Once your homelab is running, you will probably want to reach it while away from home: to grab a file, check a camera, or stream your media. How you do that matters a lot for security.
Avoid opening ports on your router
Many online guides say to "forward a port," which means telling your router to let traffic from the internet straight through to a device at home. That makes your service reachable by anyone on the internet, including automated programs that constantly scan for weak or out-of-date services. For a beginner, it is the riskiest way to do this.
Use a VPN instead
A VPN (virtual private network) creates a private, encrypted tunnel between your phone or laptop and your home network. Only devices you have set up can use the tunnel. Once connected, it is as if you were at home.
- WireGuard is a modern, fast VPN you can run on your own homelab or on some routers.
- Tailscale is built on WireGuard and handles much of the setup for you, which many beginners find easier.
- Some routers have a VPN server feature built in.
Getting started
- Pick one approach and set it up on one homelab device and one phone.
- Test it away from home, for example on mobile data with Wi-Fi turned off.
- Add other devices only once the first one works.
- Keep notes on how you set it up and how to remove a device's access.
Keep things updated
Even behind a VPN, keep your homelab, its apps and your router updated. Updates fix security problems that have been found. Turn on automatic updates where it is sensible, and set a regular reminder to check the rest.
Other good habits
- Use strong, unique passwords and two-step verification on anything that offers it.
- Remove VPN access for lost devices or people who no longer need it.
- Keep your backups separate, so a problem on one device cannot erase them.
Want to set this up with someone who runs a homelab of his own? Homelab coaching.