Common Issues that could cause Higher than Average Usage!!
Virus || Exploits ||
File Sharing || SpyWare ||
Wireless Broadcasts || Streaming Audio/Video
Virus
The most common cause of greater than average traffic is viruses. Many viruses these days will try to replicate
themselves by sending many email messages from your computer to random addresses on the internet. The message the
virus sends generally contains an attachment which causes usage to increase quickly.
OCIS suggests running a
virus scanner and keeping it up to date to ensure you are protected. An effective, FREE, third party virus scanner
that we are aware of is located at http://free.grisoft.com.
Exploits
Some operating systems have exploits or vulnerabilities which allow unauthorized people to gain limited access to
your PC and cause it to generate traffic without your approval. Keeping your operating systems up to date (via
Windows Update for Microsoft Windows users) will help to prevent this. Also, running a local software firewall will
help to protect your computer from these types of intruders. A FREE, third party local software firewall that OCIS
is aware of is called ZoneAlarm and can be found at http://www.zonelabs.com.
A better solution than the local firewall is to have a hardware firewall sit between your PC/network and your ADSL
modem. In fact, some newer ADSL modems have a hardware firewall and wireless broadcast built in. A hardware
firewall will ensure that your computer is not even on the internet. The router itself is connected to the internet
and acts as a 'proxy' or 'masquerade' gateway, passing requests from your PC to the internet and back again. You
would not notice any difference in the way the internet works for you but could rest easy in knowing that no
unauthorized access to your computer can be obtained via any exploit or vulnerability. Hardware firewalls, also
known as high-speed routers, can be purchased from pretty much any computer store and range roughly from $30 to
$100. Some common brands are D-Link and LinkSys.
File Sharing programs
File sharing programs such as Kaazaa, Bearshare, Morpheus and LimeWire allow users to search for desired files
(programs, pictures, songs, movies) and download them to their computer. The most common issue with these programs
is due to the misunderstanding regarding how the programs share these files. The first issue is with the shutdown of
these programs. Most people just 'click the little X' to close programs. Most file share programs stay running when
you 'click the little X'. They are no longer on your screen, but are still running on your computer and are allowing
others to download files from your PC and thus, generate traffic. Usually, there will be a small icon located at the
bottom right of the computer screen indicating the program is still running. Right hand mouse clicking on this icon
will usually present a menu that allows you to terminate the program.
The second issue with these types of programs is that people often do not realize that by default, if you have
downloaded a file, you have also left that file to be shared with other people until the program is terminated. For
example, if you download a song that is about 5Megs of space and do not shut your program down, other people can
share that file from you. If 5 other people share that 5Meg song from you, they will have generated an additional
25Megs of traffic on your account. Setting the program to limit sharing, remembering to terminate the program,
shutting down your computer or running a local software or a hardware firewall will help to prevent this from
happening.
Spyware
Spyware are small programs that get installed on your computer via various methods and are most likely unknown to
you. It is never made clear that these programs are getting installed, or that they are using your connection for
any purpose. This is why they are called spyware. You can think of them as little spies on your computer that are
sharing information such as your surfing habits or types of activities you perform with companies who will then use
that information to develop better internet marketing. There are a number of third party anti-spyware programs
available for download that will help rid your computer of some of these 'spies'. A couple of these third party
anti-spyware programs that OCIS has heard are effective and FREE (at least in trial) are located at http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/ or http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/spysweeper/
.
Wireless Broadcast Routers
A recent type of threat that has not yet become a problem, but something that customers should be aware of is the
potential for 'War Drivers' to find your wireless broadcast, hook onto it and use your internet connection without
your knowledge. This potential issue would only be relevant to you if you were using a wireless broadcast in your
home. It is not made very clear by the manufacturers or vendors of these wireless broadcasts that this security
issue exists and so customers do not make it a priority to secure their broadcasts. Following the instructions in
your wireless broadcast router installation manual regarding adding a WEP key will prevent 'War Drivers' from
attaching to your network and using traffic.
Streaming Audio/Video
Listening to internet radio stations or watching video or tv on the internet can generate large usage. This type
of activity allows users to have dynamic content 'streamed' from a website or program on their PC. A common
mistake customers make is to leave the stream running when they are not around. Another issue is if businesses
continually run the stream as entertainment for their customers throughout their business day. Our tests found
that 50 minutes of streaming from a station at 64k generated 25007423 bytes (~25Megs) inbound and less than 1 Meg
outbound. This type of traffic can add up very quickly.
If you have any further question or comments regarding any of these potentials for increased traffic, please contact
our Tech Support department by calling 250-376-3858 or by emailing support@ocis.net. We hope you have found this
information helpful in the prevention of excess traffic on your high speed internet account with OCIS
|