Be Aware

Besides being much faster, the big difference between using an always on Broadband connection and an ISP is the Internet Protocol (IP) address. With a Broadband connection, your address, which is a number that identifies you in a network, is often always the same, and never gets turned off. This is different than connecting to the Internet using a dial-up connection, who assigns your computer a different IP address each time you log on. IP addresses are necessary because when you request data from a Web site, it needs to know where to send it.

Because your broadband connection is always live, it makes you and your computer an accessible target because hackers can work on cracking your machine over the course of several days or weeks, and can return whenever they want to launch new attacks. And, even if you do have an internet connection that changes your IP address, hackers can set up "notification" devices on a computer to find them again even after the IP address has changed. Therefore, broadband users need to employ common sense and basic security precautions to protect their computers, software and personal privacy. Our suggestions will show you how.

Broadband Hackers: What Can They Do?

Scan for your static IP address. Using simple tracking programs, hackers can search the Internet and identify static IP addresses. Once they have that address, they can try as many times as it takes to crack your system. Once in, there is almost nothing that a hacker can't do. For instance, they can:

• Steal your account information and share it with others so that multiple users can use your bandwidth by logging onto your account. You might not even know that unauthorized users are logged on until you wonder why your connection is slow. In the meantime, hackers are enjoying a free ride, and can even commit cyber-crimes using your identity as an alias.
  

• Steal or destroy your computer files by using mobile code to get to your hard drive. An online thief could be looking for credit card numbers, bank accounts or passwords for subscription Web sites. Sophisticated hackers may even plant a Trojan horse on your computer, which will allow them to easily sneak back into your computer, at will.
  

• Crack your passwords in minutes, using a variety of readily available software programs.
  

• Locate Windows files and printer shares. Computer vandals leave scanners running night and day, collecting IP addresses, which allow them to gain access to those computer's files. If your Internet-connected computer is not networked to any other machines, there's absolutely no need to have file and printer sharing activated.

• Attach viruses to e-mail messages or infect your computer through interactive Web applications, including Java applets and ActiveX code. Malicious programs are intended to destroy data on your computer or crash targeted software applications.

What You Can Do?

The best defense against hackers is the use of firewall software such as Norton Personal Firewall or ZoneAlarm Pro. Firewalls basically place a shield between your computer and the rest of the Internet to make your computer virtually invisible to hackers. Even though your Broadband connection is still always on, hackers looking for open IP addresses will not see yours, thereby dramatically decreasing the chances that a hacker will attack your computer.

Other ways to protect your computer from Internet Threats:

• Choose your passwords wisely. Choose an alphanumeric password that is at least seven characters long and uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and non-alphanumeric symbols such as (!@#$%^&).
  

• Beware of confrontational or hostile-toned Web sites, and configure your browser or firewall to require your approval before sending cookies. Do not allow your browser to download unsigned ActiveX controls, Java Applets or executable programs from such sites until you determine the source trusworthy.
  

• Disable file and printer sharing on your computer, since they allow users to gain full access to files on a computer's hard drive, as well as to printers attached to the computer.
  

• Install URL and e-mail filtering software that can prohibit users from visiting certain URLs on the Internet or stop email with certain words or phrases from getting into your email box.
  
• Install top-rated anti-virus software, such as Norton AntiVirus. Anti-Virus programs automatically scan files received via e-mail, the Internet or other vehicles such as infected disks, to stop viruses before they infect your computer. It is also a good idea to update your anti-virus software often so that your virus definitions are always the most recent available. Norton Internet Security, Symantec's security suite includes both firewall and anti-virus protection, as well as other devices to stop security threats.

While you may be shocked to find how many troublemakers on the Internet are taking the time to probe your computer for potential vulnerabilities, it should not stop you from using the Internet. As long as you are smart about it and take the proper precautions, the benefits of Broadband will far outweigh its threats. Happy surfing