Giant launches free network-level security filter called Guardian

Liverpool-based UK broadband provider Giant has introduced a free network-level internet content filtering and security service called Guardian, which is available on all of its packages and designed to work across every connected device without downloads or per-device setup.

Guardian gives customers a single switch to block malicious websites, and optionally adult content, across every phone, laptop, smart TV, games console and Internet of Things device on their Wi-Fi network. The feature is free for new and existing customers alike, so it is not limited to new subscribers, and it can be switched on directly from the Giant portal.

Three levels to choose from

Customers can pick between three settings once they are in their account.

• Guardian Off keeps standard internet with nothing blocked, aimed at customers who already run their own filtering.
• Guardian Standard automatically blocks websites known to spread malware, phishing scams and credential theft. Giant recommends this for every household.
• Guardian Family blocks everything Standard does, plus adult content, and is designed for households with children.

Once applied, the changes are said to take effect in seconds and can be reversed at any time. Giant says there are no data caps, no throttling and no impact on connection speed.

A deliberately simple approach

Callum Longworth, Director of Giant, said the aim was to make online safety straightforward.

"We wanted online safety at Giant to be genuinely easy, no downloads, no per-device setup, no confusing settings pages," he said. "Guardian is one tap in your account and it protects everything. It's the kind of thing we wish every broadband provider had built in as standard, so we did it."

The approach contrasts with traditional security measures that often require software to be installed on each device, which can be awkward for users. By working at the network level, the filter covers every device joined to the home connection from a single switch.

A number of other broadband providers already offer network-level security filters, including most of the major ISPs, though some reserve their more advanced features for a paid upgrade.

Filtering of this kind does not catch everything, so good anti-virus and firewall software on individual computers remains worthwhile alongside it.