| Since the advent and wide-spread acceptance of | | | | computer, in the hopes of exposing any |
| "always on" broadband internet connections, online | | | | weaknesses in which they can gain access to |
| criminals are finding it easier than ever to gain | | | | your information. |
| access to sensitive and personal information. | | | | Typical methods include; subnet scanning, port |
| In 2007, 61% of Britain was connected to the | | | | scanning, packet sniffing, e-mail eaves dropping, |
| internet, that's around 15m homes. For the | | | | DOS attacks and "Phishing". |
| majority of those with broadband connections, | | | | Internally |
| their computer becomes connected to the | | | | This method often involves users' unknowingly |
| internet as soon as it is turned on. | | | | downloading malicious programs, sometimes |
| This has essentially made us very vulnerable to | | | | referred to as "malware" to their computer |
| online hackers and fraudsters. Such people use a | | | | systems. Malware often appears harmless |
| wide range of motives, methods and techniques | | | | software, and is usually transferred via email or |
| to obtain our personal information (namely bank | | | | downloaded from what appear legitimate sites. |
| details, and other "secure" information) | | | | Typical methods and malicious applications include; |
| It's important to note that the purpose of this | | | | Trojan's, viruses, rouge diallers, key loggers, |
| article is not to make you fearful of the internet, | | | | spyware and "pharming" sites. |
| but educate you on the methods that hackers | | | | The above are just a few examples of how |
| use, so you can be more aware on how to | | | | hackers can use your broadband connection to |
| protect your information. | | | | gain access to your personal information; new |
| Put simply, there are two ways in which hackers | | | | methods are being created daily. |
| can attack your computer; these are discussed in | | | | It is for this reason that you must ensure your |
| more detail below. | | | | broadband connection is as secure as it can be. |
| Externally | | | | There is a wealth of information, as well as cheap |
| This involves the attacker "probing" your | | | | broadband deals available on the web. |