Security Risks and Precautions
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Although there are many factors that contribute to overall security, there are
steps that can be taken to reduce the risks and provide a more secure Internet
experience. This section explores the various risks associated with using the
Internet and the means available to minimize such risk.
Hacking
Wiretapping, Interception and Impersonation
Viruses, Worms and Trojans
Hacking
Hacking is a term commonly applied to the act of gaining unauthorized access to
a computer system or computer files. A hacker's intent can range from simple
curiosity to data removal, information theft, utilization of system resources,
interception of messages or even impersonation of your email and network
address.
Since high-speed connections are active whenever your computer is powered on
(always-on), they are favorite targets for hackers. The risk of being hacked
for users with always-on connections such as Sprint Broadband Direct is similar
to that of any other user who decides to connect to the Internet. The
difference is the duration of the vulnerability.
Hacking vulnerability for always-on connections results from the fact that you
are less likely to receive a new or different IP address. This can be the
result of having a static IP address or simply not powering down your computer.
Regardless of the reason, the constant use of a single IP address is the main
avenue that allows a hacker to exploit your computer.
The following precautions can be taken to assist you in protecting your computer
from unauthorized access by unscrupulous individuals:
-
Install a firewall protection package
to prevent hackers from accessing passwords, files, personal information and
email configuration data.
-
Shut down your computer, chat sessions, ticker services, or other applications
such as Napster, BearShare and Gnuttella that maintain open sessions when such
services are not actively being used.
-
Disable file and print sharing through
the Windows operating system.
Note: You can password protect these services, but passwords
are still susceptible to hacking if your computer is not protected by a
firewall.
-
Protect your system and files with secure passwords.
-
Maintain current backups of your operating system, programs and files in order
to reduce damage and time lost if you encounter a hacking violation. Such
backups can also operate as evidence of the damage done or data stolen.
Note: Sprint is not able to provide technical support for
this service and cannot assist you with configuration or troubleshooting.
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Wiretapping, Interception and Impersonation
Sprint has taken many precautions to reduce the threats to your data as it
travels over the Sprint Broadband Direct wireless network. However, security
risks increase as you access the Internet and other sites on the Web.
Wiretapping occurs when parties on the public network look at data packets
(information) for content that interests them. Once they identify packets of
interest, they may intercept the packets and access any content that is not
encrypted. This content may include information such as your IP address, login
information and passwords. Once identified, your IP address can be used as a
disguise to launch attacks against Web sites and other IP addresses.
Another form of impersonation can occur if a hacker learns your email
configuration. Once known, the hacker can use this information to send messages
using your email address.
The following precautions can be taken to reduce your vulnerability to
wiretapping, interception and impersonation:
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Viruses, Worms and Trojans
Even with careful use and protection measures such as a firewall, you may still
be open to indirect security risks via stealthy infiltration measures such as
viruses, worms and trojans.
A virus is programming code that causes some unexpected and usually undesirable
event. Viruses have become more "intelligent" in that they will self-replicate,
hide within programs, steal passwords, email themselves and appear to be sent
from someone you know. Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to email, by
downloading infected programming from other sites or by opening an infected
diskette or CD. Some viruses reveal their effect as soon as their code is
executed; while others lie dormant until circumstances cause their code to be
executed by the computer (e.g., logic bombs and time bombs).
Note: There are three main classes of viruses -
file infectors,
system or boot-record infectors and
macro viruses.
Worms are independent programs that perform some unwanted function or action and
can replicate themselves and send copies from computer to computer across
network connections. Upon arrival, worms may be activated to replicate and
propagate again.
Trojans (or backdoors) are programs with secret undocumented routines embedded
within useful program code. Execution of the useful program usually results in
the opening of a "backdoor" into the computer's operating system, allowing
hackers to carryout direct assaults against your system.
The following actions can aid in protecting your computer from malicious
virus-like attacks:
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