DSL and Cable Modems are a fantastic Internet connection device. They offer a high speed constant connection to the Internet at a flat monthly rate. When you add the cost of your phone line, your usage per minute, and your ISP fee, you could be spending several hundreds of dollars each month. With DSL service, you can replace all of these costs with one simple bill for a high speed connection. You get a better service for a better rate. There are even advanced benefits like the ability to link remote offices together through these high-speed lines (called Virtual Private Networks). Altogether, it is a win-win situation!
Despite the benefits, there is a danger to your company if you sign up for this service. Most DSL and cable providers implement NO SECURITY when they setup their service. This means that your personal PC or your company network is on the Internet with no protection or security whatsoever. Depending on your network configuration, hackers could have complete and full access to everything on your PC or company network. They can steal files from your PC, damage your files and data, send viruses to your PC, or watch the work that you are doing on your computer.
In order to protect yourself, you must use a firewall. This will either be built into the DSL/Cable equipment or it will be a separate piece of hardware that you must purchase. Even if your equipment has a firewall built in, no DSL/Cable installation company will enable it. They will leave you completely vulnerable. Setting up your firewall is sometimes difficult. This should be left to a competent consulting firm. (Advertisement: Excalibur can do this!)
If your DSL/Cable router does not have firewall protection, you can purchase a separate piece of equipment to handle this need. Prices start at about $400 for basic protection. Always go with hardware protection - not software. Hardware protection is a physical piece of equipment that plugs in-between the Internet connection and your PC or network. It allows you to go out to the web, and prevents attackers from coming into your systems. It is well worth the money. If you are hacked, people can steal from you and damage your business for months before you suspect anything is wrong.
Every business should definitely consider installing a high speed network connection. The Internet is becoming an instrumental part of business no matter what your business may be. However, security is an important consideration and must be dealt with immediately. A few hours of proper setup could save your company from disaster.
As always, please call our office with any questions or concerns.
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