[KB8705] ESET NetProtect FAQ

Issue

• End users FAQ
• ISP/Telco FAQ

Solution

End users FAQ

1. What is ESET NetProtect?
   Read more about ESET NetProtect.
   
   
2. How does ESET NetProtect work?
   ESET NetProtect is a solution that integrates into your internet service provider’s network. It scans all domains you attempt to visit, either through your browser or via applications or smart devices in your home. If a DNS filter identifies a domain as malicious or inappropriate, the solution blocks it and displays a window explaining why. You can modify the pre-activated filters via the Management Portal.
   
   
3. How should I configure my device to use ESET NetProtect?
   To ensure your device accesses domains securely using ESET NetProtect, follow these guidelines:
   
   • If the service is activated on mobile data, avoid using Wi-Fi connections (e.g., public WLAN networks)
   • If the service is activated on a fixed connection and shared via a Wi-Fi router, it will only work within the range of routers sharing the same DNS server settings
     
     
4. What is DNS?
   The Domain Name System (DNS) has been in use since the early 80s to look up the IP addresses of domain names. These are most commonly entered in the address bar of browsers but are also heavily queried by applications. Most internet users probably will not notice the work DNS does, though almost all of our activities on the internet start with looking up this service. An example of a top-level domain is eset.com, and a second-level domain is netprotect.eset.com.
   
   
5. What sets ESET’s solution apart from other DNS filters?
   ESET’s technologies and databases of malicious websites have provided first-class online security for over 30 years, protecting more than 110 million users worldwide. Now, your web browsing can be equally safe.
   
   
6. What threats does the service protect me from?
   The solution can detect and block domains that spread malware, are used for phishing, have questionable reputations, or offer potentially unwanted content. ESET NetProtect also provides customers with a configurable web content filter with 35 categories, allowing for the blocking of specific content types.
   
   
7. Do I need to install anything to activate ESET NetProtect?
   No, users do not need to install any application to be protected. You can easily activate network-level protection with one click through your internet provider’s portal.
   
   
8. What is the purpose of the Management Portal?
   The Management Portal allows end users to manage their ESET NetProtect settings, activate protection filters, set web content parental control rules, and view all blocked domains. The portal also includes a whitelist where you can allow selected domains that may have been blocked or blacklisted.
   
   
9. What devices does ESET NetProtect protect?
   ESET NetProtect protects your browsing on smartphones and home networks. For the home network, it provides security for all connected devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices. For IoT devices, ESET NetProtect ensures they will not become part of botnet networks.
   
   
10. Is it possible to choose different filtering settings for each device or user behind the router?
    No, all security settings of protection filters, reports, and Web Content filtering are shared among all devices and their users in a fixed home network. Different settings can only be set for a single subscription. The only option for applying additional filters is in Web Content Filter settings via the Filter Scheduler functionality, where you can select when enabled filters are active or inactive.
    
    
11. Can I simultaneously use another provider’s VPN service or DNS filter?
    We do not recommend using a VPN or DNS from another provider to ensure the proper operation of the solution. These tools redirect DNS communication outside the ISP Telco network, and ESET NetProtect will not be able to protect you.
    
    
12. Is security guaranteed when using mobile data abroad?
    Security is only guaranteed within the operator’s home country. When roaming, operators set their own DNS settings, which may not provide the same level of security.
    
    
13. Do I need an antivirus program installed even though I’m already protected at the network level?
    ESET NetProtect protects users at the network level and is an essential layer of protection. It provides reliable protection while surfing the web, shopping, or banking. However, the threats of today’s digital world require a more comprehensive approach. The solution only protects you as much as an antivirus program installed on your device. It cannot work with files or attachments or remove malware already on the device. We recommend using the ESET NetProtect service in combination with another ESET security software that can analyze threats on your devices and protect you from malware that you may bring into the device via an infected USB key or malicious attachment in an email.
    
    
14. Can ESET NetProtect affect the functioning of installed applications on my devices or smart devices?
    ESET NetProtect can block malicious domains and domains according to the chosen content based on Web Content Filter settings. Applications or smart devices for communication may require a connection to various domains, which may be blocked (e.g., various advertising networks or cloud-based server locations that may be part of web content filters). Some blocked content categories can influence smart device behavior. There is always a warning before enabling such a category. Blocked domains can be found in the Blocking Reports and added to the whitelist after consideration.
    
    
15. What is the purpose of a Web Content Filter?
    Web content filtering with 35 content categories can help protect small children in families and employees in companies against visits to inappropriate web pages by blocking or limiting access to websites/domains with content that is deemed inappropriate. For families, this can mean blocking access to websites with specific topics such as violence, gambling, or pornography. For companies, this can mean blocking websites that are not related to work or are not in line with their company’s policies.
    
    
16. How can I deactivate ESET NetProtect?
    ESET NetProtect is provided by your ISP/Telco provider. Deactivation should be possible in a similar way as you activated this product. In most cases, you can use any standard way you are used to by activating/deactivating any ISP/Telco plans or services. For more information, contact your ISP/Telco provider.
    
    
17. Can I contact ESET support when I face any problems?
    ESET has no information about your usage, browsing history, or billing. ESET is only the provider of filtering systems connected to your Internet service provider. For assistance, contact your ISP/Telco official customer care contacts.