Desktop exposure to the Internet is significantly increased when a residential user upgrades from dial-up to DSL or cable modem. DSL and cable providers can argue about features that impact security, like broadcast vs. dedicated media and static vs. dynamic IP addressing. Personal firewalls help users regain that feeling of control by watching over unattended desktops, and letting users see what happened while they weren't looking. But, unlike the imaginary monster, this threat is real. Furthermore, the threat is not limited to personal data.
Trojans are destructive code, hidden inside a seemingly-harmless executable.
Burstein warns that DSL LECs who claim there is no security threat leave themselves exposed to legal action if and when a costly intrusion occurs. Obscure warnings on your web site would be no defense in court if a meticulous lawyer found comments like these or simply proved negligence. Taking Action Residential broadband providers have several alternatives for securing subscriber lines, and they are not mutually exclusive. We also have extensive intrusion detection on our own network, including trap doors. Offering security as a managed service can be attractive from a consumer standpoint.