Internet Security Question

[ejquin]

Just curious if anyone has any experience with this situation:

I work out of my home mostly, and starting tomorrow my company will be paying for my internet access. I have broadband now through Time Warner. My company contacted me and asked me who I currently use. They then had to make sure that my current provider was an "approved provider" for my company. Now tomorrow someone from Time Warner is coming out to "convert my service" and I think they are giving me a new cable modem. This is good because I wont have to pay for broadband anymore, but bad because I'm worried about my security. Specifically if they will be able to monitor my internet usage. If so, is there anyway of getting around this (multiple firewalls, etc.).

Any help you can give would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Fast4Dr]

I've never heard of this before....are you sure the person coming is from Time Warner? I could see them sending a vendor to install a VPN/Firewall such as a Netscreen but the service and modem should be the same

Let us know what they install when they come

 

[AVB]

Of course, the ISP can monitor traffic but not necessarily content. If you are using a VPN then you are safe from the majority of what is out there. Nothing can stop the top level hackers so there really isn't any point in worrying about it. On the plus side you most likely don't do anything they're interested in anyway.

I'd like to know what you have installed also.

 

[Roseysman]

Could be because your moving up from a residential service to a business, IE: more bandwidth better speed. And possibly changeing what ever filters they have on your line plus ya might end up with a better modem then the Motorola Surfboards they give to us

 

[ejquin]

The person coming is from Time Warner, yes. They called to set up the appointment. I'll talk to the install guy when he comes and try to get th scoop. I'll let you guys know.

As a side note, I'm not overly concerned with "hackers." I currently have a firewall installed and have had no problems. What I'm worried about is my employer being able to see what sites I have visted. Kind of like when you surf the internet in the office. There they can usually see the sites you've been to. I'm wondering if now that they are providing the internet access if they would be able to monitor this in the same way. Of course I have nothing to hide , it's just a principals thing.

 

[bryan_h]

What OS are you using? If you are concerned about content monitoring, then create a user account that you only use for work. Chances are they will be creating a VPN for security between you and the office. Use your other user account for personal stuff and you shouldnt have a problem.
Bryan :thumbs:

 

[Muley]

Although your employer will be providig access in your home it is ILLEGAL for them to access your browsing records unless you specifically agree to it. The most they can do (LEGALLY) without your permission is request from you a record of your duty-related internet useage.

Unless, of course, you're in the military. Then, if they provide your access at home, (which is rare but does occassionally happen) they are allowed complete access. But, they don't usually take it, because they trust the people that are in position to receive this benefit.

 

[ejquin]

OK, the Time Warner guy came today and basically just swapped my modem for a different one. That was it. I just had heard some rumors in the past from other employees that I guess weren't true. The installer assured me that the only thing that could be seen from the outside would be bandwidth so I can still surf for porn. I mean news stories and stuff..