SMB 1.0, open theControl Panel> click onPrograms> selectTurn Windows features on or offunderPrograms and Features> untick the checkbox forSMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support> then clickOKto save the changes.
While highlighting the threats posed by SMB 1.0, we can’t negate the idea that several small businesses or setups still use the network protocol and don’t have the necessary resources to upgrade or can’t switch to SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0 due to incompatibility with the network devices.
For instance, certain older printers or management software still rely on SMB 1.0 connectivity. In such cases where SMB 1.0 is an absolute necessity, we recommend that you restrict devices from accessing the Internet.
Remember, if one device is infected, others, too, are likely to be affected. These threats often bypass the built-in Windows Security, so it’s best that you have aneffective antivirus solution.
If you want to share your thoughts on the subject, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:Network,protection
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
