Get Safe Online praises ISP-backed security measures

Broadband providers can help to protect vulnerable customers when they browse the web by offering additional security controls, according to Get Safe Online.

Tony Neate, managing director of the national internet security awareness campaign, said it would be a positive move for more internet service providers (ISPs) to give their subscribers the option of signing up for online safety packages.

TalkTalk, one of the UK's biggest ISPs, began offering its HomeSafe internet security product in March. The network-level safety service blocks categories of websites, including gambling, pornography and self-harm.

Around one in three new TalkTalk customers are choosing to activate the parental controls - roughly equivalent to the number of UK households with dependent children.

Mr Neate claimed these additional security measures are ideal for "anyone who is a little bit nervous about being on the internet".

These ISP-operated controls are part of a layered security approach that also includes traditional software packages on computers, plus a degree of awareness from broadband users, the Get Safe Online chief explained.

It is important to utilise a variety of safety measures, as those provided by ISPs may not pick up threats such as email scams, Mr Neate added.