O2 launches McAfee Protect Advanced, a unique security package built exclusively for O2 customers and packed full of award-winning features to protect the whole family

• O2 customers can now benefit from McAfee Protect Advanced, a bespoke family protection and security package for up to 10 devices, built exclusively for O2 customers and available via Extras 
• The new product was designed with the security needs of modern families in mind. Research by Internet Matters shows that online safety is front of mind for parents and spending too much time online remains a top concern (76%), alongside mis and disinformation (78%)* 
• The offering includes updated features such as enhanced Parental Controls, McAfee’s Text Scam Detector, Social Privacy Manager, award-winning antivirus software and much more 
• O2 customers can get McAfee Protect Advanced for up to six months at no extra cost when upgrading or taking out a new O2 plan, and with all Ultimate Plans as standard 
• All other O2 customers can add the service to their existing package any time for just £4.99 per month 
• The introduction of McAfee Protect Advanced builds on O2’s existing range of security features available to customers 

O2 and McAfee have today launched McAfee Protect Advanced, a bespoke product created by the worldwide leader in online protection, exclusively for O2 customers and available on Extras.  

Designed with the needs of modern families and households in mind, the enhanced security offering arrives following research from O2 partner, Internet Matters, which shows that online safety is front of mind for parents and spending too much time online remains a top concern (76%), alongside mis and disinformation (78%).* McAfee Protect Advanced is available exclusively to O2 customers at £4.99 per month, or at no extra cost for six months to those upgrading or taking out a new Ultimate Plan, via Extras. 

McAfee Protect Advanced brings together the essentials your household needs to stay safe online, including device security, personal data protection, and privacy tools. With McAfee Protect Advanced, O2 customers can be assured that their family is shielded from viruses, scams, malware, and other online threats, whilst personal information remains safe from identity theft and fraud threats. 

Key features include: 

• Award-winning AI-powered antivirus – Rest easy knowing your devices are protected from the latest threats with award-winning antivirus protection for compatible Windows, Mac OS, Chromebooks, and Android devices. 
• Parental Controls – Protect kids from inappropriate content online and help them to build good digital habits with the ability to manage both screen time and the content which is accessible. Features include the ability to apply a ‘Digital Timeout’, which pauses the child’s screen time and restricts access to installed apps and internet browsing. The software can also block inappropriate apps, content and dangerous websites, giving parents maximum control and peace of mind. 
• McAfee’s Text Scam Detector – Scam or safe? Avoid scam texts with AI-powered protection. Text Scam Detector uses patented AI technology to proactively detect scams and automatically alerts you if it detects a dangerous link in your texts, even before you open the message. And don’t worry, it can even block sites if you accidentally click. 
• McAfee’s Personal Data Cleanup – Know how much of your data is online, and which companies are selling it. With Personal Data Cleanup, O2 customers will also receive guidance on how to remove their data from third parties. 
• McAfee’s Social Privacy Manager – Safeguard your privacy on social media. Social Privacy Manager helps you adjust more than 100 privacy settings across your social media accounts in just a few clicks, so your personal info is only visible to the people you want to share it with. 

Christian Hindennach, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Helping our customers to remain safe and secure online is a top priority for O2. For us, our mission is simple – to help families feel more secure at home and confident in dealing with the modern challenges that come with being a connected household. This new package of award-winning security features by McAfee, exclusive to O2 customers, is our latest way of offering families peace of mind so they can enjoy the connection, entertainment and ease our network offers without having to worry about online risks. Whether you want greater control over your child’s online time or simply more say in how your own data is used online, every household can benefit from the security features offered by McAfee Protect Advanced.”   

McAfee Protect Advanced allows customers to protect up to 10 devices per household and is the latest service to join O2 Extra’s extensive catalogue, sitting alongside Extras including Disney+ from £5.99 per month, Amazon Prime for £8.99 per month (comes with a £2 discount), Cafeyn for £7.99 per month and TNT Sport (£26.99). The product replaces previous McAfee security offerings available via Extras (McAfee Mobile Security Plus and McAfee Mobile Security Standard). 

O2 Extras appear on a customer’s monthly bill alongside their Airtime plan, offering added value by reducing the need for out-of-pocket spending. It’s a simple way for customers to enjoy more of what they love, all in one place. 

The launch of McAfee Protect Advanced is O2’s latest way of keeping its customers, their devices and personal information safe. An automatic restriction is put in place to limit customers from accessing 18+ content on the O2 network, with age verification required in order lift this bar. O2 also provides a free opt-in Parental Control service which limits the websites children can access on the network.  

For more information, visit the O2 website.  Customers can find information about keeping data and people of all ages safe, advice on how to deal with scam calls and texts, device security tips and much more. 

ENDS 

Notes to Editors: 

*Research by Internet Matters (2025): Internet Matters Pulse – Insights into children’s digital lives 

Eligibility: 

McAfee Protect Advanced eligibility: Available to O2 customers only as an add on for £4.99 per month or as a paid Extra for those joining O2 or upgrading to a new plan. New and upgrading customers can choose McAfee Protect Advanced as a paid Extra when completing their order online, in-store or over the phone. For those who aren’t ready to upgrade, they can unlock the offer and add McAfee Protect Advanced via the O2 Extras offer page in MyO2.