DSL Security Considerations

With a tradition modem, the address of you computer changes everytime you connect. DSL is always connected and it is a static fixed address. This can make your computer very prone to hackers who scan IP addresses for vulnerable machines. Windows 95/98 will very willingly allow your computer to be a net server. You can do things within Windows to limit this, but the most ironclad solution is to install personal FIREWALL software, which makes you computer completely invisible to the internet looking in. In other words, like there is not even a computer there.

There is an excellent one available free for personal use (and inexpensive for business) called Zone Alarm. It is highly configurable, and extremely effective. I have tested it on a site that tries every way possible way to break in, and have even seen a national TV Computer Show host that uses it, actually give out his IP address and say "Just try all you hackers". To date none have succeeded.

It is available from Zone Labs at http://www.zonelabs.com/

After you have it installed it go to the Shields Up! test site at http://grc.com/ and see just how effective it is.

Actually, this is also a good idea for even dial up modem users who spend long continuous periods of time online.

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