Information about Security on your Broadband Connection
Broadband ADSL internet is 'always connected'. Unlike your old dialup
connection, you don't have to dialup to the internet to connect. Switch
on your computer (or router) and you have internet straight away.
This causes some security concerns. Because you are connected to the
internet for long periods of time, there's a greater risk that your computer
could be targeted by hackers, viruses, Spyware or internet worms. Here
are some simple suggestions for protecting your computer whilst connected
to high speed internet.
1 - Install a Firewall
We strongly suggest using a personal firewall on your home computer,
such as the inbuilt Windows XP Firewall (service pack 2), or Zone Alarm
(free version available for download from www.zonealarm.com). For business
use, Quicksilver's 'Managed Firewall' service is suitable for businesses
of up to 10 PC's, and is monitored 24/7 for attacks.
2 - Install Antivirus Software, and update daily
You should also ensure that you have good antivirus protection on your
computer. Quicksilver scans your incoming Quicksilver email for viruses,
but email is only one way that a virus may infect your computer, so
it is imperative that you run an antivirus program, and make sure it
is updating daily with the latest virus definitions. There are a selection
of good programs available to purchase from good PC retailers, or a
good free antivirus program is Avast, available for free download from
www.avast.com
3 - Visit Windows
Update regularly (Windows Users)
If you have a Microsoft Windows PC, it is important to ensure your computer
is getting the latest updates from Microsoft, which will include the
latest security patches and updates. If you are using Windows XP (service
pack 2), then you can go to START > CONTROL PANEL > SECURITY CENTER
and turn on automatic updates.
4 - Install Spyware detection software
Spyware is software that installs itself without your permission or
knowledge. It can be harmless, mildy annoying, or can at worst run up
large 0900 toll bills. Spyware can install itself when you click on
a popup ad in a website, or when you download and install free software.
Programmes like Microsoft's free Anti-Spyware will scan your computer
for known Spyware programs and clean these up. This program is free
to download from www.microsoft.com
Security and wireless Broadband modems
Broadband modems or routers which have built-in Wifi (wireless access)
pose a higher security risk. Many users simply accept the default hardwaresettings,
and this can leave your Broadband connection, and your entire computer,
open to anyone within range of your Wireless connection.
It is extremely important to consider securing your Wireless to ensure
nobody can walk by with a laptop or wireless device (it happens!) and
access your systems.
We recommend the following 3 steps. You may wish to have a professional
IT technician set up your wireless LAN for you if you are unsure.
1 - Always enable WEP encryption. Whilst not perfect, it offers more
protection than leaving your connection unsecured.
2 - Turn off SSID broadcast, and rename your wireless SSID to something
unusual (ie. Not “Default”)
3 - Turn on MAC Address filtering, so that only your specified devices
can connect.
Whilst these measures will not keep out the most determined hacker, they
will offer the home user a good level of protection by making it more
difficult.
|
