DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Xfinity Internet customers across Dothan and several Wiregrass communities will have access to a new home protection platform that uses their WiFi network for cybersecurity, motion detection and family safety features.
According to Xfinity, the company is launching Xfinity Shield, which combines digital security, home monitoring and family controls through the Xfinity app.
Xfinity provides Internet service in Dothan and several surrounding communities, including Ashford, Cottonwood, Cowarts, Headland, Kinsey, Midland City, Slocomb and Webb.
The company said the average Xfinity customer now has 36 devices connected to WiFi, increasing the number of potential online security risks. Comcast said it identifies, filters and blocks an average of 30 million threats each day.
“Xfinity Shield represents our vision for the next era of the intelligent home,” said Jon Gieselman, chief growth officer of Connectivity & Platforms at Comcast. “We believe the network should do more than connect devices. It should help protect the people, their personal information, and everything within their homes that depend on our most reliable WiFi every day. That’s the vision behind Shield: advancing the role of WiFi to both connect and protect the home.”
WiFi Shield will be included at no additional cost for Xfinity Internet customers with an Advanced Xfinity Gateway.
According to Xfinity, the service includes CyberSecure, which is designed to help protect phones, computers, smart TVs and other connected devices from malware, hackers, phishing attempts and other online threats.
Another feature, called WiFi Motion, allows customers to use their existing Gateway and connected devices to detect movement inside their homes without cameras or traditional motion detectors.
Xfinity said the optional feature monitors changes in WiFi radio frequency signals and can send an alert through the Xfinity app when unexpected movement is detected. The company said the technology does not record video, take pictures or identify people.
Family Settings will allow customers to manage screen time, set device limits, pause WiFi and create schedules. Customers can also choose between Home Watch, Away Watch and Dark Watch modes.
For customers wanting additional home monitoring, Xfinity is offering Shield Select for $15 per month. It includes WiFi Shield along with an indoor camera, door and window sensor, cloud video storage and 24/7 urgent response capabilities.
“Our goal was simple: make protection easier, smarter and more accessible,” said Fraser Stirling, global chief product officer at Comcast. “We believe the future of protection should be integrated into the technology people already use every day, not added as another product they have to manage. With Xfinity Shield, WiFi delivers protection that helps safeguard people’s digital lives, homes and families in a simple, digital-first experience.”
According to Xfinity, Shield becomes available Aug. 18. Customers must have an Advanced Xfinity Gateway to access all WiFi Shield features.
For Wiregrass customers who need in-person assistance with Xfinity services or equipment, the company operates an Xfinity Store at 557 S. Oates St. in Dothan.
Comcast said additional features and services are expected to be added to Xfinity Shield in 2027.That gives it a stronger Dothan/Wiregrass connection while keeping the story centered on the actual announcement.
This article was brought to by Xfinity
