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In response to security issues raised by the San Diego Supercomputer Center Monday regarding certain Alcatel ADSL modems, the French communications equipment maker said Thursday that it is aware of vulnerabilities and is working with the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordination Center to resolve the problems.

Alcatel also said that it is not aware of any instance where a Speed Touch Home ADSL modem user's device has been compromised due to the reported vulnerabilities.

"It is Alcatel's policy to provide its customers with the most advanced and secure products," the company said in a statement Thursday. "Therefore, Alcatel has done extensive testing of its ADSL modem equipment based on the recently made security advisories by CERT and the San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC).

"The security issues raised are actually well known general vulnerability problems when connected to the Internet, regardless of the type of software upgradeable access equipment being used (cable or DSL modems).

The company also said that according to recent tests, the primary vulnerability discussed in the advisories don't apply to the majority of mainstream operating systems used by residential and small business subscribers, including Windows 95, 98, 98se, ME and typical installations of NT4.0 Workstation, 2000 Professional and the latest commercial releases of Linux.

Alcatel also noted that any PC, in any configuration (home or in a local area network), is open to attacks by hackers if not behind a firewall. The company strongly recommended the use of firewalls as a general practice, especially for Internet users with "always on" connections like cable or DSL.