What does Internet safety mean?
Internet safety or online safety is more important than ever. It’s about being aware of possible threats and protecting yourself from malicious software, hackers, data leaks and harmful or illegal content.
Our guide can help you stay safe online when using digital technologies.
Why use antivirus software?
It's important to use antivirus software as it can protect you from online threats, including spyware, malicious software, phishing and viruses.
Phishing is where scammers use an official-looking website or email that mimics well-known brands into tricking you to giving your personal information, passwords and credit card numbers. It’s really important to keep your antivirus software up to date so you’re protected at all times.
Be prepared and check if a website is legit and use our tips to shop safely online.
Antivirus software is there to help you and we’ve got you covered with Plusnet Protect powered by Norton™ which is provided free for 24 months with Full Fibre and part Fibre packages.
What is malware?
Malware is an umbrella term that describes malicious software that’s designed to worm its way onto your devices. Once inside, malware can access your personal information, banking details, the files on your computer, and do all manner of nasty stuff.
Here are a few types of common malware:
- Trojan horse
- Ransomware
- Spyware
- Virus
What is a Trojan horse?
Named after the famous Greek legend, Trojan horse viruses enter your computer under the guise of an ordinary download. The virus is then unleashed after the file has finished downloading, causing significant damage. Attackers are able to:
- Access your device
- Install more viruses
- Access your personal information
- Steal, change or delete your data
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is another common type of Trojan horse virus. Once the virus has taken hold and an external user has control of your computer, it holds important functions 'to ransom' until a fee has been paid. It may be hidden in:
- Adverts
- Fake or unusual desktop software upgrades
- Email attachments
- Websites or links
What is spyware?
Spyware is a virus that can track what you type and the websites you access usually without your consent or knowledge. It can compromise your personal information plus:
- Your payment information
- Use adware to update advertisers or even cybercriminals
- Keylogging which is software that logs your online activity
What is a virus?
A virus is attached to files you download from the Internet, disguised as video clips, image files and documents. So if a stranger sends you what they assure you is a funny video, think twice about opening it! It’s called a virus because it spreads quickly, infecting networks and systems with unknown software on your device.
Your device, data and files may be:
- Corrupted
- Deleted
- Encrypted
- Affected by slow performance
Why are strong passwords important?
Complex or strong passwords are the last line of defence against hackers and malicious software. Complex passwords don't use real words but a random selection of letters and numbers which are stronger than common phrases. Using a password generator can also help keep your accounts secure.
Weak passwords can leave your confidential information vulnerable. Hackers can then use your personal data to commit identity and financial fraud in your name.
For more help, stay safe with online security and parental controls.
What is a password generator and a password manager?
A password generator is a software tool that’s used to create unique strong passwords by randomly combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. This helps to protect your accounts from hackers and cybercriminals.
A password manager usually includes a password generator and is a digital vault to store all your passwords. You can create, save and manage all your passwords here.
You don’t need to remember all of them except your master password which then gives you access to all your credentials. That’s a plus!
Discover what deals you can get
Enter your postcode and we’ll show you what’s available at your address
Already with us? See your exclusive deals, sign in to My Account
Here’s the legal bit
You can see our full residential terms and conditions here.
On 31 March each year the monthly plan price will increase by £3 for Broadband and out of bundle charges will increase 5%. See About annual price changes for details. Please note the cost of other services you take from us may increase or decrease while you are a Plusnet customer.
Broadband without a landline
- Your home phone will be disconnected and will no longer work.
- You will lose your home phone number and will not be able to get it back. You'll have to get a brand new number if you decide you need a home phone in the future.
- You won't be able to make or receive calls, including to emergency services.
- Healthcare alarms, medical pendants, security systems and any other services which are connected to your home phone will no longer work.
1. Broadband Packages
- Broadband packages are subject to 24 month contract and availability.
- Payment by direct debit.
- Your pre contract information and contract summary sets out your speed estimates, total monthly costs, total upfront costs and the amount you will pay once your minimum term ends. This is available at checkout.
- Please see our price guide for all broadband charges.
1.1 Fibre and Full Fibre packages
- Subject to availability, geographic location, computer specifications and a line check. The exchange list and dates are subject to change.
- Prices and terms subject to change during the contract term.
- Openreach may have to carry out a survey before they can connect your home to Full Fibre. If they do, they may need access to your property, but we’ll contact you first to arrange a suitable time.
- If additional work is required, this may take longer than the initial set up time provided and there could be additional costs, we’ll contact you to confirm what additional work is needed and how long this will take, usually within four weeks from the date you placed your order.
- If you do not want to proceed with your upgrade based on this, you’ll be able to cancel your order without being charged.
2. Existing Customers
- Please see our price guide for all broadband and home phone charges, log into your account in the Member Centre or call us on 0330 1239 123 to discuss your contract.
3. Speeds
- Please see our guide to Broadband speeds for more information about what speeds mean and what package is best for you.
4. EE Sim Plan
4.1 SIM Plans
30 day minimum term. Subject to terms and credit check. Monthly charges assume online billing. You will not get 5G speeds using a 4G phone. Allowances for use in UK (excluding Jersey, Guernsey & Isle of Man) and Republic of Ireland. A daily charge applies to use allowances in the EU/EEA unless you have an add-on or Inclusive Extra that includes EU Roaming. See roaming costs page for countries and details. 50GB data fair use policy applies outside the UK. See ee.co.uk/terms for countries and details. Deposit needed for roaming in limited circumstances. Use your allowance to call/text UK mobiles, and landlines starting 01, 02 and 03 when in UK & Republic of Ireland. Some numbers aren’t included: calls to 070 numbers cost up to 5p/min and calls to 084, 087, 09 & 118 cost 83p/min plus the applicable service charge. See ee.co.uk/prices for the EE Price Guide for a detailed list of service charges and other charges outside of your allowance. Personal use only.
4.2 Essentials SIM
Includes speeds capped at 100Mbps, Data Gifting and Stay Connected Data
4.3 Stay Connected Data
If you have a capped data allowance (i.e. not an unlimited data plan) once you have used up your monthly data allowance your speed will be capped at 0.5Mbps. You will regain access to our fastest speeds upon (1) renewal of your monthly plan allowance, (2) by buying one of our data add-ons, or (3) If you are gifted data by someone else in your family account. Once the data add-on or gifted data runs out, you will return to the capped speed until your monthly plan allowance has renewed. Not available with No Frills plans.
4.4 Data Gifting
Account holder only can gift between pay monthly plans on the same account in increments of 500MB. Unlimited data plans can gift up to 100GB. Data usage on an unlimited data plan will be deducted from giftable allowance. No gifting to/from Smart Watches, 4G Home, 5G Home or 30-day 4G WiFi or 5G WiFi plans. Data not used in a month does not roll over, allowances are set back to zero at the start of each month. If you are outside your price plans standard countries when your monthly allowances refresh on your bill date the main account holder will not be able to gift data until you return to the UK/EU. Data can only be used in accordance with the plan terms applicable to the receiving line.
5. Broadband Extras
Plusnet Safeguard
Included with all of our broadband packages, Plusnet Safeguard filters inappropriate web content for your household. Further information can be found here.
Plusnet Protect powered by Norton™
Our security package protects you from online threats. Charges apply for Unlimited Fibre broadband customers. Further information can be found here.
Software Support for Plusnet's Broadband Devices
For further information on Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI), software support and how to report software vulnerabilities please refer to Software Support and Reporting Security Issues.
Available with relevant promotions and products, as displayed on the product card or in basket.
Once your broadband and line rental are activated you will be issued claim information via email. Follow the instructions in this email to be issued with your Plusnet Reward Card. You must submit your claim within two months of the email being issued. The card must be activated within three months of it being issued.
This card is issued by GVS Prepaid Limited, an Electronic Money Institution authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference number 900230; pursuant to licence from Mastercard International. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. See Plusnet Reward Card terms.
£30 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 75
£30 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 74 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£50 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 145
£50 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 145 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£50 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 500
£50 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 500 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£50 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 900
£50 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 900 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£30 Plusnet Reward Card with Fibre
£30 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Fibre on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£30 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 300
£30 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 300 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.
£30 Plusnet Reward Card with Full Fibre 500
£30 Plusnet Reward Card offer ends 1 January 2025, and is available to new Plusnet customers ordering Full Fibre 500 on a 24 month contract online at www.plus.net or by calling Plusnet. Subject to availability.