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Security

Firewalls

Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

What is a firewall?
A firewall is software that offers protection from unauthorized access to your computer and its contents. For more information about firewall security, visit your local computer retailer or contact your network administrator.

Where can I get firewall software?
You can get firewall software from most computer retailers, through an online search, or by visiting one of the firewall vendor Web sites provided below. Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

Windows (IBM® compatible)

Macintosh®

Virus Protection

Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

What is a computer virus?
A virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another program, computer boot sector or document.

  • Viruses can be transmitted as attachments to an e-mail or in a downloaded file, or be present on a diskette or CD.
  • The immediate source of the e-mail, downloaded file, or diskette you've received is usually unaware that it contains a virus.
  • Some viruses have an effect as soon as their code is executed; other viruses lie dormant until circumstances cause their code to be executed by the computer.
  • Some viruses are benign or playful in intent and effect (e.g., "Happy Birthday, Ludwig!"). Others can be quite harmful, erasing data or causing your hard disk to require reformatting.

What is a worm?
A worm is a virus that replicates itself by resending itself as an e-mail attachment or as part of a network message.

Where can I get anti-virus software?
You can get anti-virus software from most computer retailers, through an online search, or by visiting one of the anti-virus vendor Web sites provided below. Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

Windows (IBM compatible)

Macintosh

Spyware

Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

What is Spyware?
Spyware and Adware are software programs that gather information about you and your computer system without your consent or knowledge.

  • This information is commonly used to profile you for targeted advertising, but spyware can also gather important information such as e-mail addresses, passwords and credit card numbers.
  • Other forms of Spyware called “browser hijackers” redirect you to different Internet sites when you are surfing the Internet.

What are some of the symptoms of Spyware?
If you experience any of the following problems, you may have Spyware running on your computer:

  • Slow Web browsing or connection speeds
  • Computer runs slowly
  • Pop-up ads appear whether or not you are browsing the Internet
  • Your Web Browser homepage has changed or keeps changing
  • Web sites re-direct while browsing the Internet
  • Search toolbars appear in your Web Browser
  • New software that you did not install appears in your start menu or desktop

What can I do to protect myself from Spyware?
We recommend you remove this software from your computer. Removing the Spyware application will make your computer more secure, help protect your privacy and improve your overall computer performance.

How do I get more information or help?
For more information, help protecting your computer and removing Spyware, visit these sites:

Modem Security

Qwest is providing the information below for customer service and education purposes only. Qwest assumes no liability for use of such information.

Why do I need to protect my modem?
Protecting your modem secures your computer by prohibiting unauthorized access. To do this, Qwest recommends setting a modem password. This will protect important information including:

  • Modem configuration settings – If your settings are changed without your knowledge, your high-speed Internet connection will be disabled and you’ll need to reconfigure your modem.
  • Personal user names and passwords – If your ISP user name and password are improperly obtained by an intruder, the intruder can then impersonate you online.

How do I set up a modem password?
Detailed instructions for setting your modem password can be found in the user guide provided with your modem.