How to stay clear of malware.

[neal62]

I don't know about AdsL modems, but I do know about MY cable modem. When I am not using my computer I have a switch on the modem that I can turn off that acts like an external firewall. No data can be transferred through the modem while this switch is activated. This helps compliment my software firewall also. I turn off the computer, activate this switch on the cable modem and go about my business. So far, so good, haven't had any problems doing this. When talking to the cable company technicians they agree that by activating this switch I am protecting myself.

[kamulko]

Yes, Friend, I unplug the router after the log off.

[kamulko]

Neal, your modem is off because it is not powered by you usb or ethernet. Your pc is off but probably the circuit is in standby and not completely disconnected. The telephone lines are powered by milliamperes. This is the reason why, in case of electric black-out, the phone is available. So you can understand well. I know: is a incredible thing. Myself the same, didn't believe it before. 

ADDED: More in "Firewalls and Internet Security: Repelling the Wily Hackers" -Second Edition- Pearson
Publishing/Addison Wesley Professionals - 2003 - Euro 32,00

[neal62]

Kamulko,

I have tried accessing the Internet with my pc turned on when the modem switch has been turned off or effectively stopping any transfer of data to/from my pc. I have forgot to turn my modem back to an active status and wonder why my monitor screen basically says "this page cannot be found offline". So, I know that when this switch on the modem is turned off my modem will not allow anything to pass through it to or from my computer.
    This being the case I really don't have any worries about anything or anyone accessing my computer for personal information. I could disconnect the "Ethernet" cable from the back of my pc but doing the other thing with my cable modem serves the same purpose.  By the way, my cable Internet does NOT use the telephone lines like DSL or ADSL. They have their separate transmission line that runs into my home and then to my cable modem. Also telephone lines over here in the area where I live have a voltage rating of about 44-48 volts on their lines. That's why when the electricity goes off if I have a hardwired telephone I can still make phone calls. 

[kamulko]

Milliamperes are a different measure from volts. Power and Intensity. Phone line come from external power; pc (and other peripherals) are powered by the lines in your home. A classic (not wireless) telephone can be amplified and active because the power from the external line. I repeat: I had your same thing before read the book. The authors are Cheswick (firewall engineer), Bellovin (Director of Security and Engineering Task Force, member of the National Academy of Computer Science); Rubin (Associate Professor of Computer Science - John Hopkins University and Technical Director JHU Information Security Institute).

[neal62]

 We are talking about the same thing when we talk about phone lines.
I already stated that the phone lines here have about 44-48 volts on them provided by the phone company. That is external and separate from the other electricity that my pc runs off of. I know that. I am not arguing that at all. All I am saying is that a Cable Company uses a different line for their digital/analogue/data transmissions to the customers home.
     Also I am saying that when my cable modem is turned off no data, I repeat no data is transferred from or into my pc whether the pc is turned off or on because I am effectively removing the modem from being connected inline to my pc when I turn off this switch.
     With the cable modem removed from the circuit the cable line itself cannot use or see data transmissions to/from my pc. It can however transmit video, audio, which it also does for the cable companies Television customers.  The cable transmission line needs the cable modem connected inline to be able to do any data transfers. So, what I have said is that when I turn off this switch on the cable modem the data information is not allowed through the modem into or out of my pc.
I am not saying anything at all about telephone lines concerning my computer as I do not use telephone lines to access the internet from my home. The other thing that I have not mentioned is this: When my cable modem is off I effectively do NOT have an I.P. address or in others words my modem, pc, are invisible to anyone else on the Internet. It's almost like this, if I were to try and make a phone call from my cell phone with it turned off the call could/would not be made. Likewise the phone when off would not be able to receive any calls. Same priniciple that I am talking about with the cable modem issue. HTH 

[kamulko]

Ok, Neal. Now I understand. Language problems 

[bob3160]

Just one little comment.
The switch places the modem into 'Standby mode'. Your cable co. can still pole your modem even though
the computer isn't turned on. It's basically the same as leaving the TV or Stereo in standby mode.
The main unit is off but a simple click on the remote wakes it back up again.
In the case of the modem, turning the switch back to the on position again allows communication once
the computer is rebooted.

[neal62]

My little comment. First of all the "Jack and Jill" assessment is very correct. Now that I have that said here goes.
First of all when my modem is in the standby mode that I put it into the cable company can ping my location and will not get a I.P. unless they try and reset the modem as you say via remote. Then they, can obtain my I.P. But, they cannot access my pc. They cannot undo the standby condition that I have put my modem into by using the standby switch, that's a fact. They are unable to access any of my computer information as long as I have my modem in this standby mode.
     If I take my modem out of the standby mode and then they ping my system they still will not see anything as long as I have my Z.A. Pro activated, that's another fact. Also when I have my pc already turned on, my modem out of the standby mode I can then put the modem into standby and will not be able to access the Internet. Now, I then can take the modem out of standby and I can then access the Internet WITHOUT rebooting my pc as you state. My modem probably is one of the better ones in that it resets itself I.P. wise when I reset it without my pc having to be rebooted. Thats another fact. If you wish I can give you the toll free number of my level 2 tech support guys and they will be more than willing to verify what I have just stated after telling me that I was correct in my knowledge of how the modem works.
    So, while this is a free country, a free forum, the general topic section of this forum, once again you have interjected something into one of my posts. That's alright, I don't mind a bit. Proves what I have said all along. But, when I know something about what I am talking about and someone comes into the conversation and more or less indicates I don't know what I have just talked about I will certaintly respond as I have here. Good to see your paying attention to my posts as always even when outside of your "Off Topic" part of the forum. 
     

[bob3160]

Neal
Since you've made it impossible for me to talk to you on a PM basis, you again force this ugly and unnecessary reply....
Why do you assume that every time some one posts anything in regard to something you've said, that it's an attack?
I didn't attack what you said only clarified what you said. No more, No less.
Stop interjecting things into my reply that aren't there.

[polonus]

Hi folks,

Nobody reading into each others words. I sti;ll have this question here. Why security people advize end-users to turn off there modems when they are not at home. What is the risk. OK. I understand that leaving your computer on and running, and you leave the house, is running certain risks. Somebody can dust your computer in a way you do not like.

greets,

polonus

[neal62]

Bob,

Life's a bummer isn't it? If you were trying to agree with what I said why didn't you just say I agree with what Neal said? I had already explained how my modem works with my cable company. Yes, that is correct. Anything you have to say to me will be here. Have a nice day.