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The Complete Guide to AT&T ActiveArmor Internet Security

Caroline Lefelhoc / Updated Dec 23, 2025 | Pub. Dec 23, 2025

Your home network does more than stream Netflix or check email. Smart TVs, video doorbells, voice assistants, and dozens of other gadgets now connect to your Wi-Fi—and each one opens a potential door for hackers. AT&T ActiveArmor internet security stands guard at that door, protecting everything on your network from cyber threats.

Why Your Home Network Needs Protection

Count the devices that connect to your Wi-Fi. Your laptop and phone probably run antivirus software, but what about your smart fridge? Your security cameras? Your thermostat? These smart home devices rarely come with built-in protection, which makes them easy targets.

Hackers constantly scan the internet, hunting for weak spots. They exploit factory-set passwords, outdated software, and unprotected connections to gain access to your network. Once inside, they can steal your personal information, spy on your activities, or hijack your devices for criminal schemes.

Each unprotected device gives them another way in.

 

internet security

 

What Is AT&T ActiveArmor Internet Security?

AT&T ActiveArmor works through your Wi-Fi gateway to shield your entire network. Instead of protecting devices one by one, as traditional antivirus software does, ActiveArmor wraps a security blanket around everything connected to your home network.

How ActiveArmor Guards Your Network

ActiveArmor scans your network traffic 24/7, hunting for threats before they reach your devices. It watches for five critical dangers:

Weak Device Security

ActiveArmor spots vulnerabilities in your connected devices and alerts you right away. You can fix problems before hackers exploit them.

Factory Default Passwords

Many printers, scanners, and other devices ship with passwords like “admin" or “password123." Everyone knows these default codes, which makes them useless for security. ActiveArmor finds these weak passwords and warns you to change them.

Dangerous Websites

The system blocks your devices from reaching known malicious websites. This stops malware, phishing scams, and other threats before they can infect your network.

Strange Network Activity

ActiveArmor monitors data patterns and flags unusual behavior. If a device suddenly starts sending data to suspicious locations, you’ll know about it immediately.

Ongoing Attacks

ActiveArmor doesn’t just stop threats—it shows you what it’s blocking. You can see attempted attacks and review your security history anytime.

What You Need to Get Started

Three things unlock AT&T ActiveArmor for your home:

Once you have these, setup takes minutes. Open Smart Home Manager, find the internet security card, review the terms, and turn on protection.

Managing Protection Through Smart Home Manager

Smart Home Manager puts you in control. This app (available for iPhone, Android, and web browsers) becomes your security command center.

What You Can Do

Monitor every device on your network. Check security alerts. Take action when ActiveArmor detects a threat. The dashboard shows everything clearly, without confusing technical language.

Upgrade to Advanced Security

Own a BGW320 gateway? You can add ActiveArmor advanced internet security for extra protection [1]:

Private Browsing with VPN

Hide your online activity and location with the built-in VPN service [1]. Your data travels encrypted, keeping snoopers out—especially important on public Wi-Fi.

Identity Monitoring

Get alerts if your personal information shows up in data breaches or on the dark web. Catch identity theft early before it causes real damage.

Better Content Controls

Set rules for what your family can access online. Filter inappropriate content and manage screen time for different family members.

Threat Activity Dashboard

See exactly what’s happening on your network. The dashboard maps attempted attacks, blocked threats, and your overall security status in simple visuals.

Why You Still Need Antivirus Software

ActiveArmor protects your network, but experts recommend doubling up. Add antivirus software to your computers and phones for complete coverage.

Antivirus programs catch threats that slip past network monitoring. They stop infected email attachments, dangerous downloads, compromised USB drives, and software exploits. Network protection plus device protection creates overlapping shields that keep most threats out.

 

person typing in a passcode

Optimize your internet security

 

Get the Most from ActiveArmor

Follow these smart moves to maximize your protection:

Check Alerts Regularly

Don’t ignore security notifications. Each alert tells you something important about your network security and might need your response.

Change Those Default Passwords

When ActiveArmor flags a device using a factory password, change it immediately. Create strong, unique passwords for every device.

Update Everything

Keep all your devices running the latest software versions. Companies release updates to fix security holes—install them quickly.

Know What’s Connected

Review your network devices every month. Disconnect anything you don’t use or don’t recognize.

Teach Your Family

Make sure everyone in your home knows basic security rules. Show them how to spot suspicious emails, texts, and websites.

The Power of Whole-Network Protection

Old-school security protects one device at a time. ActiveArmor covers everything. Your smart doorbell, your gaming console, your kid’s tablet—they all get protection, whether they have their own security software or not.

This matters more every year. The average home now connects 17-30 devices to Wi-Fi [2]. Tracking security settings for each one individually? Nobody has time for that. ActiveArmor handles it automatically.

Should You Use ActiveArmor?

ActiveArmor makes sense if you want:

  • Easy setup without technical headaches
  • Protection for every device on your network
  • Peace of mind about your smart home security
  • Professional-grade defense against hackers

AT&T Fiber and Internet Air customers with compatible equipment can add ActiveArmor without buying extra hardware. Smart Home Manager makes monitoring simple enough for anyone to handle.

Get Secure Internet Now

AT&T ActiveArmor runs quietly in the background, blocking threats automatically while keeping you informed. Check your Smart Home Manager app today to see if you qualify for AT&T ActiveArmor. If you have a BGW320 gateway, explore the advanced security features. Your connected home deserves absolute protection—and ActiveArmor delivers it.

Call 1-833-887-3016 to speak with an available AT&T agent today about our internet plans and security protection.

Sources

[1] Att.com. “Advanced Internet Security"

[2] Ncta.com. “Open Access Broad Impact Wi-Fi Smart Homes".

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