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January 23rd, 2010 | 
Author: Enabling a safer internet: The positive approach to
web security
a safer internet: the positive approach to web security
One newly infected webpage is discovered every 4.5 seconds.
Web-based malware: the new weapon
With one new web page infected every 4.5 seconds,1 the web is now the number one vector of attack for cybercriminals. Taking advantage of web infrastructure vulnerabilities, particularly the ever-increasing
capability for user-submitted content, hackers are able to covertly inject malicious code into
more and more legitimate sites. This web-based malware is then able to exploit social engineering
tactics or browser vulnerabilities to infect visitors, the intention being to surreptitiously steal
confidential information directly, install further malicious code or, worse, silently recruit the host
system into a botnet – a network of hijacked computers for distributing further malware,
spyware, or spam.
Thousands of systems are infected in this way every day and the activity is particularly lucrative
for the criminals – a single compromised computer can give access to thousands of confidential
records. This significant security risk can be extremely costly to businesses, with some
estimates for a data breach estimated at millions, and even billions, of dollars.
In addition to significant security and financialrisks, organizations are having to deal with the legal implications of security breaches. Organizations can be legally liable if their computers are used to view pornography or hate material or to incite illegal behavior. There are also ramifications if users violate third-party licenses through illegal MP3, film and software downloads.
At the same time uncontrolled web browsing can have serious productivity implications with unauthorized surfing potentially causing network slowdown, staff inefficiency and further security (and legal) risk if sensitive company or personal data is posted online.
Exploiting legitimate, trusted brands
Hackers don’t tend to discriminate between websites. Large, more established brands with high traffic volumes are very attractive to cybercriminals but smaller organizations are equally likely to fall victim. The only criterion is
that the website has vulnerabilities that the hacker can exploit. The techniques used continue to evolve rapidly and this paper now looks at what the hackers are up to today.
Enabling safer surfing: The positive approach to
web security
Enabling a safer internet: the positive approach to web security
Infecting trusted sites with SQL injection attacks
One of the main threats comes from SQL injection attacks. Such attacks exploit security vulnerabilities
and insert malicious code (in this case script tags) into the database running a site. When user input,
for instance via a web form, is not correctly filtered or checked, the code peppers the database with
malicious instructions.
Websites that have been attacked in this way include:
BusinessWeek magazine – one of the 1000 busiest websites – which attempted to download malware from a Russian-based server.
An area of the Adobe website designed to offer support to video bloggers, which tried to
download spyware.
Sony’s US PlayStation website, putting visitors at risk from a scareware attack.
Recovery from a SQL injection attack can be difficult, and there are numerous cases of website
owners cleaning up their database only to be hit again a few hours later.
New gateways for cybercrime
The new freedoms opened up by the web, blurring the lines between work and social interaction and
offering easy ways to share information, have opened up new loopholes for cybercriminals to
exploit.
Social networking sites
A favorite target for today’s hackers are social networking websites. People who have learned to
be suspicious of email links are on the whole less savvy about links posted on Facebook and the
like. Hackers have found value in compromising Facebook accounts, stealing usernames and
passwords, and then using the profiles as a launching pad for mass-distributing malware
attacks and spam.
In August 2008, Facebook admitted that up to 1800 users had had their profiles defaced by an attack that secretly installed a Trojan while displaying an animated graphic of a court jester blowing a raspberry.7
One particularly active threat is Koobface, a family of worms, and its rapid evolution demonstrates
the wide range of social networks that are vulnerable. Initially targeting Facebook and MySpace, Koobface now targets a more diverse set of social networks, including MySpace, Bebo, hi5, GeoCities, Friendster and Tagged.
The malware works by directing your “friends” on your social networking site to click on a link to another site
purporting to contain a video clip. If they are tricked into downloading an executable to watch the video at the third-party website, a message is displayed: “Error installing Codec. Please Contact Support”. The malware then accesses Facebook/MySpace/etc to spread itself further.
The websites to which victims are directed use a script to check which of these social networking
sites has sent them there. The aim is to serve up malware specifically tailored to the networks of which you’re known to be a member (though in fact to date these links all result in the same executable).
Blogs, micro-blogs and hackers
Hackers are also targeting other social media such as blogs. In much the same way that they set up malicious pages on fake websites and then use social engineering techniques to lure visitors to them, they are using free blogging services to infected blogs. Unsuspecting victims then receive emails with links to the blog, from which
malicious software is downloaded.
A Sophos white paper Enabling a safer internet: the positive approach to web security
At the same time, vulnerabilities in common legitimate blogging platforms – just like any other platform – can be, and are, exploited by criminals.
Of note is the micro-blogging site, Twitter, which has begun to be targeted. In January 2009, Twitter’s internal systems were hacked and the accounts of Britney Spears, Fox News and Barack Obama, among others, were broken into.11 Two months later hundreds of Twitter users were hit when messages were sent from compromised
accounts trying to drive traffic to a pornographic website.
The spread of the phishing net
Phishing attacks – whereby unsuspecting users are directed to to a bogus login page which requests
their username and password – continue to be a significant threat.
A common misconception is that phishing is just a banking problem. It remains, of course, a banking
problem but it is now also a problem for social networking sites, such as MySpace, Facebook, Bebo and a wide range of other networks and
enterprises.
A handful of examples from February and March 2009 alone demonstrate the scale of the problem.
Google A phishing campaign spread via the Google Talk chat system.13
iStockphoto a phishing attack was perpetrated across iStockphoto’s online forums and via the
site’s mail system.14
Gaming community The Valve Steam network was targeted by a phish offering add-ons for the
new zombie shooter Left 4 Dead.15
Paypal An unusual type of phishing attack spammed out malware within a RAR attachment.16
HMRC The passing of the deadline for submitting tax returns to HM Revenue & Customs in the UK prompted a phish.17
The risks posed by anonymizing proxies
Many organizations have responded to the growing web threat by using URL filtering to curtail
internet browsing. This has motivated many users to respond by using anonymizing proxies which disguise the true nature of a website in order to trick an organization’s web filter into allowing access.
Anonymizing proxies are big business in the underground economy, driven by advertising revenues and subscription fees. Hundreds of new anonymizing proxies are created daily and distributed via blogs, forums, and dedicated
websites. There is also a growing number of unknown private anonymizing proxies setup and maintained by individuals or small groups for their own use. This makes it extremely easy for users to access any site they want through an anonymizing proxy, but a difficult, tedious, and time-consumingtask for administrators to track and block them.
Anonymizing proxies hold significant risks for organizations:
Security: If users are browsing via anonymizing proxies, then in addition to bypassing URL filtering, they might also be circumnavigating content scanning at the perimeter, which dramatically increases the chance of infection.
There are even anonymizing proxies that are themselves, either accidentally or deliberately,
infected with malware.
Anonymizing proxies bypass URL filtering and create enormous security vulnerabilities.
a safer internet: the positive approach to web security
Liability: Unrestricted access to inappropriate
material or illegal downloads could have
serious legal ramifications for an organization,
as could the sharing of confidential information
over the internet.
Productivity: The ability for users to bypass
their organization’s web filter means they
could spend all day on, for example, social
networking sites rather than working, and
consume valuable network bandwidth.
The three pillars of modern web protection
Internet access creates a dilemma for network administrators – on the one hand, the risks presented by allowing unfettered access to the web are enormous, yet the internet is undeniably becoming a mission-critical business tool. Social networking sites, blogs, forums and media portals have all become important instruments for employee recruitment, viral marketing, public relations, customer interaction, and research – they cannot be blocked without seriously impacting business productivity and effectiveness.
A new approach to web security and control is required that fully supports the needs of business,
equipping users with the tools they need to be more effective while eliminating the associated risks of potential infection from trusted legitimate sites. In addition to good preventive practices, such as rigorous patching and educating users about the risks of browsing, it is vital that organizations implement a comprehensive web
security solution, comprising three key pillars of protection:
-
Reputation-based filtering
-
Real-time predictive malware filtering
-
Content-based filtering.
Reputation-based filtering
Reputation-based filters are the first critical component in the fight against web-based threats.
They prevent access to a catalog of sites that are known to have hosted malware or other
unwanted content, by filtering URLs based on their reputation as “good” or “bad”, and are
an established and proven tool for successfully protecting against already known and located
web-based threats. As well as providing this basic form of preventive protection, they help optimize
network performance and staff productivity by blocking access to illegal, inappropriate or nonbusiness-
critical web content.
Although traditional URL filters often connect to vast, regularly updated databases of sites known to host malware or suspicious content, they have several significant shortcomings. In particular, they offer no protection against malware hosted on legitimate, previously safe, sites that have become hijacked. Neither do they protect against malware
on newly created websites. Cybercriminals are well aware of, and readily exploit, the fact that traffic from these sites is not blocked and that malware, whether new or old, will be allowed into an organization.
Another significant shortcoming of traditional URL filters is that they often lack an effective solution
to deal with the enormous issue of anonymizing proxies. To prevent users from bypassing filtering
controls, the following two components are critical in forming a defense against anonymizing proxy use:
A reputation-based service that actively seeks out new anonymizing proxies as they are
published and updates the filtering database at frequent, regular intervals
A real-time proxy detection engine that automatically inspects traffic for signs that it’s being routed through a proxy, effectively closing the door on private proxies or other proxies not identified through the reputation service.
A Sophos white paper Enabling a safer internet: the positive approach to web security
Real-time predictive malware filtering
Real-time predictive malware filtering goes a long way to closing the gap left by reputationbased filters. All web traffic passes through a scanner designed to identify both known and newly emerging zero-day malware. The malware
engine is optimized for low-latency scanning and whenever a user accesses a website, irrespective
of its reputation or category, the traffic is scanned using a combination of signatures and behaviorbased
technologies.
It is worth noting that this type of real-time scanning has a further advantage over traditional URL filters, in that the filtering is, almost by definition, bi directional – both the user request to, and information returning from, the web server are scanned. In addition to detecting known malware as it moves across legitimate sites, this
bi-directional filtering can also provide protection against new threats regardless of where they are
hosted.
The use of real-time predictive threat filtering remains uncommon amongst many of the leading web filtering security solutions in the market today. Many security vendors are currently relying on signatures alone. Others who are fairly recent entrants to the market claim comprehensive solutions but lack the evidence to prove they are
delivering fully proactive protection.
Content-based filtering
Content-based filtering analyzes all web traffic on the network to determine the true filetype of content coming back from a website and can allow or disallow this traffic, based on corporate policy.
Key questions to ask a prospective vendor
Does the URL database used for your reputation-based filtering have global
coverage?
How frequently is your product updated to cover new threats?
How many new threat-hosting sites are identified daily?
Do you scan all incoming traffic for malware in real-time?
Do you use your own technology for malware scanning or rely on third-parties?
Is your malware scanning engine signature-based or does it use behavioral analysis?
Is there an additional cost for real-time malware filtering?
Is there a performance impact for real-time malware filtering?
How many anonymizing proxies do you catalog daily?
Does your solution identify anonymizing proxy use in real time?
Do you analyze the true content of files, or rely on the extension or the MIME-type?
Do you scan HTTPS-encrypted traffic?
Can you demonstrate real research expertise in web threats?
Do you have independent statistics of your proactive web threat detection rates?
Can I see a demo of the admin console to see how easy it is to use?
Are there on-board monitors to track software, hardware and traffic health?
How are issues reported to the administrator? Via email? Via phone call?
Do you provide real-time uptime monitoring to assure the system is available 24/7?
Conclusion
Every minute of every day, cybercriminals are looking to exploit web traffic for commercial
gain, and since web browsing is integral to most businesses’ day-to-day activities, the web gateway
must be equipped with a security solution that enables business and users to be productive while
providing the security essential to ensure a risk-free experience.
Organizations looking to protect against the growing threat of web-based malware need a
solution that above all demonstrates its security attributes and combines powerful site and content
controls with low-impact, effective administration.
At the same time end-user expectations and requirements for speed, efficiency, and open access to the tools and sites they need must be met. Solutions which fail to meet these demands for security, control, performance, and accessibility will ultimately fail the organization.
Content filters scan the actual content of a file, rather than simply looking at the file extension or
the MIME-type reported by the web server, and so can identify and block files that are masquerading
as innocent/allowed filetypes but really contain unauthorized content. A file might, for example,
have a .TXT extension but in fact be an executable file.
By enabling enforcement of only business type content, this pillar of protection enables organizations to create policies around a variety of content types that can be used to send malware, thereby reducing the risks of infection.
For example Windows executables or screensavers might be disallowed. Content-based filtering also improves
bandwidth optimization by blocking large or resource-hungry content, such as streaming video.
User education as a tool for defense
Many businesses have successfully educated users about how to spot email-borne threats, and while
the fight against web-based threats relies much more heavily on sophisticated technology, users can and should be engaged in the fight.
Many firms already have procedures in place that define which websites are considered appropriate, but few have updated these to include guidance on how to avoid infection whilst surfing the net.
A good policy will dictate that:
Employees must never open spam emails
Employees must never click on links included in emails sent from unknown senders
IT must ensure that the organization’s web browsers are patched at all time
Employees should minimize their non work-related browsing for both security and productivity reasons.
This article was provided by Sophos and is reproduced here with their full permission. Sophos provides full data protection services including: security software, encryption software, antivirus, and malware. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/enabling-a-safer-internet-1456810.html<
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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is continuously providing assistance to public libraries across the United States through Opportunity Online program. The philanthropic organization’s grants cover installation and improvement of Internet access to help provide high-quality, fast, and free online connection to specific computer workstations and centers in public libraries, which in turn are used by many people.
Opportunity Online is granting assistance in the form of funding, technical support, and associated training for at least two years per public library. This program is primarily focused on assisting public libraries that are in turn serving bigger populations. Public libraries that are almost vulnerable to having obsolete technology are prioritized. Eligible libraries should at the same time be able to secure funding commitments before receiving any grant from the program. This is to make sure there is appropriate community support for maintenance of computer upgrades.
It is estimated that about 40% of the US population are still not enjoying Internet access at their homes. Thus, public libraries are serving and facilitating critical link between users and technology, especially to many who are not able to afford getting Internet access services on their own. It is not surprising that currently, millions of Americans are using Internet through public libraries in different purposes like earning long-distance education degrees, starting and advancing small businesses, finding critical information on jobs, learning better English, getting e-government services and information, and many more.
Most public libraries are applying for potential grants from Opportunity Online because Internet access has really become among the most essential services that are required by people. Library administrators assert that their facilities must be able to maintain technology tools to help more people access and use information and services offered online.
However, there are still many concerns and requirements that many public libraries should address as they start and keep facilitating Internet access to numerous users. First, the average 256 KBPS connection to Internet network has to be ramped up. At present, most libraries that are capable to connect online are not able to support bandwidth traffic activities like MP3 downloading (for sound and video files), video-streaming, and other forms of interactive communication.
Opportunity Online could commit to investing in public libraries’ connectivity, training, research, and even advocacy. The program could not in any way fully takeover or fund what public libraries need. That is why aside from Opportunity Online grants, libraries should also secure other support from local governments and non-government organizations in their communities. The program is set to only jumpstart the initiative. In the long run, public libraries are expected to be able to support their online services on their own.
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, based in Seattle, is working to help many people lead productive, comfortable, and healthy lives. The organization is guided accordingly by the belief that every single life has real and equal value. Within developing countries, the foundation is focused on helping people improve their health and providing opportunities for them to stay out of hunger and burden from possible extreme poverty. In the US, the foundation seeks to make sure all people get the ability to seize opportunities to succeed. That is why providing Internet access is one of the priority projects of the organization.
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Staying online could now be more possible, especially for people who are always on the go. Internet access is now made more convenient and easier with the advent of third-generation technology, which is massively used currently across the mobile telephone industry. Third generation technology or 3G is known for facilitating Internet connection through mobile phone networks.
If there is no Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) or wired Internet connection in an area, there could be a possibility that there is 3G signal, especially in urban centers. To date, more and more people are using 3G mobile broadband because the technology is getting more popular and is being facilitated by a greater number of mobile carriers across the globe. The technology is carried through cellular data networks, which make it more accessible than any other Internet access forms.
3G access to the Internet is widespread but it is still not ubiquitous. While the service could be available in most urban centers, some carriers are providing the technology across several rural areas. Internet access without 3G could still be possible through cellular data networks through 2G, GPRS, or other earlier mobile network technologies.
To be able to receive and utilize 3G signal for Internet access, there are special devices and handy modems that are used. In many cases, such devices are tied exclusively to particular 3G services of carriers. They are small and are lightweight; some even weigh as light as less than a pound. Because the devices are small, they could be conveniently carried wherever a user goes, whenever.
There are even notebook computers and laptops that are manufactured with built-in cellular or 3G modems. For laptops that do not offer the feature as a standard, the modems could be an optional upgrade. Like in most 3G devices, these built-in modems in several laptop models are also tied to specific 3G services of certain mobile carriers. In most cases, such 3G connection requires entering into one-year or two-year locked-in contracts, with specific monthly fees that average $40.
Some carriers offer 3G Internet access through prepaid schemes. This way, online connectivity is charged per minute, per 30 minutes, or even per hour. Some products offer Internet 3G access on a daily basis. In comparison to regular dial-up, DSL, and other fixed broadband services, Internet access via 3G could still be considered as relatively costly. Mobile carriers assert that it still could not be possible to drop prices due to high technology and operational costs.
Aside from the 3G devices and built-in modems in laptops, 3G Internet access could be facilitated through mobile phones, especially those models that are capable of using 3G and of tethering. Tethering is the process of connecting to the Internet through mobile phones, which serve as practical and actual wireless Internet modems. The data could be connected to the laptop or computer wirelessly or through a special cable. Many users are now using their mobile phones as 3G Internet modems, but the technology could still be considered relatively expensive.
3G as a technology for facilitating Internet access is getting more popular. It is expected that in the coming years, wide and massive use of the technology and intense competition among carriers could help bring down the costs. For now, Internet access via 3G could be useful and reliable for people who need temporary and outdoor connectivity. For heavy users, broadband and wired services could still be more advisable.
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These days, the Internet is considered as a very basic and necessary tool that facilitates socialization, entertainment, business, and even usual daily chores. It is just unimaginable how life could be without online connectivity. Have you ever pictured out what could possibly happen if ever Internet access is locked down?
To be able to illustrate and visualize a scenario that could arise from an online access lockdown, it would be helpful if what happened in Xinjiang province in China could be looked at. During the first week of July 2009, the Chinese government blocked Internet access in all of Xinjiang. The measure was a form of security action after an alleged Muslim ethnic minority grouped used social networking sites and instant messaging programs to plan, implement, and conduct a series of violent attacks against a Han Chinese ethnic majority group.
After about 200 people were killed and around 1,600 were injured, China said it decided to prevent further spread of violent riots through blocking Internet access in the entire province. For several weeks, there was no form of Internet connection in the area. The measure was effective as the violent attacks apparently subsided. But it took sometime before Internet access was restored because the government had to make sure several groups would not resume to using online media to perpetuate crime against other people and groups.
What was the major implication of the lockdown? In general, the action crippled and slowed down operations of most local companies, specifically those that rely on online operations. Businessmen and firms were left worried for a few weeks about when Internet access could resume. The result: many local businesses incurred major losses, some even were threatened to close shops for good.
In a non-democratic nation like China, Internet access is useful mainly for business purposes, although some people are able to use the media for entertainment albeit at certain restrictions and censorship. Because most companies are heavily reliant on the Internet for basic operations, there was a disaster when online media was cut down. Most business transactions were prevented and blocked.
Many smaller firms are basically e-businesses. Logically, they are the most affected by such government action. Big companies could somehow take cushion on several weeks of losses and impairment of operations. But many smaller e-companies could be threatened to fold businesses altogether. If the lockdown spelled disaster in China, could you imagine how worse the situation could be if it happened in the US, in Europe, or in other countries and cities where people and businesses are all heavily reliant on the Internet?
Is an internet lockdown possible in other countries? This could be a subject of debate. In general, most free and democratic nations are ruling out the possibility. But a total blockage of Internet access could still be possible if problems arise and affect infrastructure and physical lines. In other countries, an online lockdown could be caused by disasters and natural calamities.
Thus, it is important that businesses establish good and reliable contingency measures to counter possible setbacks if Internet access is disabled. It could be a difficult situation to get into, but it is always a possibility. While the online media is helpful and is really important, users should learn how to conduct operations continuously even when the Internet runs out.
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The United States government is reinforcing its plans to make high-speed Internet access more available and affordable to every citizen of the country. A $787 billion economic stimulus bill the federal government has signed for 2009 would include a $7.2 billion budget to fund the national broadband initiative. The Federal Communications Commission, the agency tasked to take responsibility in spearheading the project, is all set to implement efforts for the project.
US President elect Barrack Obama has made the broadband nationalization project part of his priorities, as promised during the presidential campaign of 2008. This way, the government is hoping Internet access would be made more possible, more affordable, and more convenient even across underserved areas in the country. Affordable and reliable high-speed Internet seems to be part of a more important economic platform the Obama administration is gearing for.
The US government looks at high-speed Internet access as a successful and potential driver of the country’s economic growth in the short- to long-term. When the US Congress assigned the FCC to develop a national broadband plan, it emphasized that the action is aimed at accelerating economic growth. It is hopeful and is certain that a more developed broadband Internet infrastructure in the US could help create more good-paying jobs, spur better and more useful innovations, and effectively connect small businesses to make them even more competitive and progressive.
A well-developed Internet facility across the nation is also seen as essential for improvement of educational opportunities, better delivery of healthcare, and further revamping of basic operations of fire fighters and police, who could rely on improved communications for better implementation and enforcement of overall public safety and orderliness. At the same time, cleaner energy at basically lower costs could also be made more possible.
US citizens are expected to get involved in the national broadband rolling out and development process. In the third to last quarter of 2009, FCC is set to host national discussions and forums to tackle the design of the national Internet access plan. Such talks would be open for the public participation through actual meetings in designated centers and even online.
The government is expecting the public to describe the broadband needs and requirements of their communities. They are also expected to air aspirations and hopes for the improvement and better implementation of the National Broadband plan. This way, the US government is helping itself make sure that no sector or communities in the country would be left behind prior to rolling out of effective broadband infrastructure.
For its part, FCC as a bureau is tasked of taking a pivotal role for the promotion of competition, innovation, investment, and job creation across the national wireless sector. The agency has set up its own specialized team to provide expertise and additional support for seizing the opportunity as the US aims to take the lead in global mobile communications. Throughout the year, and prior to actual launch and implementation of the project, FCC is set to conduct more preparatory initiatives to further set the stage for the national broadband effort.
It is expected that the US government would succeed in creating a more reliable and better online infrastructure. Soon, Internet access anywhere in the country would not be a problem anymore. It could only take several months.
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Internet access is one of the most important services provided by telecommunication firms all around the world these days. That is because people need to get online to do several important and necessary transactions. Online, consumers could shop, watch movies, download sounds and files, do banking transactions, reserve air and hotel tickets, join raffles, and do absolutely any other activities that used to be done personally.
Through the years, Internet access and connection has evolved. Now, there are many ways to connect to the online media. Internet access could be done through more than one way. People could use dial-up, wireless, Wi-Fi, mobile, or broadband connections. Here are basic and comprehensive descriptions of such types of Internet connection.
Dial-up connections — This is definitely the most basic and common type of online connection. It is provided by Internet service providers. Practically, dial-up connection is the least expensive and slowest of all Internet connections. This type is able to connect users to the online media through a local server that uses a standard modem (56 kilobits per second). The process is quite simple, but relatively tedious. The computer and its modem dial a designated telephone number (provided by specific ISP or telephone line provider). Upon connection, Internet access is enabled. To some online users, dial-up connection is almost obsolete and useless because of the emergence of faster and more sophisticated types of connections.
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines — This is an early form of broadband online connection that could provide varying data transfer rates. Internet connection works through splitting functions of a basic phone line into several separate channels for data and voice calls. Thus, any user could use the phone while being connected to the Internet, an action that is impossible in regular dial-up connections. DSL or direct service line online services are common these days and are available at different and preferred configurations.
Cable Internet — Through the years, conventional cable television has been preferred all around the world because of its ability to transfer clear and excellent television signals. These days, cables are also used for Internet connectivity. Some TV cable firms also offer cable Internet as a side service, while there are some businesses that primarily and singly offer cable Internet. This type of connection is well preferred because more data are conveyed at faster rates through the cable lines, especially the fiber optic types. Usually, speed and prices of cable Internet services overlap those of DSL. Cable Internet access currently targets high-end users who are willing to pay a premium.
Wi-Fi — Most Internet users now prefer to connect online via Wi-Fi. This is because this type of connection is wireless, is fast, and is very convenient. You do not have to be home to access Wi-Fi Internet. All you have to do is to find a ‘hotspot’ (designated places that provide Wi-Fi Internet access) and connect your laptop for free (in some cases through certain fee structures). Most commercial establishments these days (like malls, gyms, parking lots, campuses, libraries, caf
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Are you paying for an Internet access at home, at the office, or wherever you travel? It is always fun and wonderful to be connected online because you could do basic and important transactions. It is always good to be able to check email regularly, chat with friends real time, and read urgent and important news wherever, wherever. You do not have to be confined to your home these days to be able to enjoy online access.
As you know, Internet access is not cheap. The traditional dial-up connection could be reasonable and less costly, but it takes so much patience and perseverance to use it. It is very slow that it could not facilitate downloading bigger files. Several online activities and services could also be not possible. Thus, you are left but to use DSL, broadband, or other faster connecting and more powerful online connections. You would surely enjoy faster speed and you would be able to do more online tasks, but fees are bigger in comparison.
It is better if you would be able to maximize your Internet access. Most online services these days are provided without limitations; hence, you could use them 24/7 without incurring additional fees and charges. They are having fixed costs. It would be practical and ideal if you would make use of the service to the fullest. Aside from the common online activities, why not use the connection to earn extra income?
You have probably heard about people who make money online. Some buy and sell products and services, others earn from advertising and affiliate marketing, while several earn through creating and designing Websites. If you are spending idle hours doing nothing online, why not be productive and use the connection for you to be able to earn extra income? The Internet offers a wide array of opportunities and chances.
Are you a good marketer? You should realize that the Internet is now a good venue for marketing, distributing, and selling products and services. Most marketers prefer to do transactions online because of convenience and security. Who would not like the idea of having to sell and market just by being at home? Many consumers and buyers of goods and services now prefer to transact online. Affiliate marketing helps some marketers earn more money just by selling products for other people and marketers. Try it as it is becoming a good alternative source of money online.
Are you good at conceptualizing and writing content? Why not put up your own Website or blog? These days, Websites earn if there are many online users that regularly visit such sites. This applies the basic principles of advertising. The more interesting and popular your Website becomes, the more likely is it to attract heavy advertisers, who are willing to pay just to promote or sell their products and services. Starting up a blog could help you get on track. Many bloggers now earn extra income.
You could sell your skills and services online. If you are a great writer, layout artist, web designer, or Internet marketer, you could advertise yourself through joining forums and circulating emails. There are so many opportunities and possibilities. Just be determined to maximize your Internet access and for sure, in no time, you would be able to make your investment worth it.
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Gone are the days when you have to endure being off-limits and unreachable as you travel hundreds to thousands of miles via airplane. In the past, nobody thought Internet access while on board a plane could be possible. Now, it is not just a target or an aim. Internet connection in airplanes is now among the newest features and add-on services of air carriers.
Major global airlines are now offering Internet access even while planes are flying. Air carriers are entering into partnership with wireless Internet access providers to provide online connection to people who are on board. The technology is still a new one, but it is one that is fast gaining popularity. Many passengers have been complaining about not being able to access Internet while on flights. Now, those complaints could be all gone.
Many businessmen hate long-haul trips not because of the tediousness and long hours of travel but because they are missing a lot. Some business people prefer to stay online even while away from the office to be able to monitor goings-on in the workplace and to retrieve important data and information. Most of them also want to stay connected via email and online messaging services. Now, no matter how far and how long air travel could get, there is no excuse for not being able to stay online.
While during the 1990s, further improvements in telephone communications was the focus of customer and industry interests, the new millennium has shifted the focus to better Internet access. To date, mobile Internet access has become really popular after being widely deployed particularly at ground level. From there, telecom and air navigation industries are now focusing at offering mobile online connectivity even on a moving plane.
The need for Internet access while on board airplanes come as modern air travelers acknowledge their necessities to acquire more than the simple voice services they usually get to be able to connect to the world even while on journey. Web access provide more complex information-based services like emailing, virtual private networking, and instant messaging to be able to secure reliable access to corporate networks.
How was it made possible? The first and initial phases of the effort involved inter-twined ground access wireless towers. But because this strategy does not yield satisfactory and good results, plus there are limitations on long-haul flights, another way of online connection was sought. Now, most Internet access providers on flights use different satellite services for online transmission. Through using routers and Wi-Fi connection facilities, airplanes are now made online, anyone with a laptop could log online anytime he wants and needs to.
Is the service costly? Because the feature is still new in the airline industry, additional charges of about an average $13 is imposed for anyone who voluntarily applies for the service. Most airlines could still not waive the cost and offer the service for free because Internet access through satellite systems is costing them much. It is said that if not because of the further intensifying competition, airlines would not resort to offering Internet access in flights.
However, the usefulness and reliability could not be underestimated. Internet access provided by planes is really among the most popular, sought-after, and well-raved about features and services offered by airlines and Internet service providers. Many more airlines are expected to follow suit and start offering in-flight Web access.
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A 2009 study has estimated that actual worth of benefits brought about by broadband Internet access to Americans reached more than $32 billion in 2008. The research, conducted by industry experts Robert Willig, Mark Dutz, and Jonathan Orszag, was aimed at quantifying and scaling the actual usefulness and advantages of fast online connectivity to most regular Internet users. It was based on the observation that almost all important transactions could now be facilitated online.
The $32 billion figure was derived through considering several important factors. It was found that actual valuation imposed by consumers to their broadband services totaled $60 billion. From the figure, actual amount of access costs for the year was deducted, which was $28 billion. The $32 billion figure is obviously significant and enormous.
Findings of the study and the estimate reveals that broadband Internet access is currently considered a basic necessity among US citizens. Many households now consider Internet connection as among the necessary utilities. This is not surprising because as mentioned, almost all important transactions could be facilitated through the Internet. People could now shop, reserve tickets, do research, get entertainment, and do almost anything imaginable online.
What are the basic benefits from Internet access aside from those mentioned? Consumers find the online media beneficial especially when they are transacting for education, work, health care, communication, news, civic affairs, and entertainment. In fact, many companies are now heavily investing to further strengthen their online market foothold. This is because almost all significant businesses are now online, as many consumers now prefer to transact businesses online as well.
The same research has found that adoption of home broadband services has increased to about six times since 2001. In 2008, about 66.6 million households were having regular broadband Internet connection, from just about 10.4 million households in 2001. The drastic rise is very obvious. No other emerging technology has been warmly accepted in American households like broadband Internet access. Dial-up and other inferior Internet access connections were even excluded in the figure.
In line with this, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan has allotted $7.2 billion for further development and improvement of the current broadband Internet infrastructure in the country. The body has entrusted the amount to the US Federal Communications Commission, which is currently developing its massive national broadband strategy. The project is aimed at furthering empowering the government to establish a partnership with private sector in helping deliver better, faster, and more reliable Internet access to more household across the US.
The proponents of the study asserted that the research was able to meet its goals, which was to quantify recent growth in value of broadband Internet access, as seen and perceived by American consumers and users. The study was the first one that dealt with this quantification. The $32 billion estimate for annual Internet access benefits to consumers is expected to further rise in the coming years.
Many analysts and observers note that Internet access and infrastructure in the US is not as developed and as strong as its counterparts in certain countries in Europe. However, because of the fact that Americans are heavy Internet users, market observers believe the US government would not let local Internet infrastructure lag behind. This of course is good news to most American consumers who are into using broadband Internet access for basic transactions.
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Internet access is considered one of the most basic and important necessities in life these days. People use the online media to facilitate some of the most important and useful transactions these days. Internet access has become so important that it is now hard to imagine life and businesses without the Internet. Have you ever imagined a world where Internet access is considered a basic human right?
The United Nations is currently pushing to make countries consider Internet access as a human right. The organization made the push when it started calling for universal access to important and basic information and communication services at the assembly of UN Administrative Committee on Coordination during the onset of the 21st century. The UN seems really determined to make it happen. Aside from that initial move, in 2003, it also pushed for the same cause when it addressed delegates of the World Summit on Information Society.
Have you heard of countries that already acted on the call? Currently, France, Estonia, and Greece have enacted and enforced laws that make Internet access as a human right. This surprises other nations, but for consumers who know how important and useful online media is, it is just about time. Many observers, analysts, and advocates are waiting for the time more other countries follow suit. It is expected that in no time, many other nations and governments would do likewise.
Millions of consumers and online users are logging online everyday to use and enjoy the services offered across the Internet. As the number of online users rise, so is the number of Websites that are currently operational. It is estimated that every hour, tens of new online sites are being developed and rolled out. Most businesses these days are putting up and strengthening their online presence.
What could consumers do while online? As mentioned, basic transactions could now be conducted and completed through the Internet. People could shop for clothes, collectors’ items, foods, gadgets, appliances, furniture, jewels, and just about anything through the Internet. Specific online sites could also sell concert, movie, plane, and even ferry tickets. Aside from shopping, people could also do basic banking transactions online, like depositing and transferring of funds.
What’s more? Entertainment could easily be accessed online. Some movies, videos, news streams, and amateur clips could be downloaded through the Internet. Computer applications and software could be electronically sold, sent, and downloaded online as well. Booking and reservations for accommodations in other cities and countries could also be done. Whatever transaction, it seems that the Internet could now make it possible for anyone to complete activities and payments online.
Internet access is made for convenience. Now, people do not have to leave their homes to buy anything. Online shopping sites could facilitate online buying and selling of goods and services. To most consumers, this could translate to big savings in time, in efforts, and in money. It is just not surprising why many users and consumers turn to the Internet for basic services and transactions.
If many people are now enjoying the usefulness and advantage of the online media, why would others be spared from enjoying the same perks and functionalities? If Internet access would successfully be made a human right, more people would surely enjoy and use it for their own benefit.
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