Many of our mobile customers feel worried about the idea of unwelcome content appearing on their kids' phones. Totally understandable, given the increasing amount of time they're spending on different types of screens these days. Sadly scams, inappropriate content and cyber attacks are common occurrences.
We have some great cyber safety tools (like Device Security Essentials) but nothing replaces talking to your kids about the importance of online safety and checking in on their digital activity from time to time.
Powered by McAfee, Device Security Essentials is a set of free security features, which you activate from the My Telstra app. It consists of three features, which work together to help you browse more safely, identify unsafe Wi-Fi networks and help protect your devices and personal info from the latest malware and cyber threats.
Device Security Essentials won't protect your phone or mobile device from absolutely everything (if you're after a bigger security boost, check out a different product called Telstra Device Security) but it will give you a greater sense of control over your online security.
Let's see how Device Security Essentials can help elevate mobile device security for anyone in your family who's on a Telstra mobile plan.
It helps protect both your device and personal information from risky websites when you're browsing online. This is an awesome feature, especially when you have kids on a Telstra mobile plan as it can help educate them about what not to click on. Looking for specific parental control features? You'll find those with Telstra Device Security.
What we check for: risky sites and links.
Every time you want to connect to a Wi-Fi network, turn on the 'Wi-Fi Scan' feature and if the connection is identified as unsafe, we'll alert you.
What we check for: to see if the network uses strong security measures.
Device Check scans for malicious apps that have been installed on your device to help protect your mobile device and personal information from the latest threats.
What we check for:
"Where can I get my hands on these free security features?" we hear you ask. Well, you'll need a couple of important things first. If you have a compatible smartphone, the latest version of the My Telstra app and a Telstra ID, you're off to a good start.
Telstra Device Security Essentials is available at no additional cost on consumer and small business Upfront Mobile and Data Plans and Pre-Paid Mobile Plans. The latest version of the My Telstra app is required. No guaranteed protection against all risks.
Cyber attacks are attempts by hackers, cyber criminals and others to get into your devices and use your personal information without your consent. The most common attacks are viruses, malware, ransomware, spam, phishing scams and identity theft.
Cyber attacks may be designed to access or destroy sensitive data, extort money or spread viruses.
The best defence against cybercrime is a strong cyber security system with multiple layers of protection spread across computers, devices, networks and programs.
Being careful about how you browse is not enough to protect your computers and other devices from cyber attacks. With so many ways for hackers and cyber criminals to try and access your digital information, having good antivirus software is an essential defence. Read about the Telstra Device Security features.
Phishing is when a hacker or cyber criminal pretends to be a trusted source in order to steal your sensitive data such as login details and credit card numbers.
It often involves opening an email, instant message, or text message then being tricked into clicking a malicious link, which can lead to the installation of malware, the freezing of the system as part of a ransomware attack or the revealing of sensitive information.
Telstra Device Security includes powerful protection from phishing scams and other spam for up to 10 devices.
Malware is short for malicious software. It is used by cybercriminals or hackers to damage or disrupt your device, and /or access your personal information. It may be in the form of an email attachment or a legitimate-looking download that requires you to click on it to be activated. Viruses and ransomware are also types of malware.
The Parental Controls feature helps you to control and monitor your kids’ device usage, block inappropriate content, and set digital time-outs.
You can find more information here on how to download and set up Parental Controls on kids’ devices: Parental Controls
Turn on all the free features of Device Security Essentials in the the My Telstra app.
Visit us for more resources and tips on navigating the digital world safely.
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