Broadband is not ubiquitous and may be expensive for small numbers of users. Security One selling point of broadband is that a connection always exists on the Internet. Continuous access eliminates the downtime associated with dialing in via an analog modem. However, the convenience of a continuous connection does not come without a price. Unfortunately, that price is a lack of security.
Continuous connections make computers vulnerable to hackers and snoopers.
However, because broadband connections are continuous, they tend to use static IP addressing. Cable modems have an additional vulnerability. Using a cable modem is analogous to using a local area network, in which many users share common cabling. Several steps can be taken to address these security concerns. If the ISP does not provide dynamic IP addressing, the best protection is to disconnect the computer from the Internet when it is not in use.