EE has launched a comprehensive new scam protection subscription that blocks spam calls, shields your devices from viruses, and sends a warning if your personal information is shared on the Dark Web. Dubbed Scam Guard, the new service is an optional extra available to all pay monthly EE customers in the UK.
It comes just a few days after an eye-watering 9,948,575,739 stolen passwords were shared in plain text on a forum on the Dark Web. The vast database built on a previous list of stolen usernames, email addresses, and matching passwords, was the largest stolen dataset of all time — a record that's since been broken by a leak researchers refer to as the "mother of all breaches".
The BT-owned mobile network says Scam Guard will rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to spot likely spam calls and alert users to them as well as proactively offer tips on how to secure any at-risk accounts.
O2 launched a similar system, known as Brand ID, to safeguard its customers from fraudulent calls last month. But while Virgin Media O2 offers its protection as a free upgrade for existing pay monthly and SIM-only customers, EE's Scam Guard starts from £1 per month.
EE bundles a password generator, which creates an unguessable alpha-numeric password for each of your online accounts — so you're not re-using the same username and password login for every account. Anti-virus and malware protection for two separate devices is also bundled for the first three months.
The mobile network pointed to government research published earlier this year, which showed that 40% of crime committed across the UK was fraud-based and that almost all phone users – around 96% – experienced nuisance calls on a regular basis.
EE said it hoped the new service would both eliminate the stress of cybersecurity and understanding the technology around it, as well as educate users on the subject.
BT Policy Director Helen Burrows said: “We have always prioritised the protection of our customers and our investment in Scam Guard is something we are all incredibly proud of. We truly believe it will make a significant contribution to the prevention of scams and fraudsters.
“EE was a founding member of Stop Scams UK, and part of a cross-industry alliance to share intelligence on scams. We also employ security experts and network-level security to safeguard our network and customers from cyber-attacks.
EE will leverage Artificial Intelligence to identify and warn customers about suspected scam calls
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“This is something we take seriously, and while we already block an impressive number of scams, there is always more that we can do. Scam Guard covers all bases so customers can feel safer on our network.”
Scam and fraud attempts are at record levels across the UK. If you receive a suspicious call or text message — particularly when asked to provide personal information or payment details — you should report the number for free to 7726 to help keep yourself and others safe.
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By forwarding these scam texts, the telecom company is not only able to investigate and block the mobile numbers used by fraudsters, but also use the scam texts to help refine its blocking services, making it easier to identify new trends and block messages faster.
Additional Reporting By Martyn Landi, PA Technology Correspondent
