O2 UK and McAfee Launch McAfee Protect Advanced for Mobile Users

Mobile network operator O2 (Virgin Media) has today launched a bespoke family protection and security package for up to 10 devices in the shape of McAfee Protect Advanced, although it will come at an extra monthly cost for most, but not all, of their existing subscribers.

The new product is said to include updated features, such as enhanced Parental Controls, McAfee’s Text Scam Detector, Social Privacy Manager, Personal Data Cleanup, antivirus software and more. “With McAfee Protect Advanced, O2 customers can be assured that their family is shielded from viruses, scams, malware, and other online threats, whilst personal information remains safe from identity theft and fraud threats,” said the announcement.

McAfee Protect Advanced allows customers to protect up to 10 devices per household and is the latest service to join O2 Extras extensive catalogue, sitting alongside Extras including Disney+ from £5.99 per month, Amazon Prime for £8.99 per month (comes with a £2 discount), Cafeyn for £7.99 per month and TNT Sport (£26.99).

The new product replaces two previous McAfee security offerings available via Extras (McAfee Mobile Security Plus and McAfee Mobile Security Standard).

Key features include:

➤ Award-winning AI-powered antivirus – Rest easy knowing your devices are protected from the latest threats with award-winning antivirus protection for compatible Windows, Mac OS, Chromebooks, and Android devices.

➤ Parental Controls – Protect kids from inappropriate content online and help them to build good digital habits with the ability to manage both screen time and the content which is accessible. Features include the ability to apply a ‘Digital Timeout’, which pauses the child’s screen time and restricts access to installed apps and internet browsing. The software can also block inappropriate apps, content and dangerous websites, giving parents maximum control and peace of mind.

➤ McAfee’s Text Scam Detector – Scam or safe? Avoid scam texts with AI-powered protection. Text Scam Detector uses patented AI technology to proactively detect scams and automatically alerts you if it detects a dangerous link in your texts, even before you open the message. And don’t worry, it can even block sites if you accidentally click.

➤ McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup – Know how much of your data is online, and which companies are selling it. With Personal Data Cleanup, O2 customers will also receive guidance on how to remove their data from third parties.

➤ McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager – Safeguard your privacy on social media. Social Privacy Manager helps you adjust more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks, so your personal info is only visible to the people you want to share it with.

In terms of price, McAfee Protect Advanced is available exclusively to O2 customers at £4.99 per month, or at no extra cost for 6 months to those upgrading or taking out a new Ultimate Plan, via Extras. O2 Extras appear on a customer’s monthly bill alongside their Airtime plan.

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at VMO2, said:

“Helping our customers to remain safe and secure online is a top priority for O2. For us, our mission is simple – to help families feel more secure at home and confident in dealing with the modern challenges that come with being a connected household. This new package of award-winning security features by McAfee, exclusive to O2 customers, is our latest way of offering families peace of mind so they can enjoy the connection, entertainment and ease our network offers without having to worry about online risks. Whether you want greater control over your child’s online time or simply more say in how your own data is used online, every household can benefit from the security features offered by McAfee Protect Advanced.”

The launch is said to be O2’s latest way of keeping its customers, their devices and personal information safe. An automatic restriction is put in place to limit customers from accessing 18+ content on the O2 network, with age verification required in order lift this bar. O2 also provides a free opt-in Parental Control service which limits the websites children can access on the network.