Vulnerabilities of ISPs

The evolution of networks and the exponential increase of subscribers on the Internet have toughened the role of Internet service providers (ISPs). The widely held assumption, however, that Internet providers are responsible for the security of the networks they interconnect is not correct; consequently, intrusions take place all the time and no ISP is held accountable for the damage. The article discusses the different security attacks to which ISPs are vulnerable and what steps can be taken to reduce the risks. ISPs are not accountable for the security failures caused by severe holes opened by their clients, though sometimes the blame falls on them. In the years to come, ISPs will provide even more services to their clients, including security solutions, either by leasing equipment or remotely maintaining, their configurations, or both. Legal fights, when damage does occur, will probably occur as well.