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HOME SECURITY IN A BROADBAND WORLD
Broadband Internet access, whether by digital subscriber line or cable, is readily available and relatively inexpensive, and it offers connection speeds at least 10 times faster than a typical dial-up modem.

What many newcomers to broadband access might not realize, though, is that these high-speed "always-on" connections can leave your system open to intrusion by hackers using specialized software to rattle the doorknobs of computers across the Internet in search of unlocked doors.

Why are broadband connections more vulnerable than dial-up modem connections? There are two reasons.

First, most broadband connections are persistent, meaning that any time your computer is turned on, you are connected to the Internet. With a dial-up connection, it’s far more likely that you connect to your Internet service provider only for limited amounts of time and then close the connection when you are done. While a persistent connection is a great convenience, it also leaves your computer more vulnerable to intrusion.

Second, computers with broadband connections also are more likely to have a static Internet protocol, or IP, address. Every computer connected to the Inter-net is assigned a numerical IP address to identify it to other computers. While dial-up connections usually are assigned a different IP address with each Inter-net connection, most computers with broadband connections are assigned a static address that doesn’t change. This makes it much easier for a hacker to probe a computer for security holes.

How common are attacks on computers with broadband Internet connections? Although the frequency of such attacks is hard to quantify, a report last summer in PC World magazine said several unauthorized scans for security weaknesses each day is not uncommon.

If you have a broadband Internet connection in your home or office, it’s worth the effort to take a few precautions.

Turn your computer off when you are not using it. This is one of the simplest preventive measures you can take, and it’s quite effective. If your computer is off for 10 or 12 hours a day, it’s a far less attractive target for hackers.

Double-check the file-sharing settings on your computer. If you are connected to the Internet by broadband, it’s wise to turn file sharing off completely if you are not sharing data with other computers. If you need to share data, it’s a good idea to isolate it in a password-protected folder set aside just for sharing files.

Install a software or hardware fire wall. If you share a lot of data with many users on both private networks and the Internet, consider employing more extensive security options. Antihacking software, such as the popular BlackICE Defender (Network ICE), can provide a good deal of protection at relatively little expense. For more robust protection, a personal hardware fire wall, costing about $400, can filter all data coming into or going out of your system.

To check the security of your system before or after implementing these measures, visit the Shields UP! Web site at "www.grc.com". This site will scan your system for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers and offer suggestions on how to keep your digital doors locked tight.

Joe Hoyle, electronic media editor, ADA Publishing, a division of ADA Business Enterprises Inc., "hoylej{at}ada.org".

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