Hacker Alert, a security tool from TDS Telecom and BendBroadband, is a network-based analytic tool designed to catch security threats missed by anti-virus software. TDS will initially feature the service in it’s cable broadband footprint.
Since the new software sits in the network, nothing is installed at the subscriber premises. Subscribers are alerted to problems by a text, SMS message or a visit to the Hacker Alert portal. They are given step by step instructions on addressing the issue.
Hacker Alert costs $3.95 per month for TDS internet customers with no term or agreement required, according to the press release about TDS Hacker Alert.
ISPs are working to make more tools like this available to customers, both as a way to improve security, and as a way to build incremental revenue. In January, Comcast said that it will offer its xFi Advanced Security free to Internet customers who lease an xFi gateway. The technology is worth $72 annually, according to the company.
Two drivers – one new and one that has been gathering steam for a few years – are driving the home online security market. The recent boost is from the COVID-19 pandemic, which is leading far more people to play, work and seek medical care from their home broadband. In some cases, employers are providing secure business-level connectivity to homes. During the past couple of weeks, AT&T and Comcast have made announcements about such offerings. Those likely will be the exception rather than the rule, however – and those offerings don’t cover families seeking protection for non-business applications and services.
The more established driver is growth of the connected home. Devices are proliferating and securing them is simultaneously becoming more important and trickier. An example of a smart home focused security initiative comes from a collaboration between ADTRAN and Plume “to improve, personalize and secure the home network and streamline connectivity” in the smart home market.
“We’re proud to invest in our network to give customers added security for their home networks so they can browse, game, and work securely,” said Julie Maiers, vice president of Marketing and Product Development for TDS in today’s press release about TDS Hacker Alert.
