How to Download and Install the Spectrum Security Suite?

If you’re going to surf the World Wide Web, you must acquaint yourself with security tools and their installation process. With so much information stored on your devices, from personal photos to bank details and passwords, one slip can really cost you all your life’s hard work. Not to forget your privacy. Leaving such key tasks for other people to manage is really not in your best interest. You must equally be involved in the process. But, that’s easier said than done, isn’t it?

While you may understand the importance of playing an active role in your personal cybersecurity, often it doesn’t translate into action. Overwhelmed with all the technical jargon, you can feel inept at managing this key aspect of your online life. There’s no doubt that a certain level of tech-savviness is essential to accomplish this task. But it also wouldn’t be wrong to say you cannot acquire it if given detailed instructions and help. And, that is the principal idea behind the Spectrum security suite.

Spectrum has designed the software to be user-friendly so no matter how technologically challenged you may feel, you should have no trouble figuring out its intricacies. To remove any confusion you may have, here are the instructions on how to install the Spectrum security suite.

What is Spectrum Security Suite?

When you subscribe to the Spectrum internet service, you get access to the Spectrum internet security suite for free. All you need to do is install it on your computer and all your online activities will be safe from prying eyes.

The Spectrum security suite is an award-winning antivirus, anti-spyware, and firewall software. It uses advanced real-time cloud-based tech to provide solid protection against viruses, spyware, or any other malicious software. Virus removal occurs automatically as and when infections are found on your device(s). And, you receive a notification to confirm that. A user-friendly firewall protects your private data and prohibits unauthorized access to your system(s). The browsing protection feature assesses the safety level of a website and blocks accidental access to dangerous ones. The anti-bot scanning feature, which can be run on Windows-based computers, detects and removes harmful software. The best part is that Spectrum security extends to online parental controls as well. You can set limits, monitor web activity, and block age-inappropriate content. The parental controls feature is available for both Windows and Mac computers.

With a combo of all the essential features that you need to make the online experience safe and secure for your family, the Spectrum security suite is an ideal choice. More so, with the multi-computer protection, it offers, as a Spectrum internet customer you are left with little to worry about. Other than downloading and installing the suite on your device(s). Sure, that can get a little tricky, but if you follow the instructions with care, you’ll be done in no time.

How to Install the Spectrum Security Suite on Windows

The installation process for Macs and PCs is different given how they’re designed. For Windows PC, follow the steps below. If you have a Mac though, skip to the next section.

System Requirements

There are certain requirements your system must meet for the Spectrum Security Suite to work. If it doesn’t, it won’t be compatible with the suite. With that said, there shouldn’t be an issue with newer devices in terms of compatibility with Spectrum security.

1. Processor: a 2 GHz or higher Intel Pentium 4
2. Operating System: Windows 8, or 10, 32 bit & 64 bit (including all editions)
3. Disk Space: at least 1.2 GB free space on the hard drive
4. Memory: at least 1 Gigabyte

Downloading and Setting up the Suite

First off is downloading the software. This isn’t tricky per se, but you can feel quite lost if you don’t know where to look. Here is what you have to do. Just follow the steps below and you’ll be good.

1. Log in to your Spectrum account here.
2. In the “Internet” section, you’ll find the “Go to the Security Suite” tab. You can also go to the Security Suite option at the bottom of your Spectrum account summary page.
3. Choose to download the Spectrum security suite.  
4. You’ll be asked to select your operating system and enter a device nickname. The nickname must be less than 16 characters, and you can include letters, numbers, dashes (-), or underscores (_).
5. When you click to download, the CharterNetworkInstaller.exe will show in a pop-up window.
6. Now, click on “Run”. The anti-bot scanner is downloaded and run by the security suite automatically before the installation takes place. If it finds any harmful files, you may be asked to restart the computer. As a precautionary measure, we’d recommend you create a backup of important files in advance.
7. Once the scan is complete, click on “Continue”
8. You’ll be prompted to select “Accept and Install” to start the process
9. Once that’s done, you’ll be asked to restart the PC and complete the installation. Once that is done, click on “Close”.

Voila! You have the Spectrum security suite installed and running. If you find yourself stuck at any point though, just call Spectrum Customer Service. They’ll be able to guide you to a resolution.

How to Install the Spectrum Security Suite on Mac

Macs are great machines to have. But, the different design means how things are processed is different too. So, we’ve got that covered here as well. Leaving little to nothing for you to worry about. If you happen to be a Mac user, just follow these steps, and you’ll be done without any hassle in no time.

System Requirements

For the Spectrum security suite to work, your mac must meet certain requirements. Compatibility is key so make sure your Mac has the following:

1. Processor: Intel
2. Operating System: macOS version 10.14 “Mojave”, macOS version 10.13 “High Sierra”, or macOS version 10.12 “Sierra”
3. Disk Space: at least 250MB free space on the hard drive
4. Memory: at least 1 GB
5. Display: 16-bit or more (65,000 colors)

Downloading and Setting up the Suite

The steps to follow for Mac machines are slightly different. Here’s how you can download and install the Spectrum security suite on your Mac device:

1. Log in to your account on the net.
2. In the “Services” tab click on “Go to Security Suite”. If you want you can also access the Security Suite from your Spectrum account home. Here, just below the “Billing Information” option, you will find the “Your Services & Equipment” tab. And, under that the Spectrum Security Suite.
3. Choose to download the security suite.
4. You’ll be asked to select your operating system and enter a device nickname. Device nicknames must be shorter than 16 characters. And, you can include letters, numbers, dashes (-), and underscores (_).
5. Now click to download. The CharterMacInstaller.exe file will show up in a pop-up window.
6. Click to “Save” the file.
7. Locate the downloaded file in your Downloads folder. Open and click on “Accept” once you have reviewed the terms of the license before you select “Continue”.
8. Next, choose how you would like to install the Spectrum Security Suite. And “Continue” to confirm “Install”.
9. You’ll be prompted to enter your computer password. Do that, and then click on “Install Software” to start the process.
10. When asked to restart the computer, do that, and allow the installation to complete.
11. Once the installation process finishes, select “Close”.
12. After the installation, you’ll be asked to enable the Browsing Protection feature. Select the browser you use from the drop-down menu and then click on “Install Now”.

There that’s it. The Spectrum security suite is installed on your Mac machine! With Browsing Protection enabled, you can now surf the internet knowing you’re safe and secure. If you find yourself stuck, however, Spectrum recommends you contact Apple support.

Remember, the Spectrum security suite will either automatically uninstall any existing anti-virus software on your system or prompt you to do that manually.

Final Words

As you can see, the process is quite simple. You don’t have to be an IT specialist to install the Spectrum security suite. And, given the coronavirus circumstance, it may just be prudent to expand your existing DIY skillset. So, go ahead and try installing the program on your own.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Spectrum internet antivirus free?

If you’re subscribed to Spectrum internet service you get the Spectrum internet antivirus software for free. all three tiers of Spectrum internet plans come with the security suite included.

Is Spectrum Wi-Fi network secure?

The Spectrum Wi-Fi network has safe sign-in and authentication protocols in place. So you need not worry. If you are a Spectrum internet subscriber, Spectrum recommends you select the SpectrumWiFi Plus network which comes with an additional layer of encryption.

What is the cost of Spectrum Wi-Fi?

Spectrum internet plans begin at $49.99/mo. When you become a Spectrum internet subscriber, you get free access to the Spectrum Wi-Fi hotspot network. As for the in-home Wi-Fi network, there is a one-time $9.99 charge to activate the service. And, it costs $5 per month in equipment rental to utilize the Spectrum Wi-Fi router.