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Webster™
Internet Banking
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High
Speed Internet Access (Cable/DSL)
Internet
access via Digital Subscriber Line(DSL) or Cable Modem
connections provides high speed, 24 / 7 access the Internet.
However, these "always-on" connections may also increase security
risks to your PC. But there is a way to protect your PC - read on.
A
Bit of Background for understanding:
High-speed connections assign users an "IP address" when
you start your computer. That IP address is specific to your
computer connection as long as your computer is turned on. If
you reboot, you may be assigned a new IP address automatically by
the server, or, you may receive the same address that you had previously.
In any case, you can think of this address as if it was your own
home address....a place where you can be located. In the unlikely
event that a hacker decides to target you specifically, this address
makes it easier to track you down. (especially if you leave your
connection to the internet on for days in a row).
An IP address will simply identify a computer - but will not provide
a way to get inside. To get in, the hacker must find an open
port, or connection point. The software programs that you have
on your PC create their own ports to allow specific networking functions.
Once hackers have homed-in on a specific IP address, the hacker
can scan the computer for open ports.
Hackers may also try to trick users into opening ports on
their computers by sending emails with files containing Trojan horse
viruses. Specific types of attachments or a downloads can contain
these unseen viruses. When you open the attachment or download,
the virus attaches itself to your computer and opens ports for hackers.
The good news is that you can do a great deal to prevent these
"hacker attacks" by taking preventative measures.
So
how do you Protect Yourself at "High Speed"?
(Virus Utilities and a Personal Firewall)
High
speed service providers provide in-line and network security
features as a part of the high speed connection service.
These already go a long way to protect your on-line
security.
The best ways to protect yourself against viruses is to obtain and
install a good antivirus software program...and keep the updates
current! Norton Utilities
and McAfee are two of
the most popular antivirus programs available. Once you've purchased
and installed these programs - be sure to monitor their sites for
free updates! Both of these also provide email scanning features
that allow you to pre-scan your email and attachments for possible
viruses, and then eliminate them before they can do any possible
harm.
Download system and security patches when available and directly
related to operating system security. These are freely available
and one of the best ways to protect your system.
Another important
aspect of protection for high speed subscribers to consider
is a Personal Firewall. This software will keep potential
intruders out by monitoring incoming and outgoing Internet traffic
and deflecting it. The software detects scans made to specific
ports on your computer and acts to mask or shut off access to
any of these ports that could be accessed by the hacker. These
attacks are deflected by the firewall and reported to the user via
the firewall program. Some firewall programs even list information
about the user and the origin of the scan.
Personal Firewall software is relatively inexpensive (under $50
in most cases with some being free). Some of them include:
BlackICE Defender®,
ZoneAlarm®, Norton
Internet Security®, McAfee
Personal Firewall®, WinGate®.
BlackICE Defender and ZoneAlarm are by far the most popular of these
with BlackICE being in the lead. Check out these websites for additional
information on Personal Firewalls.
Additional
IMPORTANT Precautions to Take:
Set up your e-mail options so that your email program doesn't automatically
open attachments and NEVER!! open attachments that
you do not recognize or that come from someone or someplace
that you don't know.
If you are not using your computers on a network, whether at home
or at the office, disable the File and Printer Sharing option.
This option gives other computers on your network access to a machine
running any version of Windows. Check Window's "Help" for instructions
on how to remove it if you don't need it.
Summary
With many people switching from dial-up service to high speed connections,
protecting your PC is just as important. The good news is that
by configuring your system properly, using antivirus software coupled
with a personal firewall, you can protect yourself and enjoy highspeed
internet.
If you have additional general questions regarding Personal Firewalls
that we could help you answer, contact our webmaster.
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