Telecommunications providers’ paid internet security add-ons are growing in popularity, but cybersecurity experts say core protection should come standard, not at extra cost.

Companies like Telia, Elisa and Tele2 sell security services for up to about €4 a month, promising safer browsing as online scams rise.

That demand is growing, but some in the field question whether users should be paying at all.

“In a way it’s good these [services} exist,” said Digigeenius editor Meelis Väljamäe. “But the real question is whether they should be paid, or simply included in already fairly expensive packages, since it’s a necessary service.”

Whether or not it’s ethical to charge extra for it, he added, is up to the telecoms to decide.

Read more: ERR.EE