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Cyber Security Tip ST04-024
Understanding ISPs
ISPs offer services like email and internet access. Compare factors
like security, services, and cost so that you find an ISP that
supports all of your needs.
What is an ISP?
An ISP, or internet service provider, is a company that provides its
customers access to the internet and other web services. In addition
to maintaining a direct line to the internet, the company usually
maintains web servers. By supplying necessary software, a
password-protected user account, and a way to connect to the internet
(e.g., modem, phone number), ISPs offer their customers the capability
to browse the web and exchange email with other people. Some ISPs also
offer additional services.
ISPs can vary in size--some are operated by one individual, while
others are large corporations. They may also vary in scope--some only
support users in a particular city, while others have regional or
national capabilities.
What services do ISPs provide?
Almost all ISPs offer email and web browsing capabilities. They also
offer varying degrees of user support, usually in the form of an email
address or customer support hotline. Most ISPs also offer web hosting
capabilities, allowing users to create and maintain personal web
pages; and some may even offer the service of developing the pages for
you. Many ISPs offer the option of high-speed access through DSL or
cable modems, and some still offer dial-up connections.
As part of normal operation, most ISPs perform backups of email and
web files. If the ability to recover email and web files is important
to you, check with your ISP to see if they back up the data; it might
not be advertised as a service. Additionally, some ISPs may implement
firewalls to block some incoming traffic, although you should consider
this a supplement to your own security precautions, not a replacement.
How do you choose an ISP?
There are thousands of ISPs, and it's often difficult to decide which
one best suits your needs. Some factors to consider include
* security - Do you feel that the ISP is concerned about security?
Does it use encryption and SSL (see Protecting Your Privacy for
more information) to protect any information you submit (e.g.,
user name, password)?
* privacy - Does the ISP have a published privacy policy? Are you
comfortable with who has access to your information and how it is
being handled and used?
* services - Does your ISP offer the services you want? Do they meet
your requirements? Is there adequate support for the services?
* cost - Are the ISP's costs affordable? Are they reasonable for the
number of services you receive, as well as the level of those
services? Are you sacrificing quality and security to get the
lowest price?
* reliability - Are the services your ISP provides reliable, or are
they frequently unavailable due to maintenance, security problems,
a high volume of users, or other reasons? If the ISP knows that
services will be unavailable for a particular reason, does it
adequately communicate that information?
* user support - Are there published methods for contacting customer
support? Do you receive prompt and friendly service? Do their
hours of availability accommodate your needs? Do the consultants
have the appropriate level of knowledge?
* speed - How fast is your ISP's connection? Is it sufficient for
accessing your email or navigating the internet?
* recommendations - Have you heard or seen positive reviews about
the ISP? Were they from trusted sources? Does the ISP serve your
geographic area? If you've uncovered negative points, are they
factors you are concerned about?
_________________________________________________________________
Author: Mindi McDowell
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2004 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Note: This tip was previously published and is being re-distributed
to increase awareness.
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