How is free security software “like an airbag”? PC Authority finds the answer.
Optus has announced plans to bundle free security with their broadband access packages in Australia from June 2007.
New and existing Optus customers will be given the option to download and install a free 12-month subscription to F-Secure’s consumer electronic security software, which incorporates a software firewall, anti-virus, spam filter, parental controls and automatic updates.
The move follows consumer opinion that e-security should be handled and controlled by Internet service providers, and echoes concerns of banks and financial institutions about consumers using infected machines to access their personal financial data.
“In Australia, it’s definitely a first,” Mark Mulder, General Manager of Content and Portals, Products and Delivery at Optus told PC Authority this week.
“It’s kind of strange that other people (Internet Service Providers) are not providing it (free security software),” he added. In explaining Optus’ decision to partner with F-Secure, Mulder said consumers don’t want security software to be complex or have confusing options.
“The more configurable you make it, the more difficult you make it for the customer,” he said. “It’s like an airbag in your car. It protects you, but you don’t want to know how to set it up or fiddle around with it. Consumers (attitudes) are like that with security.”
The software’s availability will be promoted to existing users, but they will not be forced to comply. “It is optional, they can choose not to download it,” said Mulder. The free F-Secure software package from Optus covers not only individuals, but small-families, as three 12-month licence keys are provided to every household, protecting up to three computers.
Not surprisingly, there will be a cost attached if consumers choose the new service, with Optus potentially raising its broadband pricing.
“There is a cost to Optus providing this, it’s not free, I can tell you that,” said Mulder. “For us it’s a value-add of course, we are providing this value for the customers. We’re always looking at our broadband pricing. It’s very competitive and it moves very fast. This would be a factor to consider in our pricing, for sure.”
Windows Vista users may be disappointed, however. The version of the F-Secure software being offered currently only supports Windows 98, 2000 and XP. A Windows Vista version is on the way, but no launch date has been set. The software also doesn’t support Linux or Macintosh operating systems.
Optus’ free 12-month F-Secure offer will expire in May 2008.