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So you finally got a high-speed connection; Prepare for attack

By Riley Gay

Your computer is under attack.

You’ve heard the warnings about opening email attachments. You’ve seen the news reports about viruses running rampant over the Internet. You’ve done everything you can to keep from becoming a victim, and you’re reasonably sure you’ve been successful in defending your precious data.

But if, like many others, you’ve recently upgraded to a high-speed Internet connection, such as Cox@Home (www.cox.com/coxathome/), Qwest DSL (www.qwest.com/jump/dsl/) or Sprint Broadband Direct (www.sprintbroadband.com/), you may be under attack and not even know it.

Unlike your old dialup connection, high-speed broadband services are always on, meaning that, potentially, they’re always vulnerable to attack from anyone with a little knowledge and the right tools.

Without an effective security system, any hacker intent on getting into your computer can not only get hold of sensitive or highly personal data stored on your hard drive, but can conceivably wreak havoc of other sorts, such as destroying your data or inserting codes on your hard drive to launch attacks on others.

Sadly, though, a recent survey of residential broadband users showed that as many as half are completely unprotected from online intrusions.

So what can you do to protect yourself and your data from this kind of malicious assault?

A good first step is to install a personal firewall to guard against attempted intrusions.

A firewall application will seal vulnerable entry points to keep hackers out, and the software can range anywhere from moderately priced to free.

ZoneAlarm is one of the free programs, available from Zone Labs (www.zonealarm.com). Without spending a dime, you can make your computer virtually invisible to online marauders.

Or, if you choose, you can upgrade to ZoneAlarm Pro for $39. The Pro version adds email protection, along with some additional features.

Another first-rate firewall application is Black Ice Defender. Available from Network ICE (www.networkice.com/products/blackice_defender.html) for $39, Black Ice will not only block attacks but display detailed information about any attempt.

If you’re looking for a more complete online security and privacy suite, check out Norton Internet Security from Symantec (www.symantec.com).

Available for about $69, it will defend against hackers while, at the same time, acting to eliminate dangerous viruses and keep your personal information private.

Along with a personal firewall and a good anti-virus program, there are a couple of other things that you can do to protect your online territory.

Unless you’re operating two or more computers on a home network, disabling “File and Print Sharing” will help to protect against attack.

In addition, check your network properties to see if NetBEUI is installed on your system. If it is, uninstalling it on the network card that connects you to the Internet will make it harder for hackers to gain access to your files.

Your service provider can help you to make these changes to your system. If you do have a home network set up, consider password protecting any shared drives or folders to prevent unwanted access.

Kyrene Corridor residents thinking about getting a broadband account might first want to check around to see what each provider offers in the way of online security, before making a decision.

Most furnish some minimal protection from hackers, but as of now only Sprint Broadband Direct has a deal which bundles Norton security products with new accounts.

Sprint’s “Back to School” special is available only through the month of August on new signups, though, so you’ll have to move fast to take advantage of the deal.

Someday, hopefully, broadband service providers will all include firewall software as part of their services but, in the meantime, Microsoft is taking the lead and integrating firewall protection in its soon-to-be-released Windows XP operating system.

If you’re considering an upgrade to the new OS, you may just want to hold off on buying a third-party product for now and saving the money to use toward your XP purchase.

Just as you lock your doors to protect your home and possessions from prowlers, you need also to take steps to guard your precious data from unwanted intruders.

Having a good security system in place will help to keep your personal computer safe and secure.

Neighbor Riley Gay is Wrangler’s director of technology services.

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