Virgin Media reminds users about vital hidden Wi-Fi feature - check your router

05 June 2024 , 08:01

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Virgin Media Wi-Fi (Image: VIRGIN MEDIA)

If Virgin Media is your chosen broadband provider it's worth taking note of the latest reminder from the telecoms giant. Most users seem unaware that all Virgin plans come with a useful "Essential Security" benefit built-in and the best part is, it's totally free to use.

With this option switched on, homes will be fully protected from certain cyber attacks, malware and viruses. Virgin also says that its Essential Security update is able to block scam and phishing websites along with offering parental controls and device protection for gadgets connected to the Wi-Fi.

"With reliance on connectivity greater than ever and online scam attempts becoming increasingly hard to spot, Virgin Media O2 is going the extra mile to help its customers keep their devices safe and secure with Essential Security, a smart cyber security service included within all of its broadband packages as standard," Virgin explained.

Cyber attacks continue to be a huge issue for UK home and the problem is growing. Virgin says that between the summer of 2022 to 2023, it managed to block 136 million unsafe or harmful websites and prevented customers from opening viruses, malware or spyware nearly 100 times a minute.

Virgin Media’s Essential Security should be switched on by default but there's a very easy way to check if you have this option activated.

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Simply go to your My Virgin Media account, then Account Settings > Online Security. From there you’ll have the option to turn on and off the settings you want. If Essential Security is off and you like the sound of it, simply switch it on and you'll have improved protection.

Those who want some added benefits can also take advantage of Virgin's premium Advanced Security which adds features such as remote device disruption, banking and shopping protection and virus removal.

There are also improved parental controls via this plan which lets homes set up parental controls per device, rather than using a blanket setting across all devices.

Virgin says customers who choose to upgrade to Advanced Security can enjoy the first three months for free, with the service then costing just £3 per month.

Dave Snelling