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Cyber Security Tip ST04-024
Understanding ISPs
ISPs offer services like email and internet access. In addition to
availability, you may want to consider other factors 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), ISPs offer their
customers the capability to browse the web and exchange email with other
people. Some ISPs also offer additional services. With the development of
smart phones, many cell phone providers are also ISPs.
ISPs can vary in sizeâ??some are operated by one individual, while others are
large corporations. They may also vary in scopeâ??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. Some ISPs bundle internet
service with other services, such as television and telephone service. Many
ISPs offer a wireless modem as part of their service so that customers can
use devices equipped with Wi-Fi.
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, most ISPs implement firewalls to
block some portion of incoming traffic, although you should consider this a
supplement to your own security precautions, not a replacement (see
Understanding Firewalls for more information).
How do you choose an ISP?
Traditional, broadband ISPs typically offer internet access through cable,
DSL, or fiberoptic options. The availability of these options may depend
where you live. In addition to the type of access, there are other factors
that you may want to consider:
* 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)? If the ISP provides a wireless modem, what wireless security
standards does it support, and are those standards compatible with your
existing devices?
* 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? If the ISP
provides a wireless modem, are its wireless standards compatible with
your existing devices?
* 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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