The emerging of always-on connection will raise security concerns. These concerns have to do with the fact that no qualified administrator is handling security of home networks and user terminals. In case of always-on services these networks and terminal devices will be permanently exposed to a potential attack. Furthermore, they could also be used to launch attacks against other computers in the absence of proper protection. This issue should be tackled now, before DSL gets really widespread and a malicious attack happens that damages overall customer confidence and trust in the technology.

Hence, the forming question for this study is: What are the security implications of having an always-on connection to private and SOHO PCs and other terminal equipment (embedded web servers), and which support/security services could be provided to such users by their ISPs?

The study focuses on the security implications of always-on access with particular focus on the ADSL technology for home and SOHO users.

The study will aim at: