A few hours ago, my computer decided that the only search engine I'm allowed to use is Google, and that I'm not allowed to visit certain other unrelated websites (Facebook, Cnet, etc.). Well, at least I thought it was the computer- turns out my Pocket PC (primary computer is a Mac) is subject to most of the same restrictions. I've tried both Safari and Firefox on the Mac; it's not a browser issue. Called Verizon; they told me the same{word filter avoidance} Time Warner used to tell me about how "everything looks like it's running great." They refused to help me unless I granted them unrestricted access to my computer remotely. Seeing as I wasn't born yesterday and understand the inherent security risks associated with this kind of thing (backdoors, for one), I refused to grant them access. At that, they told me there was nothing more they could do. Apparently they expect me to just deal with it. Haha.
Has anybody else had any luck with these guys, or should I just cancel now and invest in a carrier pigeon?
I am having the same issues since yesterday. I got it installed on 7/14 and started experiencing this just yesterday.
There is another thread about this below :
http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_Internet&thread.id=6062
I have had Fios for 3-4 years now (in Socal), and I've never seen a problem like this. I think they said it may be in relation to something wrong with VZ's DNS Servers. Anyway, supposedly it was to be cleared up by later last night or today, but I'm still having issues...It's on again off again though, so hopefully they are working on it...
@dmodert66 wrote:There is another thread about this below :
http://forums.verizon.com/vrzn/board/message?board.id=FiOS_Internet&thread.id=6062
I have had Fios for 3-4 years now (in Socal), and I've never seen a problem like this. I think they said it may be in relation to something wrong with VZ's DNS Servers. Anyway, supposedly it was to be cleared up by later last night or today, but I'm still having issues...It's on again off again though, so hopefully they are working on it...
As I pointed out in the other thread, try the OpenDNS service. It can't hurt, and it might get you back in business.
__________________________________
Justin
Verizon FiOS TV, Internet, and phone
QIP6416, IMG 1.6.2, Build 08.58
Keller, TX 76248
As to the "They refused to help me unless I granted them unrestricted access to my computer remotely." issue, I can tell you from personal experience that Verizon does not allow its tech support personell to load any non-company, unauthorized programs onto their workstations, and that each time the user logs back into the systems to go to work, nothing is loaded that does not come from the scripted-by-someone-else (not the user) load. SO, there is no way that the Verizon tech is going to "do something" to your computer, or leave any service-interrupting software on your computer, or "back doors", etc. In fact, Verizon uses a program that sees and records each of its employees' workstation monitor screens while recording the telephone conversations so there is a record of the entire 'event' of your call, and since their employees can't make the money elsewhere that they make at Verizon, doing the limited service that they do, the employee is not going to try doing anything to mess that up.
We are talking about the internet, though, and multi-tiered attacks on lower-tiered users are not unheard of. BUT, the program Verizon uses to make that connection is a Citrix product that "is designed for maximum security and performance." and no company in this situation would keep using a remote access product if it allowed such attacks to happen through the connection that is made using that product.
So, although it is ALWAYS a good idea as a consumer to protect your IT assets, your suspicions of 'getting a bug via your remote connection to a verizon tech support agent' shouldn't be a high priority thing for you to worry about. When they connect to your computer, yes they can manipulate your mouse, BUT YOU ARE SEEING EVERYTHING THEY ARE DOING, and you can disconnect it at any time, simply by pressing an obvious button on the screen.
As of today, everything seems to be working all right. As long as this never happens again/happens very rarely, I'm over it.
I'm not worried about the Verizon technicians themselves doing anything; my concern was that, as you mentioned, it is possible for third parties to break into my system due to the back doors left open by the remote connection. If I were like 90% of the people out there, I probably wouldn't be too worried; however, there are certain individuals who probably have already tried to hack into my system at least once, and I've gotta be really careful. I take the security of my setup very seriously.
As others have pointed out, Verizon's DNS service often isn't the greatest. In fact it was a Verizon employee who suggested in these forums that using opendns might lead to more reliable service. I've been using open DNS now for about 4 months.
Visit www.opendens.com for instructions on how to configure your system to use openDNS's DNS service instead of Verizon's DNS. I've also found it deals with slightly mangled web addresses a lot more gracefully than Verizon (it often guesses what you meant to type, and takes you there).
Your Mileage may vary, but I've been pretty happy with opendns. It is free, and it is easy to use.
Over the years I haven't been overly impressed with most ISP's DNS service.
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