a interesting article - GoFuckYourself.com

tony286 · 06-04-2003, 05:33 AM

Broadband Internet Use Has Its Risks, Study Finds
By LAURIE J. FLYNN

esides speed, the most coveted feature of a broadband connection is that it is always on. But according to a study that is scheduled to be released today, those two advantages are exposing broadband customers to far greater risk than most of them realize.

The study, conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance, highlights the chasm between the assumptions of consumers about the security of their Internet connection and the reality. The result is a high risk of hacking, viruses and identity theft, according to Keith Nahigian, the spokesman for the alliance and a consultant to the Office of Homeland Security.

The study of 120 broadband users, conducted last month, showed, for example, that although nearly half the users had young children who use the computer, only 3 percent have parental controls to shield children from pornography.

More than 40 percent of the users lacked a firewall to protect their computers from intrusion from the outside, though 77 percent said they considered their systems protected from hackers and 86 percent said their systems were protected from online threats.

Despite the lack of controls, the vast majority of broadband users ? 86 percent ? kept sensitive information on their PC's, including medical information and financial data. Nearly four-fifths used the Internet to conduct financial or medical transactions.

"The disconnect means we have to do more to educate people," Mr. Nahigian said.

The survey also showed that while most users said they used antivirus software, most of them did not regularly update the programs, leaving them exposed to hundreds of new viruses every month.

Dial-up Internet users are exposed to similar risks but to a far lesser extent, if only because they are connected for shorter periods of time. "When you have your connection open all day and all night, it's easier for hackers to get in," Mr. Nahigian said. Because of the fast connection, broadband users tend to do far more file-sharing than dial-up users, further exposing them to hacking and viruses.

tony286 · 06-04-2003, 05:34 AM

I find the fact that only 3 percent have parental controls to shield children from pornography. Is fucking shameful.

funkmaster · 06-04-2003, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by tony404
I find the fact that only 3 percent have parental controls to shield children from pornography. Is fucking shameful.

... I have it installed on my system to protect me of myself !!!

06-04-2003, 05:33 AM	#1
tony286 lurker Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: atlanta Posts: 57,021	a interesting article Broadband Internet Use Has Its Risks, Study Finds By LAURIE J. FLYNN esides speed, the most coveted feature of a broadband connection is that it is always on. But according to a study that is scheduled to be released today, those two advantages are exposing broadband customers to far greater risk than most of them realize. The study, conducted by the National Cyber Security Alliance, highlights the chasm between the assumptions of consumers about the security of their Internet connection and the reality. The result is a high risk of hacking, viruses and identity theft, according to Keith Nahigian, the spokesman for the alliance and a consultant to the Office of Homeland Security. The study of 120 broadband users, conducted last month, showed, for example, that although nearly half the users had young children who use the computer, only 3 percent have parental controls to shield children from pornography. More than 40 percent of the users lacked a firewall to protect their computers from intrusion from the outside, though 77 percent said they considered their systems protected from hackers and 86 percent said their systems were protected from online threats. Despite the lack of controls, the vast majority of broadband users ? 86 percent ? kept sensitive information on their PC's, including medical information and financial data. Nearly four-fifths used the Internet to conduct financial or medical transactions. "The disconnect means we have to do more to educate people," Mr. Nahigian said. The survey also showed that while most users said they used antivirus software, most of them did not regularly update the programs, leaving them exposed to hundreds of new viruses every month. Dial-up Internet users are exposed to similar risks but to a far lesser extent, if only because they are connected for shorter periods of time. "When you have your connection open all day and all night, it's easier for hackers to get in," Mr. Nahigian said. Because of the fast connection, broadband users tend to do far more file-sharing than dial-up users, further exposing them to hacking and viruses.

06-04-2003, 05:34 AM	#2
tony286 lurker Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: atlanta Posts: 57,021	I find the fact that only 3 percent have parental controls to shield children from pornography. Is fucking shameful.