CenturyLink Protected Internet is a technology that provides security against many online threats such as viruses, malware, botnet attacks, and other malicious content. It's built directly into specific compatible CenturyLink modems, and helps to make sure all internet traffic passing through the modem to any device on the network is safe.

When a Protected Internet-compatible modem is plugged in and activated with CenturyLink internet and is updated with current firmware, the security features of Protected Internet automatically help to protect all connected devices on your network. This includes Internet of Things (IoT) devices like smart TVs or thermostats.

CenturyLink Protected Internet actively detects and warns you when you try to visit risky websites that may contain viruses, malware, and other malicious content. You will get a warning you when you try to visit one of these risky sites. Protected Internet reduces the risk of your devices becoming accidentally infected.

For smart devices, such as cameras, thermostats, etc., Protected Internet monitors and blocks malicious traffic or remote access to those devices from unauthorized or questionable sources.

CenturyLink Protected Internet is built into specific gateways leased directly from CenturyLink. If you are a Protected Internet subscriber, it will be indicated in your CenturyLink account and on your billing statement:
 

• Protected Internet is currently limited to select compatible CenturyLink gateways leased directly from CenturyLink.
  
  
• Current compatible gateways are CenturyLink models C1100, C3000, and C4000 leased directly from CenturyLink.
  
  
• If needed, compatible gateways will receive a firmware update within 72 hours of completing connection to and activation of the gateway. The Protected Internet features will not start until the firmware update is successful.
  
  

If you have questions about whether CenturyLink Protected Internet is working for you, please contact us.

CenturyLink Protected Internet is built into the CenturyLink compatible modem which sits between the internet and all the devices on your network.

Protected Internet will help protect computers and mobile devices from accessing compromised websites:

• PCs
• Macs
• smartphones
• tablets
  
  

Protected Internet also protects other connected devices. These are known as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and might include the following:

• smart thermostats
• smart TVs and set-top boxes
• gaming consoles
• appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers/dryers
• and many more

CenturyLink Protected Internet uses a cloud-based McAfee-powered technology called Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) to identify dangerous websites. The protection works as follows:

• GTI constantly monitors websites around the world for malicious and dangerous content.
  
  
• When malicious content is found on a website, GTI flags the site as 'risky.'
  
  
• When any of your devices attempt to visit a website, Protected Internet checks that the website is not on the 'risky' list.
  
  
• If the website is on the 'risky' list, Protected Internet stops the device from accessing that site and displays a warning message.
  
  

GTI is an always-on, always-up-to-date service that protects your network and devices from all known and emerging threats in real-time.

CenturyLink Protected Internet uses a technology called Global Threat Intelligence (GTI) to identify dangerous websites. GTI constantly monitors websites for malicious content. When malicious content is found on a particular website, GTI 'flags' the site as risky. When any of your devices attempt to visit a website, Protected Internet checks that the website is not on the 'risky' list. If it is, you get a warning screen. 

GTI also identifies websites that have been attacked by botnets. A domain that has been attacked by botnets tries to infect the devices that visit, and to spread malware through the internet. When any of your devices attempt to visit an attacked website, Protected Internet prevents it and displays a warning screen. 

CenturyLink Protected Internet actively protects the devices that are on your network from visiting risky websites. This includes websites known to contain viruses, malware, and other malicious content. By detecting these sites, CenturyLink Protected Internet reduces the risk of your devices accidentally becoming infected.

No. However, because CenturyLink Protected Internet detects malicious sites and warns you before you attempt to visit them, it can prevent you from downloading a virus from such a site.

It is important to remember that CenturyLink Protected Internet does not protect you from viruses that may have infected devices before the feature was activated, viruses on sites where you have chosen to visit after receiving a warning from Protected Internet, or viruses you may encounter when your device is connected on another network or away from the CenturyLink Protected Internet-enabled modem.

CenturyLink Protected Internet protects devices connected on your compatible modem's network from online threats. CenturyLink also offers anti-virus software for Windows and Apple operating systems, so your devices can be protected when connected to another network or public hotspot.

CenturyLink Protected Internet is built into specific, leased CenturyLink modems. For Protected Internet to work as designed, you must use the supplied CenturyLink-compatible modem.

If you use a third-party WiFi router or other networking equipment in conjunction with, or instead of the CenturyLink modem, Protected Internet might not work. In this case, it is highly recommended that you assess your security vulnerability and take the appropriate action.

Your devices are protected when they are connected to your Protected Internet-activated modem's network. CenturyLink also includes offers anti-virus software, for Windows or Apple laptops and computers, so your devices can be protected when connected to another network or public hotspot.

No, CenturyLink Protected Internet is built into the compatible CenturyLink modem itself, so you don't need additional boxes or hardware.

CenturyLink Protected Internet is always up-to-date automatically. It is powered by cloud-based McAfee Global Threat Intelligence which contains information about the latest malware and cyberthreats, so there’s no need for manual updates. Just leave your modem connected to get all updates.

Any device that joins your network and is accessing the internet using the CenturyLink gateway with CenturyLink Protected Internet built in is automatically protected, including those of visitors.

It is important to remember that CenturyLink Protected Internet does not remove viruses from devices that may have already been infected before connecting to a gateway with CenturyLink Protected Internet.

It is highly recommended that you only allow devices you are sure are safe to gain access to your network.

If you attempt to visit a risky website, CenturyLink Protected Internet will display a warning message advising you not to proceed to the suspicious site.

To stay safe, we recommend you do not visit the website and instead choose one of these options:

1. Click the green "Return to safety" button
2. Click the browser "Back" button
   
3. Navigate to a new destination
4. Close your browser
   
   

Although risky and not recommended, you may choose to ignore the warning and click the white "Continue anyway" button to continue to the suspected site.

You also have the option to check the box to "Permanently trust this website" if you know it's a safe site. Checking this box will whitelist the site on all devices currently connected to your modem so you won't receive the warning in the future.