Comments for Is it safe to leave my modem on and connected all the time?

Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2007-11-30

2007-11-30T20:54:55Z

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So to be clear, the modem's I'm talking about above are dial-up. It's quite
standard for DSL connections to be on 24/7.

With a properly configured firewall (or in the case of broadband like DSL, a
good NAT router), the only things that can enter your computer are things that
your computer *asks* for. By that I mean that incomming connections are blocked
by the firewall, but that doesn't prevent malware on your computer from going
out and downloading something on your behalf.

That's true no matter how you're connected to the internet, or for how long.
And it's why it's so incredibly important to prevent malware from infecting
your machine by having anti-spyware and anti-virus software, and to not run
attachments or other downloads you don't trust.

Thanks,

Leo

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A comment on: Is it safe to leave my modem on and connected all the time?

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Comment from David on 2007-11-29

2007-11-30T06:50:56Z

hey there guys.

I was wondering, besides viruses, can you become infected with any type of tracking program if your modem is left connected and idle even with a firewall?

I was once told that even with a firewall there are still a number of ports through your modem that items can bypass by disguising itself as recognisable software/scripting (namely Active X)

What I mainly want to know is what other risks do I leave myself open to by not disconnecting my modem? OH yes, it's a dsl modem, and my ISP here does allow continuous use.

your advice and tips would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I ask this because my family can never seem to turn off/disconnect the modem when they are finnished using the computer. they shut the comuter down to standby, but I am still worried that something can happen.

:) -dave

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A comment on: Is it safe to leave my modem on and connected all the time?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Comment from Jim on 2005-05-12

2005-05-12T12:50:46Z

One concern about leaving a modem "on" (vs. "connected") that I would add is that, sometimes, a user has unknowlingly installed some dialer software which may dial a toll number during the middle of the night or anytime. So, take Leo's advice about ensuring your virus protection is up-to-date very seriously.

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A comment on: Is it safe to leave my modem on and connected all the time?

Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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