BT Cyber Threat Protect

[Carlusha]

Good morning

I received an email from BT's Chairman about BT Cyber Threat Protect:

"From today, you’ll be upgraded to Cyber Threat Protect, powered by Norton, the market leader in digital safety. Running quietly in the background, it helps keep your digital life safe by detecting scams and monitoring the dark web for your personal information."

I don't want this and I don't have any extras, especially not Norton.

Being 100% comfortable with Windows Security, I have no need for any extra security.

Please, can anyone confirm that BT will not be foisting unwanted software upon us?

Thanks

[Kimberlin]

@Carlusha  It's optional as far as I'm aware, you have to activate it:

https://www.bt.com/help/security/anti-virus-software/cyber-threat-protect-and-how-do-i-get-it

I get your stance on Norton. It came pre-installed on my laptop a couple of years ago and stupidly, I activated it. I put up with it for 24 hours and I had to uninstall it. It wasn't an easy process because Norton's uninstall tool didn't remove everything.

You say you just get by on Windows Defender. I did so myself until recently thinking that Defender would be enough. I ended up with a couple of files being downloaded onto my computer that whilst not malware, caused me enough issues to have to carry out a Reset this PC to put everything back in order. I've since taken out a Bitdefender subscription, £15.99 that covers 3 devices and I have to say, I think it's doing a far better job than Windows Defender.

At the end of the day, it's what you feel comfortable with and whether you accept the risks.

Personally, I don't use ISP provided security products at all.

[gg30340 · Accepted solution]

As has been pointed out BT Cyber Protect is an optional "free" add on to your BT Broadband package which you need to activate if you want to use it. It is not obligatory and BT will not be foisting it on you.

 BT have changed the name of their previous anti virus free add on "BT Virus Protect" which was a Norton product because Norton now call the product "Norton Cyber Protect"  or as it also known Norton 360. The email is just advising BT customers of the name change its new features along with it being an upgrade.

It should have been directed to those who do use the product and it should have included the phrase "If you have downloaded and activated BT Virus Protect, it has now been upgraded to BT Cyber Protect"  but as usual BT have a bit of a problem when it comes to keeping their customers informed with accurate information.  

[Carlusha]

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@Kimberlinwrote:

@Carlusha  It's optional as far as I'm aware, you have to activate it:

I get your stance on Norton. It came pre-installed on my laptop a couple of years ago and stupidly, I activated it. I put up with it for 24 hours and I had to uninstall it. It wasn't an easy process because Norton's uninstall tool didn't remove everything.

Oh, tell me about it! I too inadvertently installed Norton many years ago. It was hellish trying to get rid of it despite my being a computer veteran of some 50 odd years. In the end, my lovely late brother had to call Norton support in Canada, I believe (me being deaf) and get full instructions to uninstall. At the time, there were no uninstall programs - this was around 2002/5. It cost me several real ales afterwards but the relief to be free of the shackles was easily worth it!

In the end, being retired and an octogenarian, I do not tend to visit risky environments so I feel sure Windows Defender can cope with me and my beloved, both YouTube fanatics!