[Random-bits] Always on ISPs and Hacking

[James Love]

This is a note from Ed Chaban, regarding the security problems
faced by people who have always on cable internet connections.
   
Jamie

--------------------
>From echaban@home.com Sat Jan 22 20:34:38 2000
Date: Sat, 22 Jan 2000 13:26:12 -0800
From: Ed Chaban <echaban@home.com>
To: love@cptech.org
Subject: Internet Service Providers and Hacking

James,

I've been meaning to write to you on this issue for a while now.

I'm one of the growing number of people with a "always-on" internet
connection to my home.  In my case I use cable modem service from
@Home.  I'm growing increasingly concerned about security issues
surrounding having my personal computer attached to the internet
all day long.  I've installed some quasi "firewall" software on my
machine and have noticed that I'm attacked an average of twice a day by
hackers.

Given the growing popularity of high speed internet service where home
users are assigned permanet IP addresses, (this includes Cable Modem and
DSL connections)  I'm very disturbed by the fact that most of the
companies providing the service do not provide even the most rudementary
security protections found on most corporate networks.

Most home users are unaware that their personal data on their home
computers can be severely compromised when using DSL or Cable
modem connections.  As a computer professional of nearly 20 years, I'm
aware of the risks and have protected myself from these hackers.
Many consumers are now engaging in E-commerce, Electronic Banking and
are using Financial Software such as Quicken or Microsoft
Money.  If they are not adequately protected from hackers who are
routinely scanning the band of IP addresses set aside for Cable and DSL,
they could be the victims of many financial frauds from the theft of
their data.

I was wondering if your organization has been addressing this issue?  It
seems to me that internet service providers could do a better job
protecting their customers.  Right now, it seems like chaos.

Sincerely,

Ed Chaban