The information below relates to making your computer secure (firewalls). For information about home alarm systems (burglar alarms) while using Qwest DSL® services, click here. No computer system is completely secure when connected to the Internet regardless of the access network technology in use. However, there are steps you can take to better protect your computer and your data. If data security is important to you, and your computer contains confidential, highly sensitive, proprietary, or mission-critical data or you are hosting an Internet server, you may wish to purchase and install a "firewall." In addition to your data, this kind of protection can help you to avoid having your computer infected by malicious software such as viruses and worms. Use of firewalls, along with current anti-virus software, offer the greatest possible protection from unauthorized access to your computer and its contents and are available from computer and networking equipment retailers. For more information on firewall security, please visit one of the following web sites: Qwest Customer Protection: Computer and Internet Protection Information Internet Firewalls: Federal Trade Commission* Internet Firewalls: CERT® Coordination Center* *Qwest is not associated in any way with these organizations and is not responsible for the accuracy of information at their websites. In addition to the firewall technology, there are a few easy-to-implement steps that you can take to lessen the potential for security breaches of your computer and your important personal data when you connect to the Internet. These steps are described below. As you can see in the diagram above, your PC or LAN (Local Area Network) connection to the Internet may be protected at three distinct levels: (1) modem security, (2) computer operating system security, and (3) physical system security. Configuration and additional equipment and/or software (at an additional cost) may be required to achieve such protection. Modem Security addresses protecting the valuable data residing in your Qwest DSL™ modem. It does not address the protection of your personal information and files residing in your computer. Computer Operating System Security describes several methods for protecting your personal files, applications, and computer operating system. Physical System Security identifies several reliable solutions to avoid unauthorized access and illegal intrusions into your computer equipment. NOTE: Qwest is providing the above information as a customer service for educational purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for the use of this information and does not guarantee that following the recommendations will provide appropriate security.