Warning: If your broadband Internet service uses a DSL or cable modem, your Internet connection is wide open to any kind of hacker attack. Broadband modems are simple internetworking devices that simply connect your network to the Internet without any security protection.

Your Internet service is more than just a data communications link—it’s a vital connection to customers, employees, and business services. A wide range of business practices are directly impacted by your company’s effective use of the Internet. With the growing availability of affordable broadband services such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and cable, your Internet access becomes even more essential to your business. And record numbers of small businesses recognize the advantages of broadband and are switching over to these high-speed Internet connections. According to International Data Corporation (IDC), there are currently 700,000 small businesses (defined as 100 employees or smaller) in the United States with a broadband Internet connection.

While high-speed, always on Internet connections offer businesses significant advantages, they also raise new network security concerns. As small businesses shift from dial-up to always-on broadband Internet connections, their networks become more vulnerable to Internet hackers. These Internet security attacks can wreak havoc on your business. A single attack can be devastating with all your valuable data wiped out, confidential information stolen or corrupted, your entire network made inoperable, or access to sites vital to your business operations shut down.

What are the Security Threats? Security is the soft white underbelly of broadband Internet service and the threats are real. How pervasive are security threats on the Internet?

• The 2000 Computer Crime and Security Survey published by the FBI and Computer Security Institute found that 71% of all companies reported being attacked by independent external hackers in the last 12 months.

• A Gartner Group survey shows more than over 50% of small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) using the Internet will be hit by hackers.

• According to IDC, the average new DSL connection experiences three attempted “hacks” in the first 48 hours.

Security threats come in a variety of forms, but the end result is the same: a serious disruption to your business. Compounding the security weaknesses of the Internet is the widespread availability of “hacker-helper” programs on the Internet. Today, talented hackers are writing extremely powerful hacking tools and making them available for download on the Internet. No longer must the attacker be an expert or understand the nuances of the target’s vulnerabilities, all they need to do is point the tool at the target and hit the “Attack” button.

A complete security solution protects your business from unauthorized access to network, Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, viruses, inappropriate content, as well as private data communications over the Internet via a VPN. Contact DuPage Technology Group today for a complete security solution.