Unsafe At High-Speed

Research equates broadband's always-on connection to a high-speed sewage pipe, flooding home computers with unwanted and unfiltered garbage.

According to research from The National Cyber Security Alliance (the Alliance), unprotected computers are holding a lot of family secrets, and the majority are unaware that spyware [define] lurks on their hard drives.

The Alliance, a coalition of online companies and government agencies dedicated to online computer safety, made startling discoveries about the security of personal computers among broadband users. While 86 percent maintain confidential information on their computers, 67 percent don’t have properly installed and securely configured firewalls. Even worse, 91 percent of broadband users have spyware installed on their home computers – unbeknownst to them.

The data, culled from 120 lengthy in-home studies with U.S. broadband users, revealed that many home computers are susceptible to penetration, and nearly all (97 percent) of the homes with children don’t have parental controls established.

“Keeping your computer, your personal information, and your children safe is something every American should take seriously. Not using common-sense precautions like firewalls, virus protection and parental controls is like leaving the door of your house wide open all night,” said Orson Swindle, commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission.

The majority (86 percent) of the respondents were mistakenly under the impression that their home computers were either very or somewhat safe, while 11 percent believed that they were not very safe, and 3 percent thought they weren’t safe at all.

Despite the lack of security, 79 percent of survey participants used the Internet to transmit sensitive information, such as banking, stock, and medical data. The always-on broadband connection leads to increased susceptibility and interception of personal information.

Music-sharing software has emerged as one of the biggest threats to computer security, since it is often bundled with intrusion programs.

Ubiquitous Spyware
Downloaded file/music-sharing software 57%
Currently using file/music-sharing software 42%
Currently have file-sharing active on computer 33%
Not aware that sharing software may contain spyware 88%
Unknowingly have spyware on computer 91%
Source: The National Cyber Security Alliance

“Without even knowing that they are unsafe, millions of high-speed users are putting themselves and their families at risk by having unprotected broadband,” said Alliance member Tatiana Gau, AOL’s chief trust officer and senior vice president for Integrity Assurance. “A basic broadband connection without protection can be the equivalent of a high-speed sewage pipe into the home, flooding it with viruses, porn, spam, and hackers. It is critical that every broadband user practice safe broadband with, at minimum, a properly configured firewall, updated anti-virus protection, and parental controls.”

Subscribe to get your daily business insights

Whitepapers

US Mobile Streaming Behavior
Whitepaper | Mobile

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

5y

US Mobile Streaming Behavior

Streaming has become a staple of US media-viewing habits. Streaming video, however, still comes with a variety of pesky frustrations that viewers are ...

View resource
Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups
Whitepaper | Analyzing Customer Data

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics for Media Groups

5y

Winning the Data Game: Digital Analytics Tactics f...

Data is the lifeblood of so many companies today. You need more of it, all of which at higher quality, and all the meanwhile being compliant with data...

View resource
Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its people
Whitepaper | Digital Marketing

Learning to win the talent war: how digital marketing can develop its peopl...

2y

Learning to win the talent war: how digital market...

This report documents the findings of a Fireside chat held by ClickZ in the first quarter of 2022. It provides expert insight on how companies can ret...

View resource
Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy
Report | Digital Transformation

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Experience Economy

1m

Engagement To Empowerment - Winning in Today's Exp...

Customers decide fast, influenced by only 2.5 touchpoints – globally! Make sure your brand shines in those critical moments. Read More...

View resource