Why is a Persistent Internet Connection a Security Risk?

Many people operate their personal computersWhen a continual connection with the web is
with a continuous Internet connection. Doing so isended it's virtually impossible for a threat from
unsafe and leaves the door open for crackers tothe web to manifest itself. Break the connection.
attack their system. You increase the chance ofA word of caution, however, must be shared
being the victim of a successful exploit againstwith the reader. Your work practices may have
your information assets if your computer remainsto change if you currently are dependent upon an
actively linked to the web."always-on" Internet connection. Many users like
The Internet functions in an asymmetric threatthe convenience of being clicking once and being
environment. Onslaughts against connectedat their favorite search engine's website. Other
computers are numerous, unpredictable andpeople have chosen to receive frequent and
constantly changing. The culprits who launchautomatic updates from software publishers and
malware could be automated botnets, a singlewant to schedule updates to be received during
script kiddy or an organized identity-theft ring.low-demand hours such as late at night or early in
The "bad guys" who are on-line are constantlythe morning. Continuous Internet connections are
conducting reconnaissance on the Internet andnormally required for automated updates.
probing to find connected computers withTherefore, if you turn off your persistent
vulnerabilities. Potential intruders, once a weaknessInternet connection you may have to adjust your
is discovered, can gain unfettered access to awork routine to manually check with publishers for
system. Your system, due to the way theupdates immediately upon signing-on again and
Internet works, is constantly screaming outbefore beginning to use your computer. Your
through more than 65,000 ports, "Connect tosystem might otherwise be unprotected upon
me," unless you have taken specific steps tobeginning to work or surf the web because
block the probes. You should find that factcomputer security software updates try to stay
sobering.as current as possible.
The obvious question is, "Can I turn off myChanging your work practices and weaning
Internet connection?" The short answer is "yes".yourself away from a persistent Internet
You may want to do exactly that, especially ifconnection is inconvenient. However, experiencing
you mainly use your computer to work on afinancial or productivity losses from a successful
word processor, spreadsheet or database.exploit against your system is likely to be a much
Productivity work can be accomplished withoutbigger problem. The individual computer user is in
maintaining an "always on" Internet connection.the driver's seat and must make the choice.
Malicious users launch viruses, Trojan horses,Consider your options carefully. You may very
spyware and other exploits through the Internetwell choose to suffer the frequent distraction of
against vulnerable systems. Access the Internetturning-off an Internet connection when done and
and the game is on, therefore, consider turningadopting what may be considered a security best
off the Internet connection when you aren't usingpractice: Log on to the Internet only when you
it to search for information. You immediatelyneed it and log-off when you have what you
minimize the number of potential threats andneed.
reduce the chance that risks become realities.
Dr. William G. Perry, Publisher, Alliant Digital Services.