DSL question re security....

[James]

We finally upgraded to DSL. My understanding is, that even if the
browser has not been activated, we're still "connected" so to speak. We
have a router/modem as well as individual software firewalls (my wife
and I are networked). So, I'm wondering.... if I go upstairs for half an
hour, do I need to disconnect from the internet to be "safe" from
hacking since there will be no browser activity OR would that not afford
me any more security since even with the browser disconnected, I would
still be "connected" by virtue of the DSL and my computer being "on"?

 

[Alias]

We finally upgraded to DSL. My understanding is, that even if the browser
has not been activated, we're still "connected" so to speak. We have a
router/modem as well as individual software firewalls (my wife and I are
networked). So, I'm wondering.... if I go upstairs for half an hour, do I
need to disconnect from the internet to be "safe" from hacking since there
will be no browser activity OR would that not afford me any more security
since even with the browser disconnected, I would still be "connected" by
virtue of the DSL and my computer being "on"?

You can go away for the weekend with your computer on, three browsers open,
OE checking for email on both your computers and the DSL on and have no
worries. With a combo of a software firewall and router like you have,
you're protected. I have cable and leave my computer on all night. Very
rarely do I turn the machine off.

Alias

 

[Phil]

If you have firewalls up and running and anti-virus up and running there's
really no reason to disconnect from your broadband connection if you leave
the computer on. I leave mine on 24/7/365. You can close your browser if you
want. (note: closing the browser only closes the browser it doesn't
disconnect you from the internet).

 

[Darrell S]

I'm not familiar with DSL since I use a cable connection to the internet.
But my cable modem is external and is powered from my surge protector power
strip which also powers my computer and monitor. If I want to leave my
computer on for an extended time without a need for the internet I simply
turn off the toggle switch powering my external modem. If I later need an
internet connection I simply toggle the power switch back on. It takes
about a minute for it to reestablish the internet connection logic. If your
DSL modem is external and either requires a power source or has its own
power switch you might try something similar.

 

[Ken Blake]

In

We finally upgraded to DSL. My understanding is, that even if
the
browser has not been activated, we're still "connected" so to
speak.
We have a router/modem as well as individual software firewalls
(my
wife and I are networked). So, I'm wondering.... if I go
upstairs for
half an hour, do I need to disconnect from the internet to be
"safe"
from hacking since there will be no browser activity OR would
that
not afford me any more security since even with the browser
disconnected, I would still be "connected" by virtue of the DSL
and
my computer being "on"?

1. Bear in mind that worms like Blaster and Sasser infected those
who were connected without protection, whether or not a browser
was runnnig.

2. If you worry about half an hour while you're upstairs, you
should worry even more about the time while you're downstairs
using the computer. Since the risk while using it is probably
greater than when you're upstairs, *that* is when you should
disconnect if you really want safety (that's tongue-in-cheek; I
don't mean it literally).

3. But no, you don't need to disconnect. What you need to do is
protect yourself with firewalls, anti-virus software, and staying
up-to-date with Microsoft critical updates. Since you've
apparently done that, you should be safe.

4. Over and above all that, you should realize that there's no
such thing perfect protection, short of disconnection. But again,
if you protect yourself with firewalls, anti-virus software, and
staying up-to-date with Microsoft critical updates, you reduce
that risk to an acceptable minimum, and you don't have to be
paranoid.

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

Its safe to leave it on and connected. I have been using DSL for over 5
years now, I leave my computer on 24/7. All you need is software firewall,
AV, probably some anti-spyware programs. Since you are also connected via
Router/Modem, it should have a hardware firewall as well. As long as you
have your firewalls properly set and everything else updated, your safe as
you can be.

Jeff