Frustrated Broadband User Gets Satisfaction

Unless protected, any computer connected to the Internet is open to attack. This is especially true for people who are connected via broadband (DSL or cable modem). Has your Internet service provider (ISP) told you about online security? If not, you are not alone.

(PRWEB) August 16, 2000 -- I ordered cable modem service earlier this year and expected my new ISP to give me information on personal firewalls for protection from hackers. It seems that my ISP was in denial. After doing the research myself, I requested that my ISP add security information to its member services pages. They thanked me and said that they might include a story about it in their first newsletter (which they still have not published).

To share this information with other broadband users, I created the Home PC Firewall Guide and posted it on my personal web space provided by my ISP. The editor of a broadband newsletter made the site his link of the week and 5,000 people stopped by for a visit. Apparently other broadband users were also frustrated because their ISPs were in denial too.

What can you do to protect your computer from hackers? At a minimum, you need to install anti-virus and personal firewall software. According to a recent survey, 87% of personal computer users know about anti-virus software, but only 20% know about personal firewalls. A firewall monitors incoming Internet traffic and locks out hackers so that they cannot get into your computer.

If you already have anti-virus software and just need a stand-alone personal firewall, ZoneAlarm is your best choice. For families, try the Norton Internet Security suite. It includes a personal firewall, anti-virus, and other security features and privacy in one package.

If you have two or more computers, use a hardware router with security features in addition to installing personal firewall software on each computer.

The Home PC Firewall Guide has links to Internet security articles, product reviews, online testing and software download sites including freeware. Unlike most security sites, the audience for the guide is home, telecommuter and SOHO (small office, home office) end users.