The Latest in IT Security

Big carriers like Telefonica, Verizon, Orange and Singapores Starhub warn that they are only just starting to test the waters and pledge to market only anonymous crowd information to protect customers. They are also promoting their big data products as being helpful well beyond the realms of advertising – for credit card companies wanting to detect fraud, for ambulance operators plotting routes to avoid traffic, and for public health officials responding to outbreaks of flu. But while some carriers have decided to press on with developing their data business since former U.S. National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowdens disclosures, others have started pitching themselves as their customers best allies in seeking to hide from any prying eyes. Verizons Precision Marketing Insights product, which offers businesses statistics about mobile users in a given area, was in commercial trials with sports teams and billboard owners when the Snowden allegations hit.