By Tim Pearson, VP Global Solution Marketing, NAGRA
Years ago, I remember buying a PC and as part of the sale it was heavily suggested that I also take some anti-virus software. At the time, I, like probably many others, didn’t really know what it did. I only knew that with it, I had protection against hackers and others intent on causing me harm and stealing my data. Back then, this is as far as it went: a single computer at the end of a domestic broadband connection.
Fast forward to many years later, and we find ourselves leading increasingly hyper-connected lives. In fact, faced with a scenario of leaving a wallet or our phones at home, many of us would return for the phone. Add to this the range of devices we use in the home and the number of IoT devices that are now connected to our domestic broadband routers and all of a sudden, we have built a complex web of inter-related devices through which we run our busy lifestyles.
So, what is today’s anti-virus software equivalent that can protect both our data and our devices? The largest ecosystem vendors, Apple and Google, both offer comprehensive security approaches that promise to protect personal data and assets – but is this enough to protect everything in our personal digital ecosystems?
In a recent survey of U.S. broadband subscribers, NAGRA asked how many were concerned about cyber-threats to their own personal data. 60% responded that they were. We then asked who they saw as responsible for securing their personal data on fixed and mobile devices that are used both around the home and when out and about. Over 50% responded that they trusted and expected their ISP to provide a solution or service to address the threat.
For their part, broadband service providers are able to provide a cohesive service that covers not only specific technology ecosystems but also all the ‘gaps’ between them to provide consumers with a comprehensive security offering for all their connected devices. This offer protects not only their data and digital lifestyles but can also deliver other key services like identifying troublesome WiFi-dominating devices on home networks and provide remote troubleshooting.
NAGRA Scout is a solution that addresses these key aspects and more. Designed with the consumer at its core, it focuses on understanding typical consumer behavior patterns and profiles, so it learns how digital lives run. Protecting consumers either at home or whilst away from home, it also enables intelligent network protection based on user presence data. For example, when everyone leaves the house during the day or on vacation, non-essential devices can be placed in “internet pause” mode. This not only protects them from use or intrusion attempts while users are away but may also help reduce energy consumption or internet costs. If remote access is needed, users can always un-pause their devices remotely from anywhere using the NAGRA Scout app. Delivering this peace of mind in a non-techno-jargon way is a core part of the proposition – designed to inform consumers in plain language. Operators also learn more about the ways in which their networks are being used and this can be used to enhance their service further.
NAGRA is currently working with several broadband service operators across Europe and North America to address the threats created by today’s digital lives. Through NAGRA Scout, a new, consumer-centric service is available that not only boosts consumer’s cyber-confidence but also provides broadband service operators with an additional service that creates stickiness and drives consumer loyalty.
If you’d like to hear more, see a demonstration, or just chat about the challenges you’re facing today, get in touch with us. We’d love to continue the conversation! And don’t miss the live webinar featuring Laura Buffard, Senior Director, Connected Home for NAGRA: “Smart Home Purchase Journey: The Home and Why of the Consumer’s Purchase Process” next Tuesday, May 10th, hosted by Interpret.