Wireless network security
Security is a top priority for Verizon, and it should be a strong consideration of everyone who has a wireless home network. Consequences of not protecting your network can range from neighbors enjoying free Internet access at your expense to identity theft.
How can I help protect my wireless network?
- Protect your network from viruses and spyware
- Change your router password if you're still using the factory default setting
- Use the strongest network security encryption compatible with your network devices
- Use firewall software to protect your computer
- Position the router or gateway to limit your exposure
- Turn off your wireless network if you are going to be gone for extended periods of time
Wireless Network Encryption FAQs
- Should I use WPA2, WPA or WEP encryption on my network?
- If WPA2 and WPA encryption are more secure, why does Verizon ship its routers with WEP encryption enabled?
- What compatibility issues should I consider before using WPA2 or WPA encryption?
- How can I change my wireless network to WPA2 or WPA encryption?
- How can I change my network's WEP encryption key?
- How can I find my wireless home network's security settings (SSID, WEP, WPA, or WPA2)?
Strengthen Your
Network Security
Change the network encryption on your wireless network to WPA2 or WPA.
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Security
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Shopping online, using email, or surfing the Internet shouldn't leave you feeling vulnerable to virus attacks, identity theft or other security breaches. In fact, most Internet security issues are easily preventable and only require a few updates to your computer.
Bookmark this site and return frequently for more information on how Verizon is keeping you safe online.
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Internet Security Checklist
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Whether you are just setting up your computer or need to update your computer's security settings, these tips will cut down the likelihood that a security attack will affect you.
Computer and virus protection
- Use anti-virus software, firewalls and spam filtering.
- Regularly update your security patches.
Email protection
- Prevent viruses by not opening spam email.
- Set up Email Filters.
Identity protection
- Use a password that is hard to guess.
- Visit secure Web sites when you are using your credit card online
Router protection
- There is potential security risk to many popular models of home routers; especially routers that are not protected by a strong password.
Learn more: Router Security Update page.
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Other resources to keep you and your family safe online:
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Online Safety - Verizon Communications Online Safety
StaySafeOnline.org - National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)Verizon Security Products
Verizon Internet Security Suite (VISS)
- VISS helps protect your computer from hackers, viruses, spyware, and other threats. VISS is available as a single package, which protects one computer, or a network package, which protects up to three computers.
Spam Detector
- Catch unsolicited emails sent to your email account. Automatically deletes or moves spam email to your SPAM Detector folder. Learn more about Spam Detector
Parental Controls
- Verizon Parental Controls: Block access to certain websites and choose who can use the Internet and when. Learn more .
- VISS Family Protection: Protects children of all ages from exposure to inappropriate content, social networking risks, strangers, and other threats. Learn More
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Fix a Security Issue
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Spyware
- My software programs are taking longer to start
- Pop-up advertisements are appearing.
- My Internet home page was changed.
- Take Action against Spyware
Virus
- People receive email I didn't send.
- Unusual messages display on my monitor
- My computer performance is slow
- Take Action against Viruses
Spam
- Spam is over-loading my email account
- Use Spam Detector
- Use Spam Filters:
Message Center or Outlook Express.
Identity Protection
- Someone used my username or password
- Encryption and securing your credentials.
- Take Action:
Use Verizon Internet Security Suite.
Parental Controls
- Take Action: Download Verizon Parental Controls | Use VISS Family Protection
Wireless Networks
- Someone is stealing my wireless network. Protect your wireless network by updating your router and network security settings..
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Mobile Security
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Mobile security contains the following features for your Android smartphones/tablets
Antivirus scanner: Provides real-time protection and scans for malicious code in apps, SD cards and internet downloads. Backed by McAfee's award-winning Global Threat Intelligence Network, it ensures no malware or other hazardous infections are able to infect your device.
Multi-User App Profiles: Restrict access to your apps by using one of the three profiles provided by the App Profile feature to create "safe" zones for your kids, friends, family or even a stranger. You control what apps others see on your device.
App Alert: Scans and checks your apps and lets you know when an app is asking for more access than it really needs. Backed by McAfee's
Global Threat Intelligence Network, it even creates reports so you can decide whether or not to trust that app.
App Lock: Protects your privacy by enabling you to lock your apps with a password, thereby securing them from being accessed by other
people using your phone.
Call and SMS Filter: Easily filter out spammers, incorrect numbers, and unwanted SMS and MMS messages.
Locate: Locate your mobile device quickly via GPS, which can be activated remotely from any browser. You can also enable the SCREAM
function which helps locate it with ease.
Lock: Lock your phone or Android tablet to keep outside parties from accessing your personal information via SMS or from controls managed from the remote management web portal. You can also create a customized lock screen message with your contact details to facilitate the safe return of your device.
Remote Wipe: Remote Wipe helps preserve your privacy should your phone be lost or stolen by enabling you to wipe all contacts, photos, and calendars, as well as your text messages, browsing history and SD Card.
For more information, please visit Multi-Device Product Information. -
Creating a Strong Password
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Passwords protect valuable personal information. Identity theft is a growing problem, which makes creating a strong password even more important.
What is a strong password?- A strong password should appear as a group of random characters and should not be a word found in the dictionary of any language.
- A password should be at least 8 characters long. The longer the password, the harder it is for a hacker to guess.
- Passwords should use a combination of letters, both upper and lower case, numerals and symbols (e.g., ! @ # $ % ^ & *). It's much harder to guess a password made up of a greater variety of characters.
- Create a password based on words or phrases that are easy for you to remember, but difficult for a hacker to guess.
How do I create a strong password?
- Think of a phrase that is easy to remember.
- Take the line from a favorite song, poem, or the title of a book.
- Create a phrase about your home, family, or hobby
- Create a humorous, nonsensical phrase that's easy to remember
- Take the first letter of each word in your phrase to create the string of characters that will become your password
- "O swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon that monthly changes in her circled orb" from Romeo and Juliet becomes "Osnbtmtim"
- Add numbers, and upper and lower case letters to add complexity.
- "Osnbtmtim" can become "0snbtMt1M" by substituting a zero for the initial letter "O," making the two m's for moon into upper case, and substitute the number one for the letter "i."
- The password is still easy to remember, but it is now much harder for a hacker to break.
Here are some suggestions to help you choose the safe password:
- The password should be 8 to 63 ASCII characters long, and it is highly recommended to use 16 or more.
- Characters that are upper case. ASCII is categorized as Alpha and Numeric characters.
- DO choose each letter or digit at random. Try one-finger typing with your eyes closed.
- DO use a longer password, and write it down somewhere safe. A short password is easier to remember, but also much easier for attackers to guess. It is OK to let your PC save your wireless password so you don't have to remember it.
- DO NOT use anything directly related to you, such as your street address, phone number or car license plate.
- DO NOT use the name of any person or place in your password. The attackers know all the common names.
- DO NOT use any word from the dictionary. The attackers have dictionaries, too.
- DO NOT use a phrase or sentence. Once an attacker learns any portion of the phrase or sentence, the rest is easily guessed.
Verizon QuickGuides: How to Create a Strong Password
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How To Change Your Verizon Router Password
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It's very important that you change your router password so you're not using the factory default. Since the default router password is well known, your network is more vulnerable to hackers if you haven't changed it.
Here's how to change your Verizon router password:- Connect to your Verizon WiFi network as normal using your desktop or laptop computer.
- In your browser (Chrome, IE, Safari etc.) type into the address bar “192.168.1.1.”
- You will be prompted for a username and password, which can be found on the sticker on the router itself.
- Once logged in, go to “Wireless Settings” and navigate to the “Security” menu. Then look for the “Change Password” field.
- You should create a strong password that is unique to your device and easy for you to remember.
Use the graphics below to select your network's router.
See also:
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Someone might be using my user name and password
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If you believe that someone might be using your Verizon user name and password (either because of unauthorized Internet access, activity on your email account, changes to your account settings or for some other reason), you should immediately change your password and ensure that your new account-access information is completely secure.
Change your password
Use the Forgot Password tool to reset your password. Your password is case-sensitive, must be between 6 and 20 characters in length, and can include any combination of letters and numbers. It cannot include such characters as /, #, *, or blank spaces.
Please allow up to one hour for your password change to take effect.
Maintain the security of your new account-access information
- If you receive an email asking you to send personal information, DO NOT reply to the message. Verizon Online does not use email to collect billing or personal information from its customers. The email is fraudulent; delete it from your Inbox.
- Ensure that your computer does not contain any keystroke loggers, screen capturers, or other malicious software that would enable someone to once again access to your private information.
- If you're using wireless technology to surf the Web, be sure the sites you're visiting are SSL-encrypted.
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Is it safe to use my credit card online?
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Yes, shopping online has become very safe. However, there are a few tips you should consider anytime you share your personal information online.
- Make sure the Web site is secure. Secure Web sites use "Secure Sockets Layer," an encrypted protocol that protects confidential user information. You can identify an SSL-protected page in one of two ways:
1. SSL-protected-Web pages will display a closed-lock icon on the status bar at the bottom of the browser window:
Browser Secure Web Page SSL Icon Microsoft Internet Explorer
Closed lock
Netscape Navigator
Closed lock
2. The URL of an SSL-protected-Web page will begin with "https" rather than "http." For example: http://www.verizon.com would be an insecure page, while https://www.verizon.com would be SSL-encrypted and could be considered safe for credit card transactions.
- Check your credit record on a regular basis. You should request a credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus at least once each year and verify that all the information is correct.
The three major credit bureaus can be contacted as follows:Equifax Experian Trans Union 1-800-685-1111
1-888-397-3742
1-800-916-8800
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Symptoms of computer viruses
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Symptoms of computer viruses include:
- Inexplicable system crashes
- Programs taking significantly longer to start
- A decrease in computer processing speed without reason
- Excessive attempts to access the hard drive, even for simple tasks
- Files are suddenly corrupted or don't work properly
- A sharp reduction in available memory and system resources for no apparent reason
- Programs or files that are suddenly missing
- Programs or files that are created without your permission
- A sudden reduction in available hard drive space
- The changing of a volume or disk's name
- Strange messages or displays on your monitor
- The playing of unusual sounds or music at random times
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What is spyware?
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Spyware is software that monitors your activity on the Internet and then transmits this information to a third party without your knowledge or consent.
Spyware can gather information about your email addresses, banking information, passwords, credit cards, and the Web sites you have visited. It can even record every keystroke you type and then transmit it in the background to a third party.
The third-party company can use this information for marketing purposes or sell it to another party. In most cases, you will have no idea this information was gathered or transmitted.
Types of spyware include Trojan horses, home page hijackers, and Web dialers.
Spyware varies from annoying advertising banners that slow your computer's processing speed to insidious programs that steal your credit card information or charge thousands of dollars of long distance calls to your phone number.
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How can I protect my computer from Spyware in the future?
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Several of the latest versions of antivirus software also protect against spyware. Configuring these programs to scan all activities while your computer is running and scheduling regular scans of your hard drive can greatly reduce the threat of spyware infecting your computer.
Secondly, many types of spyware are included in freeware or shareware software bundles downloaded from the Internet. You can greatly reduce the likelihood of a spyware infection by downloading files only from Web sites that carefully screen and test every program before making it available for downloading.
How can Verizon Online help me remove spyware?
For spyware protection, consider purchasing one of Verizon Online's products (for a monthly fee): Verizon Internet Security Suite or Premium Technical Support. Both products provide spyware protection against unwanted programs that gather and transmit private information without
your permission.See also:
1. How can I tell if my computer has spyware?
2. How can I remove spyware from my computer?
3. How can I protect my computer from spyware? -
What is a Web dialer?
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A Web dialer is a spyware program that resides on your computer and calls numbers in other parts of the country or world without your consent. Web dialers often call chat lines in the middle of the night to escape detection. You may discover you have a web dialer only when the next phone bill arrives, and you have thousands of dollars in long distance charges for calls you didn't make.
Web dialers, like other types of spyware, are often included in freeware or shareware bundles downloaded from the Internet. -
What can I do to remove a Web Dialer?
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Because most Web Dialers are spyware, you can remove a web dialer by scanning your hard drive using the anti-spyware software included in the Verizon Internet Security Suite. By paying an additional monthly fee for the Verizon Internet Security Suite, you can regularly scan your computer and remove spyware that may act as Web Dialers.
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How can I protect my computer from Web Dialers?
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The Verizon Internet Security Suite also includes firewall software that helps to block unauthorized outgoing Internet traffic and stop web dialers. The Verizon Internet Security Suite requires an additional monthly payment.
See also:
What is adware?
What is spyware?
What is a home page hijacker?
What is a Trojan horse? -
How can I tell if my computer has spyware?
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The following symptoms may indicate you have spyware infecting your computer:
- Your computer performance has slowed dramatically.
- Your Web browser suddenly closes or stops responding.
- While viewing a Web site, other instances of your browser open and display Web site advertisements.
- Pornographic sites keep popping up when you surf the Internet.
- Your computer dials phone numbers in the middle of the night to expensive pornographic chat lines.
- New sites are unexpectedly added to your Favorites list.
- New toolbars are unexpectedly added to your Web browser.
- Your home page is changed and the new site displays every time you open your browser.
- You get pop-up advertisements that use your name even when you aren't connected to the Internet.
For spyware removal support, consider purchasing one of Verizon Online's products: Verizon Internet Security Suite
- Your computer performance has slowed dramatically.
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How can I protect my computer from spyware?
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- Be very careful when downloading software from the Internet.
- Make sure you know exactly what installed onto your computer when you download applications off the Internet. Check the software creator's Web site very carefully.
- Many of the more reputable shareware and freeware Web sites now include information on whether spyware is bundled with the software you can download. You may want to limit your software downloading to sites that provide this additional level of security.
- Carefully read the security warnings before allowing the installing of an application while you visit a Web site. Clicking on the product name hyperlink displays the End User License Agreement (EULA). Click Yes only after reading the EULA and only if you are confident of the reputation of the company supplying the software.
- Carefully read the EULA. The EULA should explain exactly what software will be installed and any limitations on how you can use it. If the EULA is hard to find or unreasonably difficult to understand, you may not want to download the software.
- The Verizon Internet Security Suite includes anti-spyware software. By paying an additional monthly fee for the Verizon Internet Security Suite, you can regularly scan your computer and remove any spyware that is found.
- Use a hardware or software firewall. FiOS customers have a hardware firewall built into most routers.
- Verify that your Internet Explorer security settings provide the appropriate level of security.
- Keep your software up-to-date. It is important to download the latest patches and updates to your software packages; especially programs associated with your operating system, email, or Web browser.
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Scan for Spyware
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- Check the programs on your computer to see if you have program that scans for spyware by clicking on Start in the left Taskbar.
- Click All Programs. The programs loaded on your computer will display. If you have a program that scans for spyware, double-click the name of the program in the listing and follow the on-screen directions.
- If you don't have a program that scans for spyware, review the list of loaded programs for a virus scanning program like McAfee Antivirus or Symantec Antivirus. If you don't have a program for spyware or virus scanning, consider purchasing one of Verizon Online's products that offer spyware support assistance: Verizon Internet Security Suite, or Premium Technical Support
- In some cases, you can remove spyware by simply uninstalling the program or removing the virus that installed it. Unfortunately, many types of spyware are sophisticated enough to remain on your computer even after the original software is uninstalled.
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How does spyware affect my computer's performance?
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Spyware uses your computer's memory and system resources while it is running in the background. This slows your computer's processing speed and can lead to system crashes and instability.
Because the spyware is downloading advertising to display and sending information on your activities to its "home base," it is using valuable
Internet bandwidth that isn't available for your other activities. Not only is the spyware sending your personal information without your consent, it is slowing down your computer to do it. -
How can I protect my computer from viruses and worms?
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You can protect your computer by:
- Using antivirus software
- Antivirus software like runs in the background to check email messages and other activities to prevent viruses from infecting your computer.
- The Verizon Internet Security Suite includes antivirus software that blocks viruses and worms from infecting your computer.
Note: The Verizon Internet Security Suite is available to Verizon Online customers for an additional monthly charge.
- Antivirus software like runs in the background to check email messages and other activities to prevent viruses from infecting your computer.
- Using a software or hardware firewall
- Firewalls provide a barrier between your computer and the Internet. Inbound and outbound Internet traffic are monitored to prevent viruses from reaching your computer.
- The Verizon Internet Security Suite includes a firewall that helps to protect your computer from viruses and worms.
Note: The Verizon Internet Security Suite is available to Verizon Online customers for an additional monthly charge.
- Firewalls provide a barrier between your computer and the Internet. Inbound and outbound Internet traffic are monitored to prevent viruses from reaching your computer.
- Filtering spam before it gets to your inbox
- Spam filtering helps prevent junk mail from reaching your inbox. If it never reaches your inbox, there is less danger that you will accidentally open it and activate the virus.
- Verizon Online provides Spam Detector to identify, filter, and then immediately delete spam before it clutters your inbox.
- Spam filtering helps prevent junk mail from reaching your inbox. If it never reaches your inbox, there is less danger that you will accidentally open it and activate the virus.
- Regularly backing up your files
- Regularly backing up your files doesn't directly protect your computer from viruses. Instead, it enables you to restore any files the virus may have destroyed.
- Using antivirus software
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Use the strongest network encryption compatible with your network devices
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Make Internet security a priority! To make sure we do all we can to protect your information, our wireless routers have security settings that are available to help protect your home wireless network. Using the strongest network security available will go a long way to secure your home network and information against unauthorized access. Verizon strongly recommends that you upgrade to WPA2 encryption, which is available with your current router and provides the highest level of network security available today.
If you discover you have compatibility issues with WPA2, your next choice should be WPA encryption. It is stronger than WEP, but shares some of the same incompatibilities with WPA2 for older Operating Systems, network equipment, and computing products.
To upgrade your router security setting, please visit www.verizon.com/securemyfiosnetworkfor information and instructions. -
Why do you need a firewall?
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A firewall is a security feature designed to help protect your computer and personal data from unauthorized external access and alert you to immediate threats. A firewall examines all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and allows only traffic that meets the security policies that were set up. Internet traffic that does not meet these security policies is blocked by the firewall and never reaches your computer.
Why do you need a firewall?
FiOS Internet has two things hackers love: high-speed access and dedicated connections. High-speed access allows data to move between the hacker and your computer very quickly. The hacker can more easily load malicious programs onto your computer or interact with the information on your computer. Dedicated connections make it easier for hackers to hijack your computer and use it for a server to distribute their illegal or
unethical programs and spam. They commonly attempt to take control of your computer in the middle of the night when you are less likely to notice their activities.
Does Verizon provide firewall protection?
The Verizon Internet Security Suite includes a firewall to help prevent intruders from accessing your system when you are online. -
Position the router to limit your exposure
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You can reduce the risk of the signals from your wireless router reaching your neighbors by locating your router near the center of your home. Wireless signals from your router can reach up to 100 feet. If you have your router near a window or outside wall, it’s much easier for the wireless signals to reach a neighbor’s property. By locating your router near the center of your home, you can use walls and other obstructions to help prevent the signals from reaching past your property.
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Turn off your wireless network if you are going to be gone for extended periods of time
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If you’re going on vacation or you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, you may want to consider turning off or unplugging the power cord to your router while you’re gone. This removes access to your network.
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What is adware?
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Adware is software that displays advertising banners while a program is running. Instead of charging you for the software, the company generates revenue by selling the advertising space.
The company creating the software uses the information you enter in the registration form for general marketing purposes or targeting their advertising banners to your interests. Freeware or shareware downloaded from the Internet commonly includes adware as a hidden component.
Spyware takes this concept one step farther by tracking your activity on the Internet and then transmitting this information to a third party without your knowledge or consent. Rather than a single registration process to get personal information, spyware continually watches your activities and transmits the information to the designated party.
What can I do?
Pop-up blockers can greatly reduce the amount of adware that displays on your computer. Pop-up blocker software is available from many reputable sources and is often included in free toolbars provided by portal providers. -
What is a homepage hijacker?
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When you open your Web browser, your default Internet home page displays automatically. Homepage hijackers are Web sites or software programs that change your default Web browser home page without your permission.
Because many advertisers pay the marketing company each time a customer accesses a specified Web page, changing your Internet home page can generate additional revenue for them. Unless you reset your default Internet home page, the company continues generating advertising revenue each time you open that page.
Homepage hijacker software is commonly included in spyware that you may unknowingly download within freeware or shareware bundles.
How can I prevent Home Page Hijacking?
The Verizon Internet Security Suite includes anti-spyware software that you can use to remove the spyware responsible for changing your home page. By paying an additional monthly fee for the Verizon Internet Security Suite, you can regularly scan your computer and remove any spyware that is found.
See also:
- What is adware?
- What is spyware?
- What is a Trojan horse?
- How can I reset my default Internet home page?
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Fios Installation: The Installation Appointment
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1 - Your installation appointment
During your installation appointment, a Verizon Technician will install Verizon Fios Internet Service equipment in your home and establish a connection with the Fiber Terminal in your neighborhood. Next the technician will connect your computer to the Fios equipment in your home as well as guide you through the Fios software installation, account setup, and activation on your primary computer.Installation of Fios equipment
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
The ONT converts the laser-generated signal that travels through Verizon fiber optic cables into an electronic signal that works with standard telephone and Internet equipment. The ONT is usually installed inside of your house or inside your apartment, generally in the area where any existing phone services enter your home. - Power Supply Unit
The Power Supply provides electricity to the ONT. Please ensure that you have a three-pronged electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch available near where the ONT will be installed. The ONT requires very little power to operate. In fact, the amount of power needed is about what it would take to power a couple of night lights. - Battery Backup Unit
The Verizon ONT includes a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) feature. You may utilize this feature by maintaining an active batatery in the BBU. With an active battery, the BBU will provide backup power for your basic FiOS voice services, including Emergency 911 dialing, for up to 8 hours in the event of a commercial power failure. You are responsible for purchasing and/re replacing the battery in the BBU. Much like you would need to replace the batteries in a portable radio from time ot time, periodically the BBU battery must be replaced. Please note that a damaged or leading battery may damage Verizon network equipment and should be removed and/or relaced immediately.
- Connecting your computer
The Verizon Technician will run data wiring from the ONT to your router and, if necessary, install an Ethernet jack. Then the technician will connect your computer to your router.
Note: If you need new wiring installed inside of your walls, consider hiring a contractor prior to your Fios installation.
Software installation and account setup
Your Verizon Technician will guide you through the Fios software installation and activate Fios on your primary computer. Additional computers can be configured by the technician for an extra fee. Once all work is completed, the technician will verify that your Fios service is working and that you can access the Internet.
- Optical Network Terminal (ONT)
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What is a firewall and why do I need one?
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A firewall is a security feature designed to help protect your computer and personal data from unauthorized external access and alert you to immediate threats. A firewall examines all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and allows only traffic that meets the security policies that were set up. Internet traffic that does not meet these security policies is blocked by the firewall and never reaches your computer.
Why do you need a firewall?
Verizon Broadband has two things hackers love: high-speed access and dedicated connections.
- High-speed access allows data to move between the hacker and your computer very quickly. The hacker can more easily load malicious programs onto your computer or interact with the information on your computer.
- Dedicated connections make it easier for hackers to hijack your computer and use it for a server to distribute their illegal or unethical programs and spam. They commonly attempt to take control of your computer in the middle of the night when you are less likely to notice their activities.
- High-speed access allows data to move between the hacker and your computer very quickly. The hacker can more easily load malicious programs onto your computer or interact with the information on your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Copyrights and Verizon's Anti-Piracy Cooperation Program
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What is copyright infringement?
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Using copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright owner or its authorized representative is in many instances unlawful and can subject those who do so to potential civil and criminal liability. This is called copyright infringement and it not only violates U.S. copyright law, it
also violates Verizon’s Acceptable Use Policy and Terms of Service. Additional information about copyrights and content piracy is available at the U.S. Copyright Office’s website at copyright.gov. -
What is the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)?
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The DMCA was passed in 1998 by the U.S. Congress to protect copyrighted works in the digital age while providing important protections for online service providers to ensure the free flow of information. Additional information about the DMCA is available at the U. S. Copyright office's website at http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/dmca.pdf. Information about how to submit a takedown notice to Verizon’s DMCA designated agent and Verizon’s DMCA Repeat Infringer Policy is available at http://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/terms-of-use.
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What is the Verizon Anti-Piracy Cooperation Program?
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The Verizon Anti-Piracy Cooperation Program involves sending notices by email to our subscribers relating to claims of alleged copyright infringement from copyright owners. The program is designed to alert you to potential infringing activity involving your account.
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How do copyright owners identify accounts that may be involved with copyright infringement?
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When a copyright owner identifies an instance of possible infringement, it sends the user's Internet Service Provider (ISP) a notice that contains the name of the copyrighted work, the date and time of the alleged infringement and the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the computer that is alleged to be sharing copyrighted material. The ISP matches the IP address sent by the copyright owner to the specific customer to whom that IP address was assigned at that time, and then sends the information provided by the copyright owner to that user without identifying the user to the copyright owner.
If you would like to speak with a specialist to explain this information, you can call the Copyright Notification Department at 866.286.6865
between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday. -
How does Verizon protect my privacy?
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The copyright owner does not know the actual identity of the user assigned to the IP address associated with activity that they believe may constitute copyright infringement. While we, as your ISP, know the customer assigned to a particular IP address, we do not share that information with the copyright owner. We will only provide your identity under the program if we receive a legal demand (such as a subpoena or court order) to do so.
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What do I do if I'm sure that I have not infringed any copyrights?
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If you receive a notice, we recommend that you confirm that the copyrighted material referred to in the notice is on any computer or other device with access to your Internet service and check to see if your computer or other device has any P2P or file sharing software on it. You should also discuss the notice with others who have access to your Internet service. If you have a wireless router, please refer to the "If I am using a wireless router/modem, how do I protect my home network?" question and answer below for more information on ways to secure your home network.
If you would like to speak with a specialist to explain this information, you can call the Copyright Notification Department at 866.286.6865 between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday.
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I've lost the notice you sent me - can I view it anywhere else online?
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You may view your notice online by logging onto My Business with your Verizon User ID and password and clicking the link that appears in the
pop up message to access your Alleged Copyright Violation Notifications history.If you would like to speak with a specialist to explain this information, you can call the Copyright Notification Department at 866.286.6865
between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday. -
Is Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing risky?
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Yes, it can be. Aside from the legal liability for unlawful infringement described above, the use of P2P software can expose your computer and other devices to harmful viruses, spyware and other malware that can compromise your privacy. This can happen by using P2P and file-sharing software and downloading files you may think are music or video files but are really malware that can secretly steal your passwords, personal information, or bank account or credit card numbers.
If you would like to speak with a specialist to explain this information, you can call the Copyright Notification Department at 866.286.6865
between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday. -
How do I uninstall P2P software from my computer?
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You can remove P2P software and copyrighted material from your computer by following these instructions. You will need the name of the P2P so you can locate and remove it.
Windows 10 Users
Use the Programs window in the Control Panel to remove (uninstall) these programs- just as you would remove any program from your Windows system.
- Turn off all file-sharing programs.
- Access your computer’s Start menu by clicking on the Start logo in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Click on the Windows Accessories folder icon.
- Click on the Control Panel icon, then click the link for Uninstall a program.
- Look for P2P software on the list of installed programs. Click once to highlight the software. At the top of the list of programs, select Uninstall. Follow the prompts on the screen to completely remove the software and its components. Some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have companion programs that are not automatically removed. If you have more than one program to remove, click No if prompted to reboot your computer. Then repeat these steps until you have removed all file sharing programs.
- Make sure you reboot the system when you are finished.
Windows 8 Users
In the Programs window in the Control Panel, use the Uninstall a Program function to remove (uninstall) these programs just as you would remove any program from your Windows system.
- Turn off all file-sharing programs
- Go to your computer's Control Panel by pressing the Windows Key + X key to open a task list
- Select Control Panel
- Select Uninstall a Program under Programs
- Look for P2P software on the list of installed programs. Click once to highlight the software. At the top of the list of programs, select Uninstall. Follow the prompts on the screen to completely remove the software and its components.
Some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have companion programs that are not automatically removed. If you have more than one program to remove, click No if prompted to reboot your computer. Then repeat these steps until you have removed all file sharing programs - Make sure you reboot the system when you are finished
Windows 7 Users
Use the Programs window in the Control Panel to remove (uninstall) these programs just as you would remove any program from your Windows system.
- Turn off all file-sharing programs
- Go to your computer's Control Panel. You can access Control Panel from your computer's Start logo
- Double-click on the Programs icon
- Look for P2P software on the list of installed programs. Click once to highlight the software. At the top of the list of programs, select Uninstall.
Follow the prompts on the screen to completely remove the software and its components.
Some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have companion programs that are not automatically removed. If you have more than one program to remove, click No if prompted to reboot your computer. Then repeat these steps until you have removed all file sharing programs - Make sure you reboot the system when you are finished
Windows Vista Users
Use the Programs and Features window in the Control Panel to remove (uninstall) these programs just as you would remove any program from your Windows system.
- Turn off all file-sharing programs
- Go to your computer's Control Panel. You can access Control Panel from your computer's Start logo
- Double-click on the Programs and Features icon
- Look for P2P software on the list of installed programs. Click once to highlight the software. At the top of the list of programs, select Uninstall.
Follow the prompts on the screen to completely remove the software and its components.
Some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have companion programs that are not automatically removed. If you have more than one program to remove, click No if prompted to reboot your computer. Then repeat these steps until you have removed all file sharing programs - Make sure you reboot the system when you are finished
Windows XP Users
Use the Add/Remove Programs window in the Control Panel to remove (uninstall) these programs just as you would remove any program from your Windows system.
- Turn off all file-sharing programs
- Go to your computer's Control Panel. You can access Control Panel from your computer's Start logo
- Double click on the Add/Remove Programs or Add or Remove Programs icon
- Select Change or Remove Programs.
Click once to highlight the software you would like to remove, then click on the Remove or Change/Remove button.
Follow the prompts on the screen to completely remove the software and its components.
Some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs have companion programs that are not automatically removed. If you have more than one program to remove, when prompted to reboot the computer, click No. Then repeat these steps until you have removed all file sharing programs - Make sure you reboot the system when you are finished
Mac Users
- Quit all file-sharing programs
- Locate the folder containing the P2P software that you want to remove. It is usually in the Applications folder
- Double-click the P2P program's folder to examine its contents
- Some Macintosh-compatible P2P programs come with an "uninstall" program. If you see an "Uninstall" or "Uninstaller" program, run it to remove the P2P software.
If you do not see such a program, go back to the Applications folder, and move the P2P program's folder into the trash - Empty your computer's trash folder
- Go to the Apple menu and select Restart to reboot your computer
If you would like to speak with a specialist to explain this information, you can call the Copyright Notification Department at 866.286.6865
between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET Monday through Friday.How do I remove copyrighted material from my computer?
You can remove copyrighted material from your computer by following these instructions.
Windows Users
- Review the copyright alert(s) sent to you by Verizon. The alert(s) will contain the name of the file(s) that is alleged to be infringing material
- Enter this file name into your Search window to locate it on your PC. Then delete the file from your PC
- Repeat this process for each copyrighted work listed on each alert we sent you
- Empty your Trash folder and reboot your computer
Mac Users
- Go to Find
- Review the copyright alert(s) sent to you by Verizon. It will contain the name of the file(s) that is alleged to be infringing material. Enter this file name into your Search window to locate it on your Mac and press Delete to remove this file(s) from your Mac
- Repeat this process for each copyrighted work listed on each alert we sent you
- Empty your Trash bin and reboot your Mac
Note: Verizon Technical Support cannot help with removal of P2P software or copyrighted material. You may want to consider subscribing to Verizon's Premium Technical Support service. To learn more, please visit us at Premium Technical Support.
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If I am using a wireless router or modem, how do I protect my home network?
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Verizon recommends using the strongest network encryption compatible with your network devices to prevent others from accessing your connection without your permission. In most cases, that is WPA2 encryption. However, you will notice some older routers or modems may not be compatible with WPA2 encryption. In those instances, WPA is the preferred encryption because it is still stronger than WEP. For step-by-step instructions for upgrading your network security, please visit router setup page and select the router you are using and the type of encryption you prefer.
Finally, one of the most effective ways to protect your computers and data from unwanted intrusions is to use updated firewall software. You should also install and use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep your software up to date. There are many different types of security software available, including the Verizon Internet Security Suite. For more information about how firewalls, anti-virus and anti-spyware software works and to sign-up for the Verizon Internet Security Suite software, which includes a built-in-firewall, please visit us at Verizon Internet Security Suite.
See Also:
Arbitration and Mediation for Residential Customers
Legal Process Compliance
Verizon Copyright Alert Program
Verizon Security Control Center
Verizon Unlawful Call Center -
Scanning your computer manually (Windows)
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Conducting manual scans of your computer lets you check your system for viruses that may have entered your system when Anti-Virus was turned off. You should scan all your computer hard drives at least once a week.
Verizon Internet Security Suite also lets you scan specific file types or even a specific file. You can even scan files or folders from Windows Explorer.