Summary

The use of broadband connections gives attacker 24×7×365 access to your home network connection. The comparison between cable, DSL, and eventually satellite and wireless access will shift back and fourth over the coming years as to which is better, but their common goal is to keep you “always on” the Internet. Each has its good and bad points. Service might change as providers enter and leave markets, but eventually just about everyone will have access to broadband connection.

The need for dial-up connectivity will not disappear for years to come, but we see broadband taking more of the market from dial-up connectivity. The limitations of dial-up are one of its best security features. Hackers do not spend their time attacking dial-up connections when fast broadband connections are available. With more people using such connections each day, the target for hackers grows exponentially.

You must protect your broadband connections like never before. You have fast connections—sometimes as fast as a small company. Believing you won't be a target is an invitation to be hacked. The availability of personal firewalls makes it very easy to protect your home broadband connections. The several products we discussed should give you an idea of what you can use in your home environment. Whether you choose a free, cheap, or expensive firewall, just pick one and protect yourself.