LAS VEGAS--Comcast is using the crowded confines of CES in Las Vegas to announce a new $5.99 service, which will use artificial intelligence technology to monitor potential hacks into home-based IoT equipment.
Xfinity xFi Advanced Security will be available to Comcast’s 15 million xFi homes. xFi already offers a range of usage features that lets users monitor their WiFi network, as well as do things like shut down certain devices and teenagers at predetermined times.
To scare up interest in its new service, Comcast quotes Symantec data suggesting that the number of attacks on Internet-of-things devices increased 600% from 2016-2017.
“As the digital world gets more complex, we wanted to make it simple and easy for our customers to protect their home networks. That’s why we developed xFi Advanced Security,” said Fraser Stirling, senior VP of digital home, devices and AI for Comcast Cable, in a statement. “We want to give customers digital peace of mind for the devices they already own and the confidence to expand and evolve their connected homes knowing that every new camera, voice-assisted speaker or smart thermostat they add will be protected.”
