News 

The ISP has responded to customer concerns over cybercrime by introducing its 'PCguard' service, which includes a firewall, anti-virus software, anti-spyware software, and a pop-up blocker to new and existing blueyonder users.

'We have thought very carefully about meeting the Internet safety concerns of our customers,' said Eric Tveter, CEO of Telewest Broadband, 'PCguard provides a simple yet comprehensive security solution that offers complete peace of mind for our customers.'

A survey conducted by the communications company found that 74 per cent of its customers worried about online security and yet 27 per cent admitted to having gone without protection for online activity from a home PC, prompting the company to take action.

The service will initially be free to all blueyonder broadband complete and broadband elite customers

ADVERTISEMENT

and those opting for the entry-level broadband service can get the full package free until the end of the year. They will then be given the option to pay for some elements on a monthly basis.

Automatic updates designed to ensure continued safety will be available and PCguard will also provide a parental control service to prevent youngsters accessing inappropriate sites.

The company says that it will attempt to integrate the applications as seamlessly as it can by offering a single download to existing customers and ensuring new customers are protected before they even start surfing.

Telewest's decision to take measures to both protect and educate customers about online security is a relatively proactive approach to security for an ISP. Earlier this year government agencies around the world promised to send letters to ISPs urging them to introduce safeguards to prevent their customers' computers from being hijacked by spammers.

The letters indicated that the authorities believed that ISPs should be held responsible for the security of their customers' PCs, but had no way of legally enforcing companies to introduce security measures. It seems that the message sent out by the initiative has not just fallen on deaf ears.

For more information about PCguard go to www.blueyonder.co.uk/pcguard.