Quantcast
Subscribe to magazine

Unsafe at High Speed: Security on Your Broadband Connection

Broadband connections are dynamite, but they also create major security holes. Here's how to keep hackers at bay.

  • 0 Yes
  • 0 No

High-speed Internet access via digital subscriber line or cable modem connections might be the greatest tech innovation since the Backspace key. But there's a catch: Those persistent, "always-on" connections expose your PC to all sorts of security risks. If your PC is not configured properly, your files can be stolen or destroyed, and your private communications intercepted.

I know, because it happened to me: A few weeks after I had DSL hooked up at home, I began testing some antihacking software on my PC. Within a few days of loading the software, I was horrified to discover that several times a week my PC was being scanned, probed, or otherwise prodded for weaknesses in its security settings.

The good news is that you can prevent malicious hack attacks by taking a few simple steps. Sure, it'll take some time--but think of it as checking the locks on your front door and repairing those that need attention. Your files' safety is worth the minor hassle.

  • Recommend this story?
  • 0 Yes
    0 No

With HP wireless printers, you could have printed this from any room in the house. Live wirelessly. Print wirelessly.

Related Security Articles

More Related Security Articles
  • HP LaserJet Printers Satisfy your needs by combining fax, copy and scan capabilities with high-quality laser printing. Visit the Resource Center for more info...
  • Lenovo Laptop Showcase Find out how Lenovo IdeaPads and Thinkpads balance performance and portability. Visit the Lenovo Resource Center for more info...
  • CDW Security Center Is your data protected? Visit the CDW Security Center Learn where you may be vulnerable and how to address those risks.

PC World's Marketplace

PC World's Free Whitepapers

Name City
Address 1 State Zip
Address 2 E-mail (optional)