Next February 7th is celebrated "Safe Internet Day" and the first step to navigate protected begins with the type of connectivity we have. FTTH fiber is not the same as HFC, but we tend to always think of other aspects that stand out in one and the other and security should be paramount.
Investment for the expansion of FTTH fiber optic coverage is key. Not only because of the benefits it has in relation to speed, but also because it is the most secure type of connection against cyber attacks.
HFC is the most unsafe
Today there are still cable Internet connections that use a fiber optic backbone, but its wiring to the user's location is done through a TV coaxial cable, in the so-called HFC networks (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial Network).
Coaxial cables not only offer a smaller bandwidth, since this technology suffers interference caused by changes in voltage, temperature or other cables, as well as losses depending on the distance to the central station, but this makes the network more Vulnerable to potential hacker attacks.
HFC networks, being so massive today, are constantly exposed to possible security breaches, with vulnerabilities in this system being a problem. The security or vulnerability of the HFC network is determined by several factors.
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DOCSIS standard (1.x, 2.0 or 3.0)
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CMTS used in the headend with its security options and applications.
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Monitoring tools implemented by the operators.
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Connection parameters in the configuration file that is sent to the CM.
Fiber optics is the safest option
Contrary to the case of HFC coaxial cabling, fiber optic Internet is a more modern technology that is based on light transmission, in which the entire connection to the client is through fiber optics, considering FTTH (fiber to home).
Fiber optics provide the highest level of security among all existing connection types. There are a multitude of threats on the Internet, so it is essential that the main pillar we have, the type of connection, is with connectivity providers that offer perimeter protection as a minimum requirement to have a secure Internet network.
This technology makes it easier to detect when someone wants to illegally access information, thus preventing illegal connections from being made to steal the service. Also, if an attempt is made to physically manipulate the fiber optic network, a system failure occurs, and the attempted theft or data intervention is more easily detected.
Diego Martín, manager for EMEA of Furukawa Electric, defines it perfectly: “Our mission as manufacturers is to understand the needs of customers and understand the importance of making them feel secure when acquiring our cutting-edge technological solutions. Fiber optic cable is the fastest technology available today. On International Safe Internet Day we celebrate technological advances that allow users to be sure that their information is protected when sending and receiving data while creating a space in which we all make use of fiber optics. in a responsible, respectful and innovative way”.
