Broadband ISP Virgin Media has today revealed that their online security services – ‘Essential Security‘ (included for free on their packages) and ‘Advanced Security’ (paid), have – between June 2022 to May 2023 – blocked 136 million unsafe or harmful websites, 800k virus, malware and spyware risks and secured 4.9 million banking and shopping transactions.
Customers of the broadband service can typically choose from two security offerings, ‘Essential Security’ which comes with all broadband packages as standard and at no extra cost, or ‘Advanced Security’, Virgin Media’s enhanced antivirus offering which protects an unlimited number of devices for £3 per month (first three months free) or £30 per year.
Take note that those upgrading to Advanced Security can get the first three months for free. But otherwise, the latest press release seems more promotional than educational, although it does mention how Action Fraud recently reported that an estimated £890m was stolen from Brits via cyber-attacks last year in the UK.
According to further research by Gov UK, Great Britain’s most common cyber threats are relatively unsophisticated and an estimated 95% of cyber-attacks succeed due to human error. This includes ‘active’ errors, such as opening malicious email attachments, and ‘passive’ errors, such as using a weak password.
VM’s Essential Security includes:
➤ Content filtering: Blocks scam and phishing websites.
➤ Data protection: Prevents malware and viruses from transmitting a customer’s data to scammers, hackers or phishers.
➤ Parental controls: Keeps the entire family safe online with customisable timers and limits, via My Virgin Media.
➤ Devices protected: Available on all devices connected to your home WiFi network.
Customers who upgrade to Advanced Security get:
➤ Remote device disruption: Ensures devices aren’t remotely accessed and controlled.
➤ Banking and shopping protection: Stops untrusted network connections while buying or banking online.
➤ Virus removal: Detects, scans and removes viruses alongside other malware that are already on the customer’s devices.
➤ Improved parental controls: Sets up parental controls per device, rather than using a blanket setting across all devices via My Virgin Media.
➤ On-the-Go protection: Provides constant 24/7 security on the go, regardless of the customer’s mobile network provider, if they are offline or if they connect to a different broadband connection.
➤ Devices protected: Available on an unlimited number of devices for total protection everywhere.