Bitdefender BOX for Your Home Security Protection

Consumer security is constantly changing. What does that mean for your devices and not just your PC or MAC. I’m talking about everything: phones, computers, iDevices, Android products, even your gaming system (think PlayStation or others that use wi-fi), even your household products or your digital streaming device (Roku for example). Home security should be something you are thinking about and wanting to make secure. A top priority. With your computer you most likely use software (antivirus/malware). Scary times. A new product is looking to change and revolutionize this and the way you think about it. It’s like a security solution for the “Internet of Things”.

There are so many things that can be downloaded on the internet these days that are harmful. These ‘things’ can harm your computers, your android phones, and more. Once they take root (if they get through or if you’re unprotected) then you’re using your antivirus software along with other types of software and malware to rut them out and get rid of them. You’re relying on that software to stop those ‘nasty things’ before they can even invade. Enter the Bitdefender BOX. This is not a new software; far from it. The Bitdefender BOX is a new piece of hardware that you connect to your network in order to protect all your things: hence the “Internet of Things”. If it’s connected to your network then the Bitdefender BOX is your one-stop smart home security solution.

The Bitdefender BOX currently costs $199 and that includes a free year of service for an unlimited number of devices (after the first year it is $99 a year – still for an unlimited number of devices) and don’t bug out. Think about how much you currently pay for complete home security now or for your fully protected antivirus on your computers (which normally only cover a certain amount of them and/or devices or the devices are separate) now that figure, [again unlimited devices] doesn’t seem like a lot. Think about all the devices in your home (tablets, computers, phones, gaming systems – all things that connect to the internet) and how a lot of them have no protection currently. Some of your antivirus programs may cover mobile devices; however, there’s normally an additional fee for them. With the Bitdefender BOX all of your devices are included and covered. Once you realize how many “things” connect to your wi-fi connection that cost seems to pay for itself and then some. The peace of mind you get from the BOX is well worth it.

The Bitdefender BOX is very compact and won’t take up much space. It’s currently available in white and reminds me a little of the Apple TV just a tad thicker (measuring 1.5 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches and weighing a mere 3.25 ounces). On the front of the BOX at the bottom there is an ethereal blue LED. It’s powered by a single-core 400MHz mips micro-compressor,  64MB DDR2 RAM, and 16MB Flash memory. There’s a reset button on the back (easy peasy), with two (2) 10/100 Ethernet ports, and of course your power port. The wireless chipset supports 802.11 b/g/n which is all you need to get the job done for your home network security (can be used as a stand-alone router – not recommended). The LED will change colors to reflect what is going on with your BOX such as: red = problem; white = an update; flashing teal = being configured; and teal = connected (operating normally). Simple.

It’s super easy to set the BOX up after purchase. Just take the included Ethernet cable and plug the BOX into your router, then plug the included USB cable and converter into an outlet (standard). Once the BOX is connected just download the app for either iOS or android [if you have a Windows phone you’re still protected only at the this time there is no app to configure the BOX] and create an account. If you already have a MyBitdefender account from one of their other products you can sign in using those credentials. Whether you’re configuring the BOX with an iOS or android device (iDevice or Nexus to name a couple) you should have no trouble accessing (not sure about the Amazon Fire phone at this time – will update).

The app will communicate through your wi-fi network (there is a long list of supported routers) and setup the Bitdefender BOX automatically. See: Simple. If you happen to have one of the routers not on their long list then you’re able to still use by following their manual setup documentation which is included. Just as an FYI there is no web interface which is a good security move on their part [a bit ahead of its time] and if you don’t understand that, well, that’s okay too as I said “it’s a good security move …”.

So are you ready to protect everything. I mean everything at and in your home network security? Good because that’s what the Bitdefender BOX is going to do. Did I mention printers? Check that. How about your smartphones? A Roku? Or a camera? Your computers (even MACs) whether a desktop or laptop. Tablets. Gaming systems. Oh, I mentioned some of those. Don’t forget your smart fridge. Wait, do you have a NEST smart thermostat? Protected! Some people are getting Phillips Hue lights and guess what. That’s right: they’re included too! Even smart cameras for your home. There are so many others and again, all this is a good (okay great) thing as a lot of these devices are closed to you the consumer/user so antivirus protection cannot be installed. They’re protected now. Just like that. A simple security solution for your “Internet of Things”. By-the-way this goes for anyone that connects to your network for however long they stay connected.

The Bitdefender BOX is able to protect every device on your home network by using a cloud-based malware detection engine which is super-fast! If something happens then the Bitdefender BOX blocks the threat and you’re alerted via a message through the app. Bad stuff is stopped before it ever reaches your computer by shifting protection to your internet connection. You are able to use the BOX app to install on-device protection for android devices, MAC, and Windows. This would be like an extra for offline attacks or infected USB drives.

You can use the BOX app to do OS updates, install patches, and even do basic clean up on the protected computer once it is connected (to said desktop). It will even let you know if your password(s) are weak or strong or if you have outdated software running (think JAVA, or Flash to name a couple). Once you’ve activated, the app populates with all the devices connected to your home network. This can range from a couple to a ton of devices depending on you and your family. You’ll touch the network tab which is located in the center to see all of your “family” and “guest” devices and this is where you can move devices that are showing in “guest” to “family” and give them an internet speed ~ maybe your want your Roku set at high and your child’s iPad at normal with your smart fridge at low (that way your streaming experience is at a higher speed while the smart fridge runs at a lower speed. The devices will populate with cryptic titles such as: A Smart TV until you rename them (whatever you choose) and you can even load images and associate them with contacts from your address book [that way if a guest is over quite a lot you may want to connect their iPhone with their name and picture or some ‘charming’ name you have given them *lol*]; whatever works for you and how you want to personalize. If you have several of the same devices it can be a little tricky since you currently do not see the MAC or IP Address until it is moved into the “family” tab from my understanding [a possible workaround is to disconnect and bring them on one at a time unless you have some unfathomable amount of the same devices] but that seems to be the most logical scenario and easiest to do in our home where there are three (3) iPads to date.

You can enable the Bitdefender BOX’s Private Line feature to extend the malware protection to MAC, Windows and all iOS devices out-of-range of your protected wi-fi home security network (think wi-fi hotspots). By doing so traffic is routed through and protected by the BOX regardless of how it’s connected to the internet (wi-fi or cellular) or where your device is. Basically, it becomes your personal VPN service.

There you have it. Just by plugging in the Bitdefender BOX to your home security network, you receive the protection of an entire antivirus suite! All that and at a lower cost and less of a headache since you don’t have to install software on every single device. Throw in the Private Line which protects while you’re away from home and that’s a feeling of security that you can’t put a dollar sign on. At least I can’t. And don’t forget since it’s the “Internet of Things” that you’re able to secure smart devices that connect to your home network security that traditionally had no protection before the BOX. The Bitdefender BOX is the first of its kind and I hope you’re as excited about it as I am. I look forward to their upcoming updates and what is on the horizon from Bitdefender Antivirus. The BOX is innovative and smart; and a good way to feel more secure in our home network security as we become more and more immersed in this technological world we live in today.

Learn more about the Bitdefender BOX: BOX

More products and information from: Bitdefender

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Watch the YouTube video to learn more: Bitdefender BOX Intro