TalkTalk to trial controversial anti-malware system

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TalkTalk is to start trialling an anti-malware system which has been under attack from privacy bodies.

Those opposed to the system have claimed it spies on users’ web activities and even the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) had likened TalkTalk’s system to Phorm – another initiative to have attracted anger from privacy groups.

Customers testing out the technology will be warned when they attempt to access sites known to be infected.

The tests will be open to those customers who have opted in.

“The system ... records all the website URLs to which our whole network has been asked to connect,” explained TalkTalk managing director Clive Dorsman, in a blog.

“The system simply records the destination website URLs; it does not record who sends the request or other personal data with the URL.”

Dorsman said the company has been in contact with the “relevant public bodies” before launching the anti-malware service and stressed how the free offering could help customers stay secure while on the web.

“These days homes have so many devices hooked up to the web, working across multiple platforms, that keeping them all secure is harder than ever,” he added.

“Our plan is to provide an additional level of security at a network level – in other words stopping the bad stuff before it gets into your home in the first place.”

An ICO spokesperson said the data protection watchdog has advised TalkTalk on using necessary safeguards to stay within the law.

“We expect them to make sure they are effective in practice,” the spokesperson added.

“As with all organisations, if we receive complaints from affected individuals we will take them seriously and look into them further. We have not received any to date.”

Dominique Lazanski, senior fellow for technology policy at the Big Brother Watch, called on TalkTalk to ensure it keeps within the law and adhere to privacy best practices.

“TalkTalk needs to be transparent with their customers about the details of the new system and customers should be able to opt in and opt out of the system as well,” Lazanski told IT PRO.

“As far as I can tell in reading their releases on the matter, they are explaining their plans and allowing for customers to opt in if they wish to be a part of it.”

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