Is there any antivirus provided by Comcast?
For certain Comcast customers, the new year will bring a new computer security issue, since the Philadelphia cable company’s Xfinity internet service will no longer include the Norton security-software bundle that it began adding in 2010.
Comcast said in a late October blog post that the deployment of free whole-home security protection to the 20 million members who rent its xFi gateways rendered the Norton freebie obsolete.
“Beginning January 1, 2021, we’ve decided to no longer include Norton Security Online with our Xfinity Internet service due to the protection provided by xFi Advanced Security,” the post added. “You’ll need to buy a membership from Norton if you want to keep using it.”
The choice should be clear for the great majority of Comcast’s approximately 28 million home broadband customers who already pay $14 per month for an xFi gateway: Choose Comcast’s security, which protects all devices on your home network rather than just those with Norton anti-malware software installed on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS.
Is Xfinity xFi virus-protected?
Yes, you still need to run an antivirus program on your computer, to answer your question succinctly (and on your Android devices as well).
It’s actually a firewall that does a great job of preventing various types of security risks from accessing your computer and other linked devices at your network’s gateway (the modem/router combo box you’re renting from Comcast).
No firewall or security program, however, is flawless. At some point, certain nasties will undoubtedly get through, and viruses are no exception.
Once a virus has infected your computer, Xfinity xFi Advanced Security will not be able to remove it for the following reasons:
1 Because Xfinity xFi Advanced Security isn’t an antivirus program, it won’t be able to eliminate any viruses that make their way onto your computer.
2 In the first place, Xfinity xFi Advanced Security does not run on your computer. (This is why you may use it in conjunction with a traditional antivirus program without fear of their colliding.)
It works at the gateway level, preventing any pests from gaining access to your local network and devices.
However, any viruses that get past the gateway firewall and onto your device(s) will stay there unless you have an antivirus app on the device that can detect and remove them.
In this Xfinity Community forum topic, Comcast explicitly states as much.
Because it isn’t very long, I recommend reading the entire conversation, but here’s a relevant quote from it:
“Antivirus software is one of the most effective ways to guard against network threats. Install a software application, keep it updated, and run scheduled scans to keep your devices clear of viruses if you haven’t previously. Learn how to install Norton Security Online on your PC, Mac, or Android device.”
That quotation can be found in the “Tips for Dealing with Threats” section. Isn’t it rather straightforward?
As you can see, Comcast explicitly states that you must have an antivirus app installed on your smartphone (s).
The good news is that you don’t need to install Norton or any other third-party antivirus software on your Windows PC(s) because it already has one installed.
Windows’ native Windows Security app has improved significantly over time, and recent head-to-head antivirus testing have revealed that it now performs nearly as well as the best commercial-grade antivirus apps.
Despite the fact that Windows Security is better than it has ever been, it still falls short of its best commercial-grade competitors.
However, it does not need to perform at that level to properly secure your computer.
Your PC will be fully protected from practically any nasty the Internet can throw at it when used in conjunction with Comcast’s Xfinity xFi Advanced Security firewall and the free version of Malwarebytes (which I always recommend to augment any full-time antivirus tool anyhow).
In conclusion, you must install an antivirus program on your PC(s) and Android mobile device (s).
However, you won’t need to install Norton or any other third-party antivirus software because the combination of Windows Security and the free version of Malwarebytes will provide ample protection against any malicious software that manages to get past your Xfinity gateway firewall.
Is antivirus necessary if I have Xfinity?
In short, you should still use anti-virus and anti-malware software. Keep in mind, though, that because xFi Advanced Security isn’t installed on your devices when you’re not connected to your home network, they’re especially vulnerable until you turn on the Windows firewall.
How do I activate Xfinity’s anti-virus protection?
Both the Xfinity app and the xFi website include a Connect tab where you may enable Advanced Security. To enable Advanced Security, simply click on the Advanced Security tile and follow the on-screen instructions. Note: Enabling Advanced Security completely may take up to 10 minutes.
What is the procedure for enabling xFi advanced security?
xFi Advanced Security: Helps you avoid visiting potentially dangerous websites by unintentionally. Blocks recognized harmful sources from gaining remote access to smart devices.
What is the best way to get free antivirus software?
Avast uses innovative machine learning techniques to fight against ransomware attacks and other emerging dangers, and it is trusted by over 435 million customers around the world. Viruses, adware, spyware, Trojans, and other malware are all detected, blocked, and removed by Avast Free Antivirus software. You’ll also get Wi-Fi network security and real-time protection against phishing attempts, dangerous websites, and other risks to your devices.
Is Norton still available from Comcast?
Norton Mobile Security is part of Norton Security Online, which comes with Xfinity Internet at no extra cost. With Norton’s advanced mobile protection, you can keep your Android, iPhone, and iPad safe.
What is the process for getting Norton from Comcast?
During the setup procedure, your Norton product will be activated. If the activation was skipped or did not complete for some reason, here are the procedures to reactivate your Norton product.
Activate your Norton product
Sign into your Norton account connected with your Xfinity Norton Security Online subscription if requested.
Your Norton product has been successfully activated when the message ‘Activation complete!’ appears.