19216811.liveTouchstone® WTM552 Telephony Modem User’s Guide
11
Getting
Battery
Wireless
Ethernet
Safety
Started
Installation
Installation
Configuration
Configuration
Usage
Troubleshooting
Glossary
What About Security?
Having a high-speed, always-on connection to the Internet requires a certain
amount of responsibility to other Internet users—including the need to maintain a
reasonably secure system. While no system is 100% secure, you can use the fol-
lowing tips to enhance your system’s security:
•
Keep your operating system updated with the latest security patches. Run
the system update utility at least weekly.
•
Keep your email program updated with the latest security patches. In addi-
tion, avoid opening email containing attachments, or opening files sent
through chat rooms, whenever possible.
•
Install a virus checker and keep it updated.
•
Avoid providing web or file-sharing services over your Telephony Modem.
Besides certain vulnerability problems, most cable companies prohibit run-
ning servers on consumer-level accounts and may suspend your account for
violating your terms of service.
•
Use the cable company’s mail servers for sending email.
•
Avoid using
proxy
software unless you are certain that it is not open for
abuse by other Internet users (some are shipped open by default). Crimi-
nals can take advantage of open proxies to hide their identity when breaking
into other computers or sending spam. If you have an open proxy, your ca-
ble company may suspend your account to protect the rest of the network.
•
If you use the wireless LAN, make sure you enable wireless security on the
Telephony Modem (for the same reasons that you should run only secured
proxies). See “Wireless Configuration” for help.