Virgin media launches malware defence campaign in a bid to protect customers

Malware infections can ruin the performance of your computer and also compromise security. As a result, Virgin Media has come up with a novel free service to protect its customers from security issues like the Zeus banking Trojan that Broadband Genie reported last week.

The Internet Service Provider is launching a strategy to help defend its customers and their Internet Security team will be trialling an education campaign. Anyone who reports any signs of an infection will be contacted via a letter outlining free ways of scanning their computers for traces of viruses and other malware nasties.

Customers will also be given contact details for the Virgin Media Digital Home Support department, which can be called upon to completely remove any viruses if customers are unable to get rid of the problem. Customers can download a free PC Healthcheck utility and find out more from www.virginmedia.com/dhs. For further information on Virgin Media Security, go to www.virginmedia.com/security.

According to research carried out by the recently launched Virgin Media Home Support service, many customers have either not installed any kind of computer protection or don't bother keeping the one they have up to date. A quarter of customers with speed or general performance issues were unwittingly being affected by malware infections, including viruses, trojans and spyware.

Jon James, executive director of broadband at Virgin Media said: “Malware doesn’t just affect computers – it can affect lives. It’s time for ISPs to go beyond the basics and do whatever they can to help protect their customers from this growing problem. Customers may think they are protected, but with the ease by which malware can infect a computer – even just by visiting a innocent-looking website – we’re going to do whatever we can to help defend our customers from serious consequences such as identity theft, and even banking fraud."

“We’re writing to customers we’ve been told may be infected by malware, encouraging them to check their computers have an up to date security package, such as Virgin Media Security, and offering advice on simple and free ways to disinfect their computer. For those who need a little bit more help we also have our fee-based Digital Home Support service which fixes problems using the latest cutting edge remote control technology.”