These days it’s important to have the right level of security on your computer to protect it from all sorts of Internet nasties.
There are two security features that come as standard with your Virgin Media wireless router – encryption and firewall. Plus, you can get added protection for your computer by using Virgin Media’s free security software, PCguard. And it’s always a good idea to download the latest update for your Windows PC or Mac. Read on for more details on all these features:
- Encryption prevents other wireless computers within range from connecting to your router and using your Internet service without your permission. You set this up when you installed the router (remember when you typed in the wireless network name and password), so there’s no need to do anything further.
Sometimes, encryption can affect the speed of your connection. You might want to change the level of encryption to see if this helps – refer to the help supplied with your router to find out how.
If you want to change the password to your wireless network, you can do that using Wireless Manager. (By the way, the password to a wireless network is sometimes called the Security Key.)
- A firewall helps protect your computer from unauthorised access by people who are already connected to the Internet - for example, hackers. Your router’s built-in firewall blocks unauthorised Internet traffic before it can get to your computer. The firewall is switched on by default.
For more details, click on Understanding firewalls.
- As a Virgin Media customer, you also get the benefit of our free security software PCguard, which gives you firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware protection for your computer, plus a few extras. You probably downloaded PCguard onto your computer during installation – if not, click on PCguard to download it now, or to remind yourself what it covers.
- Microsoft and Apple review their software regularly and release updates or 'patches' to fix any known security issues, which viruses can exploit.
The Microsoft Security and Protection site has the latest advice on using firewalls, Windows updates and anti-virus software. This site also features warnings about any new viruses and any additional steps you need to take to protect, or fix, your computer.
If you are on a Mac, check out the Apple security site for information on system and security updates.
At this point, we need to let you know that it’s your responsibility to make sure that your computer is secure and protected. Virgin Media can not be held responsible if a person gains unauthorised access to your connection or data, whether your computer is protected by a firewall or not.
