Why do I have to pay for security?

Question

In the bad old days you went into town and bought a new washing machine and next year or so it was delivered, you got it out of the box only to discover that you had to go back into town to buy a plug for it.
Under consumer pressure you now get a "free" plug.
NOW I've just paid for my broadband connection, got the thing connected only to find that in order to use it safely I need a whole load of security software, virus protection, firewalls etc.,etc.
Three quarters of it I don't understand.
Why the blazes can't the company (bt in this case) include this in the price or at least tell me, BEFORE I buy it, that I am going to need it?
Its a bit like selling you a barrow without a wheel and not telling that you need one to make it a wheelbarrow.

Answer 1

you can buy security or you can get free versions off the Internet that are just as good.. if you go for the free option get AVG for virus protection and Zonealarm for your firewall - just do a google search for both

Answer 2

I guess BT feel that they are just providing you with the access to the Internet, you could say that it's the responsibility of the people who make computers to ensure there is security on it, that's the thing, no one party involved in the 'internet' believes it is their responsibility to provide the 'security' aspect as having the anti-spyware, anti-virus e.t.c helps you to visit all kinds of retailers e.t.c on the Internet.

I work for a bank and our customers who use internet banking believe we should provide the security, but from the banks point of view, we protect the systems at our end, but we can't protect all of our customers computers as they need that protection for everything they do on the internet, not just their banking.

I can recommend a really good site www.getsafeonline.org which expalins Internet security in a basic easy to understand fashion, it also gives you links to lots of providers of free security.

You really need to ensure you have 4 things:

1. Make sure you update the 'patches' on your PC - this would be done via the Microsoft Windows website (or Apple if you've got a Mac) - sounds scary, but you can set to auto-update.

2. Anti-virus needs to be installed and most importantly - updated regularly, a free one I use is 'AVG' which also updates automatically.

3. A firewall - ZoneAlarms is free.

4. Anti-spyware - Adaware or Spybott are both free - again these need to be updated regularly.

The reasons for the updates is that new viruses and spyware are being released onto the internet all the time, so you need to ensure you are updated to combat the latest ones.

I hope this helps, like I said, check out www.getsafeonline.org, once you've got the hang of it it won't seem like a chore and it'll ensure you don't have any trouble with your PC.

Answer 3

You're buying broadband internet service. Therefore, all they need to provide you with is a working link to the internet. There are many reasons they don't provide you with security software:
1. Users may have differing operating systems
2. They want to keep the prices down to stay competitive.
3. For a user with an already secured computer, it would be a waste of their money to pay an extra monthly charge to their ISP for security software they don't use.

Some ISP's offer security packages, but these are generally the ISP's designed for the absolutely clueless user (AOL, Earthlink).

Generally, though, complaining that the ISP doesn't offer the security is like complaining that a toll bridge operator doesn't offer you car insurance for while you're on the bridge. All they are selling you is a connection, nothing more, nothing less.

Recommendations for free software would be as follows:
Antivirus: AVG (http://www.grisoft.com)
Firewall: Zone Alarm (http://www.zonelabs.com)
Anti-Spyware: Spybot S&D (http://www.safer-networking.org/)
and Adaware (http://www.lavasoft.com/)

Answer 4

Actually, a lot of places are bundling it in with their base packages, so you're finding firewalls, virus protection, etc being part of the operating system, part of the connection - going for the layered approach. Certainly, there's more that can be done, but most places include a baseline.

To some extent, it's much like buying a car. They've all got door locks on them - but if you want something more secure, you've got to go out and buy an alarm system.

Answer 5

It isn't a requirement. Besides, your broadband provider is in a completely different business (networking) than the companies who make internet security applications (software development). You're asking them to tell you either provide you with, or tell you about a product that has absolutely nothing to do with the functionality of their product. You also need a computer to access your broadband service...but you don't expect them to tell you all about that, do you?

I would say a more likely analogy would be someone building a house for you, and not telling you that a fence will be necissary to keep your dog from running away. The house guy doesn't care about your dog...why should the broadband guys care about protecting your computer. You're only paying them to provide an access point to the internet.

Answer 6

You dont HAVE to buy any security - just like you don't have to lock your car door or close your windows on your house.

BUT you run the risk of somebody getting in that you don't want too !

You don't HAVE to buy a car alarm but it all adds to keeping people out of your car !

When you buy a car they don't tell you to lock your doors do they?

But I imagine that by habit you lock the doors and turn the alarm on...

Can I recommend that you buy a hard firewall as opposed to a soft firewall.

This means a piece of hardware with a firewall integrated instead of installing some software.

My recommendation is the Netgear DG835G which is a modem and firewall combined (amonst other things like a router and switch but I imagine your not too sure what one is)

Email me if you need any more help and I will be happy to advise you.

Answer 7

You don't have to pay for security. You'll still be able to access the internet fine without it. I have little to no security on my computers and I don't get any hassle.
But most people do. There are plenty of free products out there. You'll most likely want an antivirus, software firewall & spyware protection

Answer 8

ok, i hope i can be of some help to....alot of isp do provide security for free ....
lets get one thing straight..u must use.
1 firewall
1 antivirus
2 spyware programs
if u use these and keep them updated..u should be fine as long as u leave adult web sites and screensavers alone (them are 2 of the better known web sites that distribute viruses and spyware
u can get FREE internet security i will give u a couple links for some of the better security that is free
zone alarm firewall ( best u can get )http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html
avg antivirus...http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5
here are the 2 spyware programs i would suggest
spybot search and destroy http://www.safer-networking.org ..
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html ........these 4 things should keep u pretty safe....here is one more web site that is pretty good and offers free online security
http://wiki.castlecops.com/Roll_your_own_Free_Security_Suite
if u have problems or need help setting anything up...im me

Answer 9

Like the other answerers say, there are free alternatives, which is nice but surprising. If you had slaved for months writing a good piece of anti-virus software wouldn't you want to be paid for it?

Answer 10

You don't need to pay...

Antivirus: Avast, Spyware: Spybot Search & Destroy, Firewall (you already have a Windows one if you have XP): ZoneAlarm.

All free. Just Google.