Actiontec electronic GS204AD9-01

Actiontec Wireless-Ready DSL Gateway User Manual

With both types of Internet connections, access to the computer must be con-

trolled to make sure someone on the Internet doesn’t access the information on

the computer. The longer the computer is connected to the Internet, the easier it is

for someone on the Internet to find the computer and attempt to access it without

permission. DSL service also provides fast Internet connections. This not only

improves Internet performance, it also improves Internet performance for anyone

attempting to access the computer.

Gateway Security

If connecting to the ISP through Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP), be sure to provide

the Gateway an administrative password. If a password is not set, someone on the

Internet can access the Gateway and change its configuration or steal your PPP

“Adv anced Setup chapter.

If connecting to the ISP through bridging mode, the Gateway should be safe from

unwarranted and illegal intrusion.

Computer Security

To protect the valuable information on the computer, review the following topics.

These topics cover software programs and operating system features affecting the

security of the computer’s data.

Anti-Virus Programs

The computer should have an anti-virus program, and the virus definitions

should be updated on a regular basis – at least once a month.

E-Mail Attachments

Never run a program received as an attachment to an e-mail message unless the

program is known to be safe. A program from an unknown source can delete all

the files on the computer’s hard disk or install a “backdoor” software application

that lets people on the Internet gain access to the computer without permission.