removal of McAfee Security Suite
Very upset that I've lost the McAfee Security Suite.... Seems my bill keeps going up, but my available services are going down..... No E-mail support, no anti-virus support......what's next?
Forum Discussion
The fact of the matter is that Cybersecurity has moved beyond a focus on malware on your local system, and the native system defenses against malware are better than ever.
Whether you have macOS or Windows, there are many built-in malware protections, such as Windows Defender. Configure this well, and don't worry about garden-variety threats. Desktop devices have firewall capabilities that'll block rogue apps. Likewise, browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari can be secured for safe browsing without the need for an extension. Furthermore, I recommend that you limit third-party apps, and always use the system's App Store for installing reputable apps. Malware is far less likely to get a foothold if you install only the apps you need, and don't download/sideload from third parties.
The bigger security picture is focused on the online services you use now. Many people use platforms such as Facebook, Steam, Google Workspaces, Slack, etc. These all have integrations and run apps that interface with your accounts and not your local machine. Secure those integrations and don't play janky Facebook games. They could eventually worm through your contacts lists, your emails, or your cloud storage. McAfee can't do a thing about that. McAfee can't prevent you from giving out personal data, or entering your credit card/bank account on a janky e-commerce site.
If you consider this holistic picture and still feel the need for McAfee, then you can subscribe to it like everyone else. It's perfectly useful for the scope they've defined. You may be quite comfortable with its interface or their support staff. Cox is just signaling to us that the McAfee contract was no longer cost-effective.
I didn't see either of you address the fact that the bill keeps going up, and Cox is eliminating a service they have provided for years. I have used McAfee for years. since I got the account 24 years ago and question the numbers of people not using it. Frankly, I find the response, "pay for it like everyone else" to be insulting. I have been paying for it through Cox for 24 years.
RobZ
I get where you are coming from. McAfee has always been included as a free feature. Our goal is to provide the services our customers want and keep them connected to the things they love. With that in mind, we continually evaluate rolling out features or services that give customers the ability to do more. Part of this evaluation includes discontinuing features that the majority of our customers just don't use. We value your 24 years of loyalty and appreciate your feedback, which I have shared with our product planning team.What a ridiculous response. I am a Systems Engineer with many years experience. Trivializing the value of a Security suite is dangerous.
When I joined, COX Email AND the McAfee Security Suite were attractive BENEFITS of my COX Subscription - transition of the Email to YAHOO has been a degradation in service. Loss of the McAfee Security Suite has had real cost in terms of my time AND $$ replacing it.
Step back and explain how loss of McAfee is different from loss of a benefit provided to an Employee - health Care for example.
Are there any other tangible BENEFITs of COX services on the chopping block?
FreeAVG
ANTIVIR
TotalAV
Bit Defender
Avast
And more. There are MANY free antovirus programs out there should you chose to install more than what now comes with your Operating System, yet here you are kvetching that Cox that never charged you for Mcafee, is no longer providing it for free, but isn't reducing your bill for no longer providing it for free. REALLY?
You are the epitome of what my hand to hand combat instructor once said, " If one wishes to complain, they will find no shortage of things to complain about".
