iWay-Safety.com: Broadband Network Access & Security News & Views

5 Steps to Home Wireless Security

Mon, 30 Jan 2006 18:29:09 GMT

Connected Home Media: Steps you should take to secure a home wireless router. [Simply: change all default settings; enable encryption; reduce or eliminate the opportunity for "alien" devices to get on your network.]

The long and short of broadband speeds

Sat, 06 Aug 2005 03:42:52 GMT

The speeds and prices for [provider-designated] low-end services are followed by charts for midlevel services and high-end services .

Buffalo's new WRB-G54K wireless router and repeater kit

Tue, 28 Jun 2005 00:42:43 GMT

Buffalo's kit is great for large homes or offices that need a wireless network with room to grow and range to spare.

Best ISP Is...

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 21:23:47 GMT

PC World has just released a survey they took of more than 6,000 Internet users, in order to determine who the best ISP was. The winner, overall, was Earthlink’s cable service. The top three ISPs for overall service were all cable companies. Nobody did particularly well in the “spam blocking” category.

Security cameras aren't just for big corporations any longer!

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 20:56:49 GMT

IP Camera + Pocket PC = Security! [?? How about security tool instead!] Thanks to the dropping cost of camera technology and the proliferation of broadband connections and home LANs, affordable solutions are now available for the average consumer. [The article looks at a specific technology combination - D-Link DCS-900W IP camera and a Pocket PC equipped with a program called ViewCommander-Mobile - but contains good info on (wireless) ip cameras and setting the whole thing up.]

Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard

Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:41:31 GMT

The Actiontec Internet Phone Wizard works in combination with Skype's excellent VoIP software, letting you make free Internet telephone calls to other Skype users through an analog phone--and it allows you to place regular landline calls, too. The Internet Phone Wizard is slightly larger than a standard deck of cards. The back edge includes a USB 2.0 port for connecting the device to your computer, plus two RJ-11 jacks for plugging it into your analog phone and, if you also want to use that phone for plain old telephone calls, the phone jack in your wall. The Internet Phone Wizard also offers several features that make using it a pleasure. Although its $79 price is a bit high, CNET recommends the Internet Phone Wizard to anyone with broadband connection who wants to use Skype using a headset.

Microsoft offers WPA2 Wi-Fi security

Sat, 14 May 2005 23:16:49 GMT

Microsoft has added a key wireless LAN security specification to Windows XP. The specification, called Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 or WPA2, requires a Wi-Fi client to include the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. WPA2 is an implementation of IEEE 802.11i, the wireless LAN security standard. The new, free software from Microsoft supports all features of WPA2, according to a Microsoft program manager.

Microsoft To Offer PC Health Service Called OneCare

Sat, 14 May 2005 02:21:46 GMT

Microsoft is launching a PC "health service" that promises to deliver automated protection, maintenance and machine tune-ups in a single package. Windows OneCare initially is being distributed to company employees as part of a testing and development process before public beta availability later this year. The subscription service will be continually updated in an effort to address safety issues such as worms, viruses and spyware.

Micorosoft also is focused on broader PC health issues, including: the protection of digital photos, music, financial data and software, as well as system performance. Windows OneCare will provide updated antivirus, antispyware and two-way firewall protection. The package offers periodic disk cleanup, hard-drive defragmentation and file repair. Automated file backup also is offered, along with the option to back up all files on the system or only those that have changed since the last time the action was performed.

Streamload makes it easy to safeguard important stuff and pass along giant-sized files

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 01:13:35 GMT

Check out Streamload. It's an online storage service that [allows you to access, and even stream, your favorite music and videos to any Web-connected PC in the world? Or how about sharing your fancy, high-resolution photos with the folks back home through a simple URL in an e-mail ], plus you can use it for free if you accept some restrictions. If you're willing to shell out a few bucks per month it gets even better, because the service doesn't charge you for predetermined storage limits (as Xdrive does) or even by the amount of storage you actually use (like Data Deposit Box). Instead, Streamload charges for the amount of data you and your friends subsequently download from your account.

VoIP's troubling flaw

Sat, 05 Mar 2005 02:42:45 GMT

Lack of simple 911 access can have dire results.

LogMeIn and GoToMyPC make remote access easier

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 16:46:45 GMT

Two new services, GoToMyPC and LogMeIn, promise simple and secure access to your computer from just about anywhere -- provided, of course, that you leave it on, and online. All traffic between computers is encrypted from end to end. Because the services use standard Web communications techniques, they work through most, though not all, corporate firewalls without intervention from information-technology departments. You may, however, run into trouble if you are trying to get into your PC from a public computer, such as those in libraries or hotel business centers. These may not permit you to download the application you need to establish remote connections.

Although the computer being accessed must run Windows, you can use GoToMyPC from any browser that supports Java, including Macs and even Pocket PCs. The latter's displays may be too small to be of much use. LogMeIn can be used from Windows computers and Pocket PCs but not Macs.

The Security Mentor

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 22:42:11 GMT

The Security Mentor provides "advice for normal people about computer and information security from Beryllium Sphere(R) LLC." The blog is a client resource and marketing tool for Beryllium Sphere LLC, a computer security consulting company in Redmond, Washington, USA. Fred Wamsley is the owner and chief blogger. His company specializes in serving small businesses, especially the SOHO (small office/home office) market. Fred describes who he is trying to reach with his blog, saying: 'My target reader is someone motivated enough to do online research but unwilling to become a full-fledged nerd. The "computer person by default" at a small business, who becomes the de facto IT department because "s/he knows about those computers", is a perfect example.' [This looks like an excellent site - albeit a direct and effective competitor. It's straightforward, easy to understand writing gets right to the point. As an example, here's an excerpt from the Monday, February 07, 2005 post on Phishing - "Phishing is getting more tricky and insidious. 'Phishing' scams, you'll remember, are when someone sets up a fake web site pretending to be your bank or something else so they can trick you into typing in your banking password. Then they can use the password to loot your account."]

Study shows most attacks come from exploited PCs beloging to DSL or cable customers.

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 12:49:43 GMT

CipherTrust, the e-mail security company, in a survey this month of more than 4 million pieces of e-mail, found that nearly all of the phishing attacks came from about 1000 machines, mostly customers of DSL or cable modem services. Close to 28 percent of the IP addresses used in the phishing attacks during the two-week survey were from U.S. computers. Another 17 percent of the IP addresses were South Korean, and another 8 percent were Chinese.

AOL Tells Customers to Find New Carrier

Sat, 13 Nov 2004 12:23:39 GMT

America Online, which earlier this year stopped signing up new broadband customers, is telling existing broadband subscribers in nine Southern states that they must find a new broadband carrier by Jan. 17.

Cybersource Safe Internet Computer

Sat, 30 Oct 2004 20:53:21 GMT

According to the Cybersource web site: Every time you restart your Safe Internet Computer, it is wiped clean of any malware and reset to factory settings. A clean slate, every day. The SafeIC is a small-form factor PC which will sit unobtrusively in your lounge room, study or home office. It plugs straight into your ADSL router or office hub/switch. It needs zero configuration. If your home or office is connected to the Internet, the SafeIC will be connected too. ["Computers" like this were formerly called "dumb terminals"; then "network computers". No onboard permanent storage, no hard disk drive (or writeable optical drive - there must be some form of temporary storage); original system restored each time system is restarted (which is why it could be impervious to malware although frequent, deliberate restarts would be required). Monitor not included. At AU$595, which includes "all the software", it is expensive. The software environment isn't MS Windows nor is the application software from Microsoft . The product brochure indicates a "standards compliant browser"; an office suite that "supports" Microsoft file formats; games and educational programs; and an RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) client that "connects to Windows Terminal Server or Windows XP Profressional." Once such a connection is made, especially if it's a long-lived one, this arrangement doesn't seem so safe.]

Sony's location-free TV

Fri, 29 Oct 2004 22:23:16 GMT

The company began selling its LocationFree TV, a portable LCD television panel that uses Wi-Fi wireless technology to receive video content and access the Internet from a base station hooked up to a broadband connection. Sony is selling a $1,500 12.1-inch set, the LF-X1, and a $1,100 7-inch model, the LF-X5. The company says the televisions' wireless range is 50 feet from the base station. The sets feature picture-in-picture capability and can connect to camcorders, a PlayStation 2 and other consumer devices.

Home PCs not protected

Wed, 27 Oct 2004 23:45:34 GMT

In findings, from a detailed survey of 329 consumers that included inspections of each of their home computers, released Monday by America Online and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a picture emerges of consumers increasingly using their home PCs for sensitive, online transactions without adequately protecting themselves from cybercrime.

While 77% of the survey respondents believed they were safe from online threats, two-thirds lacked current anti-virus software and did not use any firewall protection. More than half said they did not understand the difference between the two. Yet 84% stored personal data on their home PCs, and 72% routinely used the Internet for sensitive transactions, such as banking and medical data exchanges.

Netgear Boost Wireless Coverage In Home Networks

Fri, 22 Oct 2004 23:38:42 GMT

Netgear has launched a home network wireless extender kit that uses power outlets to push coverage to any part of the house. Dubbed the WGXB102 54 Mbps Wall-Plugged Wireless Range Extender Kit, it includes two pieces, a range extender and an Ethernet bridge, both which plug into outlets. The bridge links the current home networking router with the home's power line system, while the extender plugs into the outlet at the other end to expand wireless access into house "dead spots." The kit works with 802.11b and 802.11g wireless routers, as well as wired routers, said Netgear.

Watch Out For Security Freeware Gotchas

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 22:21:07 GMT

Security freeware is pretty popular. The price is right and everyone needs more security. What's the catch? But just because software is free doesn't exempt it from the requirements of paid software. Folks who write security tools should practice secure coding. Authors of security freeware should be accessible and accountable for the product they provide; in security-speak, the software should have readily identifiable, non-repudiable origins. Folks who make security software available should have competent, security-savvy staff to support and maintain it.

So if you are considering security freeware, remember the five Ws. Who wrote the software? Can you identify and trust the developer? What does the software do? When should you use security freeware? Why are you choosing freeware over commercial ware? Where do you intend to use security freeware?

Absolute Beginner's Guide to Home Networking

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 21:23:50 GMT

A guide to home networking that was written for true beginners.

New Yorkers Get Friendly with the Neighbors

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 19:13:10 GMT

Some New York City residents are taking advantage of a project offered by NYCWireless that teaches them how to set up a hotspot to share with their neighbors: Neighbornode is a project offered by NYCWireless that includes a package of open-source software that helps interested folks get started. NYCWireless is also offering workshops. People who set up the hotspots are encouraged to set up electronic bulletin boards that allow users to communicate with each other. So far, some of the hotspots are getting people together, for social reasons as well as neighborhood watch concerns.

No mention here of whether NYCWireless offers advice on avoiding the wrath of broadband providers like Time Warner, which sent out letters to people in New York City a while back warning customers against sharing their Internet connections.

Microsoft to debut 'Istanbul' application

Thu, 21 Oct 2004 13:26:08 GMT

Microsoft on Tuesday introduced a desktop computer application that aims to seamlessly integrate e-mail, instant messaging, video conferencing, traditional phone service and Internet-based calling.

SANS "Ouch" newsletter for "unsophisticated end users"

Tue, 19 Oct 2004 16:22:32 GMT

A new free SANS newsletter has gotten rave reviews from unsophisticated end users - they really appreciate the plain non-technical writing and the cool examples. It's called OUCH! More than 500 security awareness professionals from around the US and the world helped them get it right. If you want to redistribute it to your users, that' allowed. The newsletter includes a pointer to a great phishing quiz for anyone who thinks he or she can spot a phishing email. To subscribe go to the newsletter page at the SANS portal and choose it.

SBC officially announces $1.99 per month unlimited hot spot services

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 17:13:59 GMT

If you subscribe to SBC's DSL service at a rate as low as $26.95 per month for their cheapest service, you are entitled to unlimited Wi-Fi hot spot service for $1.99 a month with a one-year commitment -- after receiving free service until April 2005.

AT&T Launches Local Version Of Internet Calling

Sun, 17 Oct 2004 17:40:39 GMT

AT&T launches local service for its residential broadband telephone service

FCC approves fiber-optic broadband rules

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 23:26:02 GMT

The Federal Communications Commission approved new rules Thursday aimed at making high-speed Internet available to more Americans. The Commission gave its blessing to a proposal that lets the major regional phone companies build fiber-optic networks to within 500 feet of a customer's home without requiring the companies to share their networks with competitors. Currently, the former Baby Bell companies don't have to lease their networks for fiber that is installed directly to the home. The new rule extends that regulation to within 500 feet of a residence. However, critics complained the move will hinder competition in broadband services and keep prices high.

Separately, the commission voted to set ground rules for the deployment of another type of high-speed Internet access — broadband over power lines, known as BPL. This technology is still in its infancy, with only a handful of companies offering broadband over electric power lines to fewer than 5,000 customers nationwide. The transmissions, however, can cause interference with ham radio operators who have complained loudly to the FCC. The agency said its rules would limit interference by BPL providers by using devices that would skip frequencies the amateur radio operators use.

The Basics of Forwarding Ports

Fri, 15 Oct 2004 13:40:35 GMT

If you want to serve Web content from your home or office without exposing your network to the Internet, consider port forwarding. Even if you aren’t running a Web server per se, port forwarding may be useful for setting up your own in-house FTP server or SSHing into your Linux box.

EarthLink Offers Free VoIP

Thu, 07 Oct 2004 00:39:47 GMT

EarthLink Free Online Calling is essentially a stripped-down version of EarthLink Unlimited Voice. The free service is available to the million-plus EarthLink broadband customers, who can use it to call each other and others using SIP (session initiation protocol)-based services. Partnerships with SIP providers SIPphone and Free World Dialup enable free VoIP access to a wider range of users.

Users do have to purchase either a computer headset or an analog-telephone adapter to access the service. Included are unlimited, high-quality calls to SIP users, voicemail accessible via e-mail, an online calling log and online signup and account management. EarthLink's Unlimited Voice service, introduced in March 2003, offers unlimited calling for a flat rate of $39.99 per month. It includes a lot more features than the free offering.

AT&T Cuts Internet Phone Service Prices (AP)

Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:51:14 GMT

AP - AT&T Corp. is trimming the price of its new Internet-based telephone service for the second time in six months, prompting a top rival to follow suit.

Windows XP SP2 Firewall: needed or not

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 20:23:03 GMT

[With the Windows XP SP2 Firewall, do you still need a firewall to stop outbound traffic? The emphasis is mine. A firewall filters incoming traffic. Hardware firewalls, typically provided by NAT routers - those cable/DSL router/hubs, keep malicious traffic from ever reaching your computer. Software firewalls, such as the Windows firewall, discard malicious traffic if/when it gets to your computer. You don't need both - to handle incoming traffic that is. You can tell the new Windows Security Center that you'll manage your firewall yourself. However neither the typical individual/home hardware firewall nor the new Windows firewall will filter or manage outgoing traffic. You need one of the more complete firewall and security packages such as ZoneAlarm or a commercial grade (small) business router.]

NetGear's Patch Just Changes Account, Doesn't Close Hole

Wed, 22 Sep 2004 01:57:28 GMT

NetGear patched a gaping security hole that used a backdoor username and password--by changing it to another, easily discovered username and password (in German): Heise Security reports that a recently reported security hole that affects NetGear systems among others has been patched in a way that doesn't increase security. The site suggests that this might be reason enough (at least in Germany?) to return the product for a refund.

Cable Snaking Into Everything

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 23:19:35 GMT

Advances in broadband access and wireless delivery have transformed what was once a clash between cable and satellite operators for control of the living room into a much broader battle for control of the house. The explosion of devices and services enabled by broadband and wireless offers consumers an increasing variety of ways to manage the content and communications in their homes.

This development was illustrated vividly here this week during the annual meeting of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association with the construction of a 7,000-foot "house" -- complete with garage and a deck that doubled as the main stage -- on the floor of the convention center. Industry executives wanted to show off the consumer possibilities enabled by cable's $72 billion-plus investment in upgrading infrastructure for broadband delivery of video, high-speed data and telephony.

Built by Scripps Networks -- home of Food Network, Home & Garden Television and the Do It Yourself Network -- and broadband-powered by Cox Communications of New Orleans, the 7,000-square-foot home boasted amenities any buyer with a fondness for technology would love -- plasma video screens in every room (and even built into the Jacuzzi), a microwave that scans bar codes for cooking instructions, a treadmill linked to the Internet, video phones and an alarm clock that runs the coffee maker from the bedroom.

High-definition ruled, music libraries were digital and the speakers on at least one system sent tremors through the floor. Programs were multicast, recorded on one digital video recorder and watched in another room while a high-definition television program was being recorded in yet another room. But this wasn't the General Electric house of the future. Every product and service displayed by more than 40 companies featured in the model broadband home is currently launched or in consumer trial.

Security-Free Wireless Networks

Tue, 21 Sep 2004 22:59:01 GMT

While Wi-Fi is hot, security is not. Even the makers of Wi-Fi routers, access points and other gadgets privately say that as many as 80 percent of home users don't bother to enable basic encryption or other protections against connection theft, eavesdropping and network invasion. Experts say that while Wi-Fi hardware makers have made initial setup easy, the enabling of security is anything but. Meanwhile, average users are no longer tech savvy. [while] The gadgets are mainstream, appearing on the shelves of Wal-Mart and other mass retailers.

Regulators Debate Broadband by Power Lines

Mon, 20 Sep 2004 00:19:22 GMT

Members of three state public utility commissions promised a light regulatory touch on broadband over power line (BPL) service as electric companies begin to experiment with the alternative to traditional high-speed Internet service.

At least four U.S. power companies are offering commercial-level BPL service to customers, and others are offering BPL trials to customers. As BPL grows, regulators said they will keep an eye on several issues, including complaints from amateur radio operators that BPL causes radio signal interference.

VoIP Support Added To Wireless-Wired SMB Routers

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 20:19:05 GMT

WLAN equipment vendors Linksys and Netgear Tuesday announced wireless and wired routers with built-in voice-over-IP (VoIP) capabilities aimed at home uses and small offices. Both vendors are co-marketing with VoIP vendor Vonage to offer voice service as well as hardware.

FCC Chief Pushes TV Via High-Speed Internet Lines

Fri, 17 Sep 2004 16:40:45 GMT

U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael Powell on Wednesday said technology and telecommunications companies are racing to develop ways to pipe television shows into consumers' homes via high-speed Internet lines. ... Verizon is rolling out high-capacity fiber-optic lines that can carry huge loads of data, with the goal of passing 1 million homes by the end of this year and another 2 million homes in 2005. ... Already Qwest Communications International Inc. operates a small IP television service in Arizona and the other three big local telephone companies are ramping up their efforts, as well. All four carriers already resell satellite television services from DirecTV Group Inc. and EchoStar Communications Corp. as part of their voice and Internet packages

New Zone Alarm to warn of viruses

Tue, 14 Sep 2004 22:23:11 GMT

Security software maker Zone Labs updated its desktop firewall adding new features that aim to stop viruses, the company said. The antivirus features will be offered in a commercial version of its basic free product, Zone Alarm, and as part of a comprehensive security suite.

In Internet Calling, Skype Is Living Up to the Hype

Sat, 11 Sep 2004 01:44:19 GMT

Skype is the easiest, fastest and cheapest way for individual customers to use their computers with broadband connections as telephones.

TiVo, Cable or Satellite? Choose That Smart TV Wisely

Sat, 11 Sep 2004 01:35:58 GMT

[Choice (competition); advances in features; rent or buy; simple or full-featured model; integrated with satellite, cable or independent; don't you just love it?!.]

No Need to Dress Up for This Preview; Just Log On to the Home Computer

Sat, 11 Sep 2004 01:15:55 GMT

The WB Network has begun previewing its television shows over the Internet, hoping to reach more viewers more quickly, especially during the busy fall season.

For a Fee, a Stream of Tunes, Talk and Video

Sat, 11 Sep 2004 01:12:46 GMT

High-speed connections and software improvements are giving rise to subscription services for music, movies, sports events and talk radio to PC's.

Verizon Weaves Fiber-Based Broadband Offering

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 23:06:07 GMT

Verizon Communications, the country's largest regional carrier, is scheduled to launch commercial fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service by the end of the third quarter to about 100,000 potential customers in the Dallas area.

New D-Link Antennas Extend Wireless Network Range

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:48:36 GMT

D-Link is now shipping new wireless antennas designed to expand the range of wireless networks in small and home offices.

ISPs Given Thumbs Down For Virus, Hacker Control

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:17:30 GMT

U.S. residential Internet users are much more satisfied with the spam protection from their Internet service providers, but remain unhappy with their ISPs' defenses against hackers and viruses.

Verizon jumps into consumer VOIP with VoiceWing

Fri, 10 Sep 2004 22:04:25 GMT

Verizon Communications Inc. on Thursday joined the VOIP (voice over Internet Protocol) crowd, introducing a service that lets broadband users make unlimited phone calls around the U.S. over a data network.

Netflix, TiVo hope to offer online movie-on-demand service

Wed, 08 Sep 2004 20:39:46 GMT

Home entertainment trendsetters Netflix and TiVo hope to link up on a service that will use high-speed Internet connections to pipe DVD-quality movies into the homes of their mutual subscribers.

HDTV 'Starter' Kit for PC

Tue, 31 Aug 2004 17:53:07 GMT

Instead of dropping more than $1,000 for a new TV, set-top box and antenna to bring in the signals that dramatically improve TV picture quality, look not in the living room, but in the home office. A $200 upgrade can turn a personal computer into a "starter" high-definition television. Some experts say it may be better to start saving for the real thing.

Home Networking Expected To Increase Almost Fivefold

Mon, 23 Aug 2004 15:17:17 GMT

The number of North American households with home networks is expected to reach 46 million over the next five years, which will also see tremendous growth in the market for camera phones and digital video recorders, a research firm said Wednesday.

Based on a survey of more than 60,000 households, Forrester Research also predicts that the number of broadband households will triple by 2009 from 23.1 million today. Nearly 1 in 5 households have broadband this year, up 4.3 million from 2003.

VOIP hacks gut Caller I.D.

Sun, 22 Aug 2004 17:02:22 GMT

Hackers have discovered that the handy feature that tells you who's calling before you answer the phone is easily manipulated through weaknesses in Voice over IP (VoIP) programs and networks. They can make their phone calls appear to be from any number they want, and even pierce the veil of Caller I.D. blocking to unmask an anonymous phoner's unlisted number.

Study: Unpatched PCs compromised in 20 minutes

Sun, 22 Aug 2004 15:06:07 GMT

According to the researchers, an unpatched Windows PC connected to the Internet will last for only about 20 minutes before it's compromised by malware, on average. That figure is down from around 40 minutes, the group's estimate in 2003. Don't connect that new PC to the Internet before taking security precautions, researchers at the Internet Storm Center warned (The Center is part of the SANS Institute).

The center said in its analysis that the time it takes for a computer to be compromised will vary widely from network to network. If the Internet service provider blocks the data channels commonly used by worms to spread, then a PC user will have more time to patch. "On the other hand, university networks and users of high-speed Internet services are frequently targeted with additional scans from malware like bots," the group stated. "If you are connected to such a network, your 'survival time' will be much smaller."

[Of course, unless you happen to know the right (Windows) configuration changes to make and already have protection tools available, you connect to the Internet to download them as well as the latest software patches. As an alternative, you can hurry to your local store and purchase the tools. Why aren't the pc's delivered with the required patches installed by seller? [see also item on Dell et. al. ] Some new systems do come with trial versions of protection tools but how many users take of these steps before doing anything else?]