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| Network Security Module has been withdrawn from the market. Support will be extended only till December 2006 |
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| Lack of effective network security can lead to intrusions, worms, viruses and broadcasts, flooding the network and bringing it to a standstill. Floods are bandwidth stealing attacks which need to be identified and prevented before they cause extensive damage. The worst cases can compromise subscribers' computers and networks too. |
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| A large number of subscribers being home or small office users, they lack comprehensive security tools to protect their computers. Even in the case of large users, intrusions and attacks can creep in, leading to considerable loss of data and confidential information and can even lead to network crashes. |
| 24online's network security features add another layer of security to subscribers from external attacks in addition to preventing attacks from within the network. |
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Broadband technologies like DSL and cable have contributed to an increase in PC threats with the always on connection preferred by users making them susceptible to attacks. |
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Being able to address other computers through NetBIOS (Network Basic Input Output System) and NetBEUI (Net BIOS Extended User Interface) works well for network communication within a LAN, but for WAN connectivity, it carries with it issues of security and privacy. For example, exposing computers to the Internet on a continuous basis makes them attractive and potentially vulnerable targets for the following attacks: |
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Attacks aimed at destroying data stored on them |
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Disrupting their operation |
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Viewing information stored on them |
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Manipulating them for use in launching attacks on other Internet services. |
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In addition to the security implications, NetBIOS and Net BEUI broadcasts generate needless traffic that can clog the network. |
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By blocking transmission of their packets, 24online helps service providers save bandwidth costs, keeps the network and the subscriber computers secure and ensures QoS. |
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According to a study by Sandvine Research, Internet worms have cost broadband ISPs as much as $ 370 m worldwide in 2004. In addition, once worms and viruses enter the ISP network, they spread easily through file sharing and NetBIOS. |
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This poses a serious threat to a vast number of subscribers, many of whom are home and small office users without the comprehensive capability to face these threats. On any given day, around 5 per cent of home subscribers of an ISP will be infected by worms and up to 12 % bandwidth is used up by malicious traffic. |
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24online helps service providers control rising costs associated with these threats and protects subscribers by preventing the spread of network worms and viruses through file sharing and NetBIOS vulnerabilities. |
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ARP (Address Resolution Protocol), used to associate MAC addresses with IP addresses on a network and ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) which supports packets containing error, control and informational messages are beneficial in the normal circumstances. But they can also be the cause of flooding and overload the entire network when hackers use them to launch an attack. |
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Hackers can compromise a few computers and use them to expand the attack, creating a multiplier effect, bringing down the network within a short time. |
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24online offers protection from ARP and ICMP flooding attacks, bringing in savings in time and manpower expense spent in identifying the source of attack and rectifying it. This ensures reliable service to subscribers. |
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Most enterprises opt for more than one layer of protection to safeguard their networks. The same holds good for an ISP network too. Even if users have a firewall installed in their computers, a firewall at the ISP-end is necessary to create yet another layer of much-needed protection to the network. |
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But the real situation is that many subscribers are home and small office users without technical knowledge. When these non-technical users connect to the Internet without a firewall, their computers can be compromised. This impacts not only the user, but the rest of the network in the form of spam and denial-of-service attacks which can't be effectively countered by a personal firewall at the receiving end. |
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Compromised computers send 30 per cent of spam. They are used for denial-of-service attacks and can be used to conceal other Internet crime. It is to the ISP's advantage to reduce the number of compromised computers. |
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24online's inbuilt firewall results in QoS and bandwidth savings, by reducing flooding and other unnecessary traffic in addition to keeping the network secure. This results in enormous cost savings and raises customer satisfaction. |
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With reduction in spam, viruses and worms and other forms of flooding, bandwidth is saved, resulting in enormous cost savings. |
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By freeing the network from flooding and other traffic detrimental to network health, 24online ensures high levels of service quality. |
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Little downtime due to network slowdowns in addition to reliable speed and connectivity, lead to rise in service levels, ensuring customer satisfaction. |
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