Hidden Dangers lurk for Broadband Users

According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, a coalition of dozens of online US companies and government agencies dedicated to online computer safety:
* 91% of broadband users have spyware on their home computers
* 67% of users do not have properly and securely configured firewalls
* 62% do not regularly update anti-virus software
* despite vulnerabilities, 86% keep sensitive information on the home computer.

The alliance found that 97% of broadband parents do not use parental controls. In addition, it reports, most consumers do not realise that they lack those protections or that their computers and personal information are at risk.

The study was conducted among a representative sample of 120 broadband users predominantly using DSL and cable connections. The study took place from May 14 to May 30 among broadband users in four regions - Columbus, Ohio; metropolitan Washington, D.C.; upstate New York; and Houston, Texas. Subjects were questioned on various aspects of online security to assess their understanding and awareness of the issue. The subjects' computers were then examined by technicians using commercially-available products to examine their firewall settings, anti-virus software, potential virus infections, parental control software, and spyware.

The overwhelming majority of broadband consumers interviewed lacked basic protections against the dangers of an always-on connection to the internet.

The study results highlighted a major perception gap on broadband security. All though most consumers believe they have taken adequate steps to protect their computer and are safe from internet-related threats, only 11% of the users studied had safe and securely configured systems.

Among the key findings were:

1) Consumers use their computers to store private and sensitive information:
* 86% say they keep sensitive health, financial, or personal information on their home computer.
* 79% say they use their home computer to conduct sensitive financial or medical transactions on the Internet.
* 48% have children under 18 in the household with access to the computer.

2) Consumers believe they have taken adequate steps to protect themselves:
* 86% say the feel their computer is very or somewhat protected from online threats.
* 78% say they feel their computer is very or somewhat protected from viruses and Trojan Horse programs.
* 77% say they feel their computer is very or somewhat protected from hackers.

3) Despite that false sense of security, consumers are not protected:
* Spyware - 91% of users have intrusion software (frequently referred to as "spyware" or "sneakware") on their home computers, much of it placed surreptitiously by music or file sharing programs. Despite heavy use of those programs, 94% of users do not know that spyware is often bundled with file sharing programs.
* Computer viruses - Although 76% have some kind of anti-virus software computer, only half of that group has updated their software in the past month. With 250 new viruses released each month, 62% of all broadband users are thus significantly vulnerable.
* Hackers and Stalkers - 41% of users lack any kind of firewall whatsoever, leaving their computer wide open to attack from the internet. Only 33% have a properly configured and secure firewall, meaning two out of every three broadband homes are not secure.

Because of its persistent connection and ability to transmit large amounts of data quickly, a broadband connection can present dangers that many consumers are not aware of, says the Alliance, and which can be exacerbated by risky behaviour such as using file sharing programs or downloading files from unknown senders. Dial-up internet users are exposed to similar risks but to a lesser extent.

'Since the Internet spans all borders, we rely on users to help us keep it safe. By constantly being aware of new threats, each of us can protect our own information and help prevent the spread of viruses and code harmful to the Internet,' commented Bob Liscouski, the Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection for the Department of Homeland Security.

The Alliance suggests a safe broadband household needs at least three elements:
* A properly configured and secure firewall, which prevents computers on a network from communicating directly with external computer systems and acting as a barrier through which all information passing between the networks and the external systems must travel;
* Automatically or regularly updated anti-virus software that scans a computer's memory and disk drives for viruses. If it finds a virus, the application informs the user and may clean, delete or quarantine any files, directories or disks affected by the malicious code;
* If children are present in the household, parental control software that allows parents to regulate what types of online content their children may access, who they communicate with, and how long they spend online.

While views may differ on whether it is desirable to 'control' children's exposure to online content and communication, this research presents evidence that people do not know what is happening to their computers and that can never be a good thing.

The Alliance has created a "Cyber Security Day". The next will take place on October 26th 2003. They urge you to 'set some time aside to update your anti-virus software and scan your computer for viruses'. Don't wait... below is a link to their self test cyber security quiz.

Associated Link: The National Cyber Security Alliance Cyber Security Test

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