Don’t leave your virtual door open this summer

Published 5th August 2008

Wireless Internet users still not protecting themselves properly online

More and more people are seeing the benefits of wireless Internet access, but many are still not taking the proper precautions when it comes to security, warns broadband router specialist AVM, developer of the FRITZ!Box.

Despite two thirds of consumers saying that they are concerned about Internet security*, less than 25 per cent understand how to secure their computer properly and only seven per cent are using all of the security settings available to them, according to AVM.

Today, with broadband penetration standing at 57 per cent of households in Britain**, not securing their network is putting a huge number of consumers at risk – it’s the virtual equivalent of leaving the door or window open when you leave the house. And, with the level of online crime increasing year-on-year, the threats are growing in number and severity.

“You wouldn’t dream of going to the shops without locking all of your doors,” explained Matthew Tyler, country manager at AVM. “But, if you’re running a wireless network without adequate security, that’s effectively what you’re doing. People need to be aware of the risks and take the appropriate precautions – especially when they’re accessing the Internet wirelessly.”

AVM’s FRITZ!Box comes with security built in – a firewall that tracks all in and outgoing traffic and pre-configured wireless security settings – so users don’t have to worry about setting up and configuring their router to ensure it is secure. In addition, AVM’s Stick-&-Surf USB Stick connects a user’s computer to their FRITZ!Box WLAN with a unique auto-installation technology. This means even non-technical users can benefit from the highest levels of security, once only available to experts. The entire range of advanced security settings, including parental filters and wireless hours***, can be easily configured using a set-up wizard.

For more information about how to protect yourself online, please visit AVM’s security pages.

Notes to editors
* Ofcom, The Consumer Experience - Research Report 07, November 2007
** Ofcom, The Nations & Regions Communications Market, May 2008
*** The FRITZ!Box can be configured so that the wireless connection is only activated during certain hours