I currently have a 2TB drive that holds all documents on a Windows 10 PC, however I want to start using other operating systems too. Is it safe to use my WD My Cloud instead of a standard drive or would it be easier for people to steal data or be too slow (I use Cat 6 cables)? Both network and WD passwords are long, unique and random. Thanks for any advice
Yes, it is safe. But of course, if a determined badguy is specifically targeting you because they know you personally and know for a fact you have something they want, they can get in. So do you have any personal enemies that fit that description? Not likely. The vast majority of Internet badguys are lazy opportunists. They are like common thieves looking for drug money who wander around store parking lots looking for unlocked cars with packages on the backseat. If they see the doors are locked and nothing valuable is left in plain sight, they move on to easier pickings. So using strong passwords (not your dog's name) is a great start. Keeping your computers and security software current, and avoid being "click-happy" on unsolicited links, popups, attachments and downloads is also critical. Other steps you can take is to encrypt the data on your My Cloud. This can help protect your data too in case a badguy breaks into your home and steals the My Cloud. You can also limit the number of connected devices to your network in your router's admin menu. As far as speed, that is more an issue with the storage device, and size of the files, and your network gear. Being CAT-6 will not create a bottleneck, but it's like having a 6 lane highway (motorway) when 4 lanes are barely being used.
If you use your dog's name, forwards or backwards, you are asking for trouble. Bad guys know that trick. They know people use ! for i and 3 for e and $ for S. So they try them. If you really want to use something hard to hack, use a long "phrase". For example, Johnny jumped over the candlestick is harder to crack than FG%$erf^%$ because it is 34 characters long and not 10. If you want to use your dog's name, make the password/phrase, My d0g's n@me is F1d0!
