Top ways to protect your home online—and offline.
Should Your New Home’s Internet Plan Also Include Security?
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4 min read
Edited ByKelly HuhThis piece is sponsored by Xfinity
For movers who are just settling into their new home, home security and Wi-Fi protection are a crucial step to take in order to protect your household. In the United States, approximately 35.2% of personal Wi-Fi networks have at least one device that has weak security.
To keep your home safe online and offline, Xfinity offers several options — some even included in your monthly internet price — to protect your new house. Whether you’re looking for security features that come at no additional cost or you’d like additional home-monitoring abilities as an add-on, Xfinity keeps your household safe.
Key Takeaways
- Xfinity WiFi Shield is included for Xfinity Internet users at no additional monthly cost.
- Xfinity Shield Select is a premium add-on that includes home-monitoring devices.
- Roughly 75% of U.S. households use at least one home security device, whether through home cameras, Wi-Fi protection, or other monitoring devices.
- Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select are not the same thing, though they both address home security and online safety.
- Xfinity Shield Select costs an additional $15 per month and includes an indoor camera, door/window sensor, and cloud storage.
- WiFi Motion can detect movement without cameras on Xfinity WiFi Shield, which registers changes in Wi-Fi signals to track movement through the home.
- Family Settings add parental controls and screen-time management. Families can create profiles, set off-hours, block unwanted sites, and manage devices.
- All protection can be managed through the Xfinity app, which is the central hub for setting up Xfinity Shield, viewing camera footage, reviewing sensor activity, and adjusting settings.
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Morgan values boots-on-the-ground research and implements it through testing, talking with real customers, and heavy research to ensure that you get all the information you need. She writes about home internet, mobile services, and streaming from a customer-first perspective.
Morgan McDougal
Move.org
Is Wi-Fi security necessary?
Yes, Wi-Fi security is incredibly important for nearly every household, especially as more personal and smart home devices connect to your new home. For most new homeowners, security cameras are the primary safety measure taken to protect their home, though protecting your family online is just as important. While taking measures to keep your household safe, make sure to consider why protecting your Wi-Fi and online presence is important for keeping your information secure.
Here’s a quick run-through of important reasons to protect your home through Wi-Fi security:
- Unprotected networks can give unauthorized users the opportunity to access your internet connection.
- Weak network security can increase the risk of unauthorized users connecting to your devices through your Wi-Fi connection.
- Home Wi-Fi networks often carry sensitive information like passwords, financial activity, work data, and personal communications — all of which are vital to keep private.
- Unauthorized users can slow your internet connection by consuming your available bandwidth.
- Cybercriminals often target vulnerable devices connected to poorly protected networks.
- Parents may benefit from additional safety features available through Wi-Fi protection like content blocking, managing on and off hours, and tracking device movement.
Get more insights on Xfinity Home Security.
Could your growing collection of smart home devices create new security risks at home?
Yes, the more smart home devices you have connected to your home internet, the more potential entry points you may create for security threats. To prevent cyber risks, keep devices updated, use strong and unique passwords, and pay attention to which devices are connected to your network through home-monitoring Wi-Fi protections.
What are Xfinity’s free vs. paid security features?
All Xfinity Home Internet plans include a basic plan of security measures through Xfinity WiFi Shield, and the option to add extra features that offer crucial protections with Xfinity Shield Select.
Let’s break down each home security offer through Xfinity.
What is Xfinity WiFi Shield?
Xfinity WiFi Shield is a free add-on for eligible Xfinity Internet users who use a compatible leased Xfinity Gateway, at no additional monthly cost. This is a great entry-level security offering, but not to be confused with a full-home security solution. In the coming months, Xfinity will be rolling out additional tiers for Shield with varying prices and features.
Xfinity WiFi Shield includes:
- CyberSecure (formerly Advanced Security): Automatically monitors network activity, helps detect suspicious behavior, and protects connected devices from potential threats.
- WiFi Motion: A feature that uses WiFi signals and connected devices to detect movement in your home.
- Dark Watch: A WiFi Shield monitoring mode designed for nighttime use. It helps identify unusual activity while you sleep.
Together, these security features protect connected devices, detect motion using Wi-Fi signals, allow parental controls, and even provide additional visibility into the activity going on in your new home.
Who is this best for: Xfinity WiFi Shield is best for homeowners who are new to home security and want to try out the basics before fully securing their home with added measures.
What is Xfinity Shield Select?
Xfinity Shield Select is a paid add-on, charged at $15 per month. In addition to the protective features you get through Xfinity WiFi Shield, this upgrade offers essential home-protection measures through cameras and other monitoring equipment to bring you peace of mind.
Let’s take a look at what Xfinity Shield Select includes:
- CyberSecure (formerly Advanced Security)
- WiFi Motion
- Dark Watch
- Family Settings
- One indoor camera
- One door/window sensor
- 24/7 support
Who is this best for: Xfinity Shield Select is a forcefield for your home that is best for movers, young families, pet parents, and homeowners who want to keep an eye on their home while fast asleep or far away.
Should I get Xfinity Shield Select or Xfinity WiFi Shield?
Xfinity WiFi Shield is best for beginners who want to set a basic foundation for network security, while Xfinity Shield Select is a simple home protection upgrade for users who want more visibility and peace of mind.
Who should get Xfinity Shield Select vs. Xfinity WiFi Shield?
How to check if Xfinity is available at your new address
1
Visit Xfinity’s availability page.
New customers can begin by checking if service is available at their address.
2
Enter your new home address
Provide the complete address including unit number, if applicable.
3
Enter your planned move-in date
Xfinity allows customers to schedule their move-in date up to 30 days in advance.
4
Compare plans at your new address
Consider internet speeds, TV package, pricing, and promotions that vary by location.
5
Schedule your service start date
If Xfinity is available in your area, select a move-in or installation date to begin your service.
What if I am a current Xfinity user?
Current Xfinity users can sign into their account and head to the Xfinity Moving page, where their new move can connect to their current account and services.
How much does Xfinity WiFi Shield and Xfinity Shield Select cost?
Xfinity WiFi Shield is included at no extra cost with the price of your Xfinity Internet. To upgrade your experience and include physical equipment, Xfinity Shield Select is available for $15 per month.
Plan | Price | Details |
 Xfinity WiFi Shield | Included | View Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Xfinity Shield Select | $15.00/mo | View Packages |
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Does WiFi Shield require cameras?
No. WiFi Shield can detect motion using compatible connected devices and your Xfinity Gateway, so cameras are not required to use WiFi Motion features.
Can WiFi Shield or Shield Select help parents manage screen time?
Yes. Family Settings allows parents to create profiles, assign devices, set screen time limits, pause WiFi access, and manage online activity from the Xfinity app.
Is WiFi Shield a home security system?
WiFi Shield is designed to provide built-in home protection, device security, motion awareness, and family controls through your Xfinity WiFi experience. It does not include the camera, sensor, or additional protection features associated with Shield Select.
What equipment comes with Shield Select?
Shield Select includes one indoor camera and one window/door sensor.
Does Shield Select include professional monitoring?
No. Shield Select does not include professional monitoring.
How much is Shield Select?
Shield Select is $15/mo.
Who is Shield Select good for?
Shield Select for movers, young families, pet parents, seasonal customers, and current WiFi customers who want to level up to physical home protection
Key definitions
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