In short
BT Web Protect (also called Web Threat Protect) is a security feature included with every BT Business Broadband plan that warns before a device visits a harmful or malicious website. Content Controls filter categories of website using preset levels. Both protect all devices on the connection, are off by default and are switched on in My Account.
Get a quote for BT Business Broadband security
Tell us roughly how many users or sites you have and we will reply by email with options and a quote.
What is BT Web Protect?
Web Protect is BT's network-level protection against dangerous websites on BT Business Broadband. BT also calls it Web Threat Protect. When it is on, BT warns you if a device on your connection is about to visit a website that contains harmful or malicious content, such as a site linked to malware or a phishing page pretending to be your bank.
Content Controls is its companion. It lets you limit the categories of website that people can reach on your connection, using preset filter levels.
BT includes both with every BT Business Broadband plan: Essential, Enhanced and Pro. Because they work at network level, BT says they protect all devices connected to your BT Business Broadband connection, including devices you could not easily install security software on, such as smart TVs, tablets and printers.
Both are off until you switch them on
This is the point most businesses miss. BT includes Web Threat Protect and Content Controls with BT Business Broadband, but they are not switched on by default. BT says the account holder or an authorised administrator must enable and set them up for them to apply.
To turn them on, log in to BT Business My Account (or use the hub's management settings, as BT describes) and enable each feature for your broadband connection. If nobody has done this yet, there is a good chance your connection is running without them.
We suggest doing it on day one, alongside changing the default Wi-Fi password and switching on guest Wi-Fi.
Web Protect vs Content Controls
| Web Protect (Web Threat Protect) | Content Controls | |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Warns before a device visits a harmful or malicious website | Limits the categories of website people can reach |
| Main use | Protection from malware and phishing sites | Keeping browsing appropriate for a workplace |
| Applies to | All devices on the BT Business Broadband connection | All devices on the BT Business Broadband connection |
| Settings | Enabled by the account holder or an authorised administrator | Predefined filter levels |
| Included with | Every BT Business Broadband plan | Every BT Business Broadband plan |
| Default | Off | Off |
A sensible starting point for most workplaces is Web Protect switched on and Content Controls at one of the less restrictive preset levels, so that obviously unsuitable categories are filtered without getting in the way of work.
Not sure which option fits? Ask us
Tell us what you need and we will recommend the right option for your organisation, with a quote.
How they compare with Wi-Fi Security Controls
Pro customers also get Wi-Fi Security Controls, which works on Smart Hub 3 and is managed in the BT Business app. BT's own comparison puts it like this:
| Capability | Content Controls and Web Protect | Wi-Fi Security Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Warns about harmful or malicious websites | Yes | Yes |
| Protects all devices on the connection | Yes | Yes |
| Predefined filter levels | Yes | Yes |
| Control which devices join the network | - | Yes |
| Different rules for different groups | - | Yes |
| Dashboard and usage analytics | - | Yes |
| Managed in the BT Business app | - | Yes |
| Plans | All plans | Pro only |
In short: Web Protect and Content Controls give the whole connection one set of rules. Wi-Fi Security Controls lets you treat devices and groups differently and see what is happening.
Choosing filter levels for a workplace
Content Controls works with preset filter levels, so the decision is how strict to be. A sensible way to approach it:
- Start with Web Protect on. Warnings about malicious and phishing sites help every business and rarely get in the way.
- Start with a less restrictive filter level. Filter the categories that have no place at work without blocking tools staff use.
- Check the business systems still work. Card terminals, booking platforms, cloud accounts and software updates should all be tested after you change settings.
- Adjust if needed. If a legitimate service is affected, review the level you chose in My Account.
- Write down what you set. Note the settings and who changed them, so the next person knows where to look.
Guest devices are best kept off the business network entirely. BT Guest Wi-Fi has its own content filtering as standard, so you do not need to make your business filters stricter just because the public uses your Wi-Fi.
Is BT Business Broadband security the right fit for you?
We will check it against your systems and requirements and recommend the right option.
Business Web Protect and BT's home broadband
BT uses similar names for security features on its home broadband. This page is about the business features included with BT Business Broadband and managed in BT Business My Account. If you find instructions written for BT home broadband, check that they apply to BT Business before following them, as the settings and menus differ.
Web Protect and Content Controls are not antivirus software. They work on traffic using your connection, so a laptop that leaves the office, or a phone on mobile data, is outside their reach. For device protection, BT sells Endpoint Threat Protect as a paid per-device add-on to any plan. Our broadband security guide sets out how these pieces fit together across the BT plans.
The security ladder across BT plans
Web Protect and Content Controls are the first rung. The full ladder on BT Business Broadband looks like this:
| Level | What you get | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Every plan | Web Protect and Content Controls, plus filtered guest Wi-Fi | Essential, Enhanced, Pro |
| Device-level control | Wi-Fi Security Controls on Smart Hub 3 | Pro |
| Managed security appliance | Cisco Meraki next-generation firewall, URL filtering, malware protection and intrusion prevention | Ultra |
| Device protection | Endpoint Threat Protect, per device | Paid add-on to any plan |
For wider cyber security services beyond broadband, such as email security, endpoint detection and response or staff awareness training, see Forever Group's cyber security pages.
Getting help with BT Business Broadband security
When we supply your broadband we can remind you to switch on Web Protect and Content Controls, help you choose filter levels, and explain when Pro or Ultra is worth considering for stronger controls. Pricing is confirmed at quote. Contact us about security on BT Business Broadband.
Why buy BT Business Broadband from Forever Communications
Forever Communications is part of Forever Group and an Authorised Supplier for BT. We supply BT Business Broadband to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations, and we help with each step from first enquiry to go-live.
- The right connection for your address: we check whether your premises can get Full Fibre or another access type, and explain what that means for speed; see checking availability
- A plan that fits how you work: we help you compare BT Business Broadband plans, including BT Business Ultra, and decide which add-ons such as Hybrid Backup or a static IP are worth having
- A clear quote: charges, minimum term and what is included set out in writing; see what affects the price
- Installation planned with you: we explain what happens before and on the day; see BT Business Broadband installation
- Connected services in one conversation: phones with BT Cloud Voice, Wi-Fi and security, or a BTnet leased line when broadband is no longer enough
BT Business Broadband is a business service. Speeds, features, service levels and availability are BT's and are confirmed at order.
Frequently asked questions
What is BT Web Protect?
BT Web Protect, also called Web Threat Protect, is a network-level security feature included with BT Business Broadband that warns before a device on your connection visits a harmful or malicious website.
Is BT Web Protect switched on automatically?
No. BT includes Web Threat Protect and Content Controls but they are off by default. The account holder or an authorised administrator switches them on in My Account or the hub's management settings.
What is the difference between Web Protect and Content Controls?
Web Protect warns about dangerous websites. Content Controls limit the categories of website people can reach, using preset filter levels. Both apply to every device on the connection.
Is BT Web Protect the same as antivirus?
No. It protects traffic on your broadband connection. Devices away from the office still need their own protection, such as BT's paid Endpoint Threat Protect add-on.
Do I get Web Protect on every BT Business Broadband plan?
Yes. Web Protect and Content Controls are included with Essential, Enhanced and Pro. Pro also adds Wi-Fi Security Controls.
Still have a question about BT Business Broadband security?
Ask us and a member of our team will reply by email.