Virgin Media Security Features

What is Virgin Media Advanced Security?

Virgin Media Advanced Security is a comprehensive security offering designed to protect users and their devices both at home and on the go. It provides enhanced online security and peace of mind for various online activities.

Extra Online Security for Total Peace of Mind

Advanced Security, formerly Virgin Media Internet Security, helps keep users safe online across multiple devices. It provides robust anti-virus protection for browsing, shopping, and banking activities, even extending to third-party apps. Key features include:

• Find and Fix Breaches: The app scans devices for viruses, spyware, and other online threats, allowing users to eliminate them easily.
• Instant Alerts: Advanced Security actively monitors for phishing attempts and fake online stores, alerting users to suspicious activity and preventing potential data breaches.
• Family-Friendly Features: The software includes customisable parental controls to block inappropriate content and manage children’s internet access, promoting a healthy online balance.

How Does It Work?

Installation on the desired devices is the initial step to use Advanced Security. The software automatically scans devices multiple times daily for online threats. The advanced anti-virus and firewall technology triggers alerts if suspicious activity is detected, offering immediate threat removal.

Parental controls can be enforced to block content or restrict access to unsecured websites. A timer function allows for limiting device usage or scheduling restrictions.

How Do I Get Virgin Media Advanced Security?

Accessing Advanced Security requires a My Virgin Media account. If not already registered, users need to create one. Registered users can obtain Advanced Security by following these steps:

1. Sign in to My Virgin Media.
2. Navigate to Account settings and select Online security.
3. Scroll to Advanced Security and choose Get Advanced Security.
4. Follow the registration instructions.
5. Use the new portal login to start protecting devices.

How Much Does It Cost?

A subscription to Advanced Security costs £3 per month or £30 per year. A three-month free trial, powered by F-Secure, is available for users to test the service. The trial requires no payment information, avoiding automatic renewals or unexpected charges.

How to Install Advanced Security

After registering for Advanced Security and obtaining the F-Secure portal login, installation on chosen devices can begin. The process involves logging into the F-Secure app, selecting “Add device,” choosing “Install on this device,” and specifying the device type. A green tick confirms successful installation and protection. The software appears as an app or software depending on the device type.

How to Change Virgin Media Advanced Security Settings

Turn on Parental Controls

To establish parental controls, assign a child profile during the F-Secure app installation on a child’s device. These profiles offer varying levels of web content restriction based on age. Setting up protection requires both the parent’s and child’s devices:

1. Open the F-Secure app on the parent’s device.
2. Select People & Devices.
3. Tap Add device or user.
4. Choose My child’s device > Continue.
5. Send the installation link to the child’s device.
6. Open the link on the child’s device and follow instructions.
7. Accept and continue to complete setup.
8. Confirm the child profile setup by providing the child’s name and age group.

Reset Your Advanced Security Password

To reset a forgotten or create a new password:

1. On the My F-Secure login page, select “Forgot your password?”.
2. Enter the email address and select Send. F-Secure will send a password reset link. Check spam or junk mail folders if the email isn’t found in the inbox.
3. Click the link in the email or copy it to a web browser’s address field.
4. Enter a new password and select Reset.
5. Return to the My F-Secure login page, enter the email address and new password, and select Log in.

Turn on Banking Protection

Banking protection, enabled by default, safeguards online banking and transactions. It automatically detects secure connections to recognised banking websites and notifies users. Ensure F-Secure browser extensions are in use for proper functionality. Banking protection supports Safari, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge.

How to Uninstall Advanced Security

PC

1. Open the Start menu and go to the Control Panel.
2. Select Add/Remove programs and choose all files related to F-Secure SAFE.
3. Select Uninstall.

Mac

1. Open Finder.
2. Select Applications under Places on the left panel.
3. Find F-Secure in the list of installed programs.
4. Right-click (or two-finger click) and select Move to Trash, or drag and drop the program into Trash.
5. Select Trash from the dock.
6. Select the Empty button and confirm to remove the program.

iOS

Hold down the F-Secure app and tap the cross to remove it.

Android

1. Go to the device’s Settings menu.
2. Select Apps or Application Manager (this may vary by device).
3. Tap the app to uninstall.
4. Select Uninstall.

Advanced Security FAQs

What is F-Secure?

F-Secure is Virgin Media’s security partner and the provider of Advanced Security.

Can I Use It on Laptops and Smartphones?

Yes, Advanced Security can be installed on smartphones, laptops, tablets, and desktop PCs.

Is This the Same as Web Safe?

No, Essential Security (formerly Web Safe) is network-powered and protects devices connected to the home network. It is included for all Virgin Media broadband customers. Advanced Security is an add-on option installed directly onto devices, protecting them even when not connected to the home network.

Can I Do Anything More to Protect My Family?

Beyond installing anti-virus software like Advanced Security, there are additional steps parents can take. Resources like Switched on Families offer further guidance. See this article about creating a safer life online.

Will Advanced Security Work with My Existing Security Software?

Advanced Security is a comprehensive security program. Running multiple security applications simultaneously is not recommended, as it can impact device performance. Advanced Security will detect conflicting software during installation and prompt for removal, requesting permission beforehand. Manual removal is also possible via the Control Panel and Add/Remove Programs. Allowing conflicting applications may leave the system vulnerable. Contact Advanced Security support, managed by F-Secure, at 020 8163 9791 for assistance.