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V21 Highlights Broadband Security

Posted: 29th Oct, 2004 By: MarkJ

UK ISP V Two One (V21) has today highlighted the importance of Internet security, especially among the 39% of firms that have successfully adopted hi-speed technology:

Many businesses are now connecting to Broadband because of the vast commercial opportunities it can offer. Broadband evens out the playing field and enables small businesses to compete with corporate giants, it can also free up a considerable amount of employees time and allows them the ability to speak on the phone, fax and surf the Internet all at the same time. Currently 39% of businesses in the UK have a Broadband connection, a figure that has doubled in recent years, signalling what an important commodity Broadband has become in the business community.

V Two One (www.v21.co.uk), the UKs fastest growing Internet Service Provider (ISP), has revealed the extent of how many businesses are not protecting their always-on Internet connection from possible hackers on the web. V Two One recently made headlines for its War Driving research. This entailed driving around towns using a laptop, wireless adaptor and suitable software in and around the Hampshire and Dorset areas to test the safety and security measures of wireless networks, which revealed worrying results. V Two One is now constantly campaigning to teach people the importance of securing their business and personal computer networks.

With Broadband being an, always-on connection, computers susceptibility to attacks from hackers and viruses is increased. In order to circumvent this problem a hardware or software firewall will ensure computers, networks, and data are protected. The cost of both software and hardware firewalls vary a great deal, some websites offer limited free trial downloads, however, at the top end of the market you can expect to pay up to £1500,00. Dependent on the size of your business and computer network, you should seek advice from an IT professional who is familiar with your businesses computer needs and requirements. If you have an ADSL router as opposed to an ADSL modem, you do not have to purchase an additional firewall as they have one built-in.

Whilst securing your computer network it is a good idea to ensure your network is further protected with up-to-date virus protection and detection software. Each month a conscious effort should be made to scan each computer system with virus software to ensure the system is bug free.

It may seem an expensive procedure to safeguard your computer but this cost is relatively small compared to the devastation a virus or a hacker can cause, sometimes permanently crippling entire networks and disabling computers.

Steve Kaye, Managing Director, V Two One said, Many businesses are now realising the potential and benefits of Broadband with more and more companies signing up to the service. However, an alarming amount of businesses have not safeguarded their networks or computers from the possibility of hackers and viruses. It is very important to invest in anti-virus software in addition to a firewall these precautionary measures could save you a lot of money, in terms of lost employee time with systems down and IT costs in the long term.

Further information on V Two One and their broadband services and packages is available at http://www.v21.co.uk, by emailing info@v21.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)870 442 9600. Alternatively write to V Two One, 59 London Road, Blackwater, Nr Camberley, Surrey, GU17 0AB. Fax: +44 (0)870 422 9601.