A Vulnerability Assessment Approach for Home Networks : A case of Cameroon

Abstract: The research highlights the importance of vulnerability assessment in evaluating the effectiveness of security mechanisms in computer and network systems. While vulnerability assessment is commonly practiced by companies and businesses, it is often underlooked in the context of home networks. The misconception that home networks are not lucrative targets for cyber criminals has been shattered with the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced many individuals to work from home, adding to their normal daily personal home network device interactions, making their home networks more vulnerable to attacks. The situation iseven more challenging in developing countries like Cameroon, where there is a significant IT gap due to limited access to quality IT education and training opportunities. To address these issues, the research employed two main methods. Firstly, the systematic Review of Literature (SRL) method was used to investigate the types of systems used in home networks, common vulnerabilities, and attacks associated with them. Additionally, a step-by-step guide using opensource tools was developed to assist home users in evaluating the security of their networks. The second method utilized was the experimental method, with the use of semi-structured interviews for data collection. This demonstrated how selected tools such as Zenmap and Nessus, along with associated techniques, could be effectively used by home users to assess the security posture of their networks. This practical approach contributed to the development of a targeted vulnerability assessment methodology for home users. Furthermore, recommendations were provided to help home users mitigate identified vulnerabilities in their networks.