It’s connected us to our friends more than ever before, and made a world of information and entertainment available with just a few clicks. But the internet can also be a dangerous place. For the kids, there’s that ever-present worry they’ll see things online that aren’t appropriate, or get targeted on social media by bullies or predators. For adults, there’s an ever-present risk of being targeted by a scam or malicious software, sent by people out to steal your money or your private data. For many, being safe online can be stressful and complicated.
That’s where Telstra Broadband Protect comes in.
What is Telstra Broadband Protect?
Telstra Broadband Protect is a suite of digital safeguards which block dangerous websites, allow your to monitor, manage and safeguard your children’s internet and social media activities and help you protect your devices from viruses and malware. Broadband Protect is included for free with Telstra’s Broadband Plans and Entertainment Bundles but can also be purchased as a standalone product.
What’s Included with Telstra Broadband Protect?
While it’s bundled as one package, you can manage Broadband Protect’s services individually, or even just use the ones that you need. Here’s what’s included and what it can do for you in greater depth:
Network Protection
This is enabled by default once you set up Broadband Protect, and it operates without you even knowing it’s there. Built right into Telstra’s network – so there’s no need to download and install any extra software – it monitors incoming traffic to every device connected to your home internet and automatically blocks any web sites that are known to contain scams, viruses or dangerous content. For the technically minded this happens at the DNS level via Telstra’s own DNS servers which are by default set up in Telstra supplied modems. Whilst enabled by default you can optionally change Broadband Protect’s settings to allow you to bypass it on demand or you can disable it entirely.
Parental Controls
There are multiple reasons to take control over what your kids view online – from making sure they get their schoolwork done without distractions to keeping them from visiting web sites and services they shouldn’t. Parental controls work in tandem with the Telstra Smart Modem to let you limit the amount of time your kids’ devices can be online, restrict content to that suitable for a certain age range, or block web sites entirely. The Parental Control settings let you choose from preset low, medium or high filters or personalise your filters and blacklist or whitelist specific websites. Schedules can be set up for internet access times and homework times can also be set, which allow your children to access the internet but block known social networks and gaming websites.
Social Network Protection
This clever feature works by connecting directly to your kids’ social media accounts and monitoring their interactions for signs of cyber bullying, contact with unknown people, bad language and more. When anything of concern is detected, you’ll get an alert by email or even, at the highest protection level, an instant text message. It’s designed to give you peace of mind about your kids’ activities on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, without being intrusive.
Anti-Virus Plus Security and Safe Browser
With so many dangers out there from viruses and malicious software (known as malware) it’s a must to have good anti-virus software running. This monitors everything that’s sent to your computer or phone, stops dangerous software before it can do any damage and alerts you. Anti-Virus Plus Security can be set up on up to six PC or Mac computers as well as Android smartphones. Safe Browser, meanwhile, gives you a secure way to do your banking and shop online, reducing the chance your personal financial information could be stolen.
How Much does Telstra Broadband Protect Cost?
While Telstra does sell Broadband Protect for $9.95 a month, it comes included with any current Telstra broadband bundle free of charge for as long as you stay connected. Customers on any bundle purchased since June 2015 are eligible to get Broadband Protect for free, but if you’re looking to sign up for a new Telstra bundle, you’ll get it with any of the following:
Entertainment Bundles
Internet-Only Bundles
Last audited 2nd of January 2023
Is it Worth It?
FeaturedWith so many different online security products competing for your money, it’s great that Telstra has put together a package of services and software that works in tandem with their network to keep you and your kids safe. The fact that it’s included for free is brilliant, and with network protection at its core every Telstra internet customer should add it to their service.
Broadband Protect FAQs
Can I Set Up Parental Controls from My Phone?
Yes – as well as setup being managed from the Telstra web site, you can also set up and manage parental controls and family safety using the Telstra 24×7 app on your phone or tablet. That means you can keep on top of your kids’ online safety even when you’re away from home.
Is Social Network Protection Private?
Telstra says they don’t store the information that’s used for social network reports for longer than a month; it’s emailed to you and then deleted from Telstra’s servers. No other people have access to it.
What is Malware and Why is it Dangerous?
A catch-all term for many types of malicious software, malware can potentially do things like stealing your banking information, or scrambling the contents of your computer then asking for a “ransom” to unlock it. You should never click on email links or attachments if you’re unsure, but Broadband Protect will keep you safe if you accidentally do.
How Do I Enable Broadband Protect?
Just head to the Telstra 24×7 web site or app, sign in and select your broadband service under the “Plans and Usage” section. Scroll down to “add-ons” and you’ll find Broadband Protect right there. Click on “Buy” to add it (don’t worry, you won’t be charged anything if you’re on a current Telstra bundle).
How can I disable or cancel Broadband Protect?
Just log into your Telstra 24×7 account, go to ‘plans & usage’, select your internet service and scroll down to ‘add-ons’ and you’ll find options to manage TBP.
Can I whitelist a website domain in Telstra Broadband Protect?
If the website is being blocked by Telstra’s Parental controls then you can whitelist it in the Parental Control settings. If it is being blocked by Telstra’s Network Protect then you can report it as safe via the blocking page that comes up when trying to visit the website. You’ll then need to wait for the website to be reviewed. In the interim you can change the Network Protect settings so as to allow you to bypass Network Protect on a case-by-case basis or you can disable it entirely.
Does Telstra Broadband Protect keep a record of the sites I visit?
Telstra says they do not keep records of any sites you visit whilst using your home broadband. If you use the social network protection feature they do however record potentially harmful activity and content on social networks to help you protect your children. This information is retained for a month so that it can be included in your monthly reports and is thereafter automatically deleted.
Is Telstra Broadband Protect a government internet filter?
Telstra Broadband Protect is not affiliated with any government-mandated filters.
What is the Telstra Broadband Protect Contact Number?
Call 13 22 00 to get answers to your questions about Broadband Protect.
Where can I find helpful resources on Broadband Protect?
You can visit the Telstra support portal for a number of helpful resources on Broadband Protect.
