Broadband is a marvellous technology, but it can also pose a security threat if you don't take some care in setting up your systems. The main issue comes from one of broadband's biggest benefits: an always-on connection. This gives would-be intruders more of an opportunity to get in, and offers trojans (viruses that get into your computer then open its virtual doors wide for hackers or other viruses) more opportunities to do their work.
The practical answer to the broadband security issue is to make absolutely sure your anti-virus software is up to date, and that your computer is firewalled at all times.
Anti-virus software comes in numerous flavours. Essentially it detects and cleans or quarantines viruses on a system, whether networked or standalone. "Remember to update your anti-virus software to increase protection," advises Alastair Williams, enterprise product manager for Symantec. "Some programs will do this automatically by downloading the latest definitions whenever you are online."
And if you are online the whole time, you will be up to date the whole time - so if someone works on and produces some virus code tomorrow at 9.00am, you will be protected as soon as there is a fix at your anti-virus company, which might be only a matter of hours later.
Firewalls, meanwhile, work as filters. They insulate your computer from hackers so that they can't see you. A common error, however, is to install a firewall and forget about it. This can be a costly mistake, as they will invariably need some sort of commissioning and configuration. As Steve Kennedy, head of technology futures at internet service provider Thus, says: "Access to a firewall does not make you automatically secure. If you do not lock your safe, anyone can look inside." Learning how to handle that lock shouldn't be difficult, but it will be essential.
These are not the only issues to consider. Kennedy also points out that many computers are configured to run as open mail relays, which means no checks are made on incoming mail before it goes out again. This is how junk emailers work, and several ISPs will block them. So if any of your staff work from home and will be using broadband, you could have a problem.
Microsoft file sharing should be turned off, he adds, because if it isn't, anyone with a net connection can share your files. "Even simple things like LAN print servers may be vulnerable," says Kennedy. "Ensure they have password protection and preferably are not accessible from outside the network."
An attack from a phantom printer may not sound too severe, but just wait until it has blocked up your system with War and Peace on a reel and you need to print invoices.
Mind you, you should never forget that the vast majority of breaches of security are connected to managerial rather than technological issues. "The simple matter of a teleworker leaving a company and the details of removing his or her access rights is a good case in point," says Etienne Greeff, professional services director at consultancy MIS Corporate Defence Solutions. The kids playing with the company laptop is another issue, and let's not even mention what happens to the information if a computer is stolen. The answer is simply to have a solid security policy in place that is understood and bought into by all staff.
Another issue related to security is reliability. It is a good idea to try to get a service level agreement (SLA) so that if something goes wrong, there is a chance of apportioning responsibility and getting compensated. Installations of any size that are security conscious can be hard to pin down, though.
"Traditionally, you will have one provider for internet access and another giving you firewall protection," says Greeff. "You need both of these entities working together to enforce an SLA, which is extremely challenging."
Just think of how much fun it is trying to get your local gas and electricity boards to coordinate something, even if they are the same company, magnify the frustration by a few hundred times and you get the idea.
None of this should put anyone off using broadband technology to grow their business. It's good stuff and having it on the whole time makes life a lot easier. Add a wireless network with a laptop computer into the mix and you have a genuinely portable internet appliance in your hands. It is largely a matter of remembering to apply the same security precautions to it that you would in an office setting, and ensuring that staff understand the need for this even if equipment is in their own home.
No such thing as a freebie without a catch
Hang on a minute, you might say, if you want a firewall for your system and you are a sole trader or very small network of people, there is freeware available from zonelabs.com, and there is even a firewall in Windows XP. So why worry about paying extra? The reasons are simple:
· The firewall in Windows is basic and has two settings: on or off. If you want to do much configuring, you will have to spend some money.
· Likewise the free firewall at ZoneLabs. The unpaid-for version is a good firewall, but it won't trace any attempts to get into your system, it won't stop ads or pop-up windows, and any code such Java or ActiveX that tries to run will continue unchecked. If that's OK, go for it!
