Demand for efficient home broadband access is expected to drive FWA deployments and migration to higher capacity fixed networks

NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The worldwide residential broadband market reached a subscriber's base of over 1.1 billion in 2020, a 4% increase from the previous year. Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated demand for broadband connectivity. The need for high-capacity residential broadband will remain strong, even after the pandemic recovery. According to global tech market advisory firm ABI Research, 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) will be the fastest-growing residential broadband segment to increase at a CAGR of 71%, exceeding 58 million subscribers in 2026.

Remote working, online learning, e-commerce, and virtual healthcare drove high-speed broadband demand throughout 2020. The significant increase in the use of internet-based home entertainment such as video streaming and online gaming also pushed existing broadband users to upgrade their broadband service to a higher-tier package, while households without broadband access signed up for new subscriptions. "Increasing adoption of internet-connected devices, smart TVs, and smart home devices, as well as consumers' media consumption through internet applications, will continue to drive high-speed broadband adoption in the years to come. In addition, many businesses are allowing remote working for some of their employees after the pandemic, which will boost the need for home broadband services even further," explains Khin Sandi Lynn, Industry Analyst at ABI Research.

To fulfill demand, broadband operators are investing heavily in expanding higher-capacity broadband networks. While some cable operators continue to invest in and upgrade to the DOCSIS 3.1 specification, the cable standardization body, CableLabs, and other industry players are already working toward DOCSIS 4.0 technology. "Although cable companies don't anticipate the need to deploy the new cable standard any time soon, Comcast has completed a lab test of DOCSIS 4.0 full-duplex system-on-chip from Broadband in April 2021. Cable companies are likely to stretch the life of the existing DOCSIS 3.1 standard for a few more years. However, DOCSIS 4.0 can support speeds of up to 10 Gbps downstream and 6 Gbps upstream, enabling improved customer experiences as well as the use of AR/VR or bandwidth-demanding services, which will certainly emerge in the future," says Lynn.

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Similarly, telcos continue to upgrade their xDSL to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. In addition, FWA services are a cost-effective alternative when the deployment of a high-speed fixed broadband network is not economically feasible. Ongoing 5G network deployment alongside the development of extended 5G mmWave solutions will allow service providers to offer high-speed 5G FWA services in both urban and low-density areas. 5G FWA services are expected to represent 4% of residential broadband services in 2026, growing from less than 1% in 2020.

As residential broadband penetration saturates mature markets, competition among broadband operators is likely to create challenges to maintain market shares. "In addition to network upgrades, broadband operators need to invest in cutting-edge software and hardware to optimize network performance and support better user experiences. Providing advanced home networking devices, internet security, and home network self-diagnosis tools can help service providers reduce churn and improve average revenue per user," Lynn concludes.

These findings are from ABI Research's Pay TV and Residential Broadband Subscriptions market data report. This report is part of the company's Consumer Technologies research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. Market Data spreadsheets are composed of deep data, market share analysis, and highly segmented, service-specific forecasts to provide detailed insight where opportunities lie.

About ABI ResearchABI Research provides actionable research and strategic guidance to technology leaders, innovators, and decision makers around the world. Our research focuses on the transformative technologies that are dramatically reshaping industries, economies, and workforces today. ABI Research's global team of analysts publish groundbreaking studies often years ahead of other technology advisory firms, empowering our clients to stay ahead of their markets and their competitors.

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For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific or visit http://www.abiresearch.com.

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Global Deborah Petrara Tel: +1.516.624.2558 pr@abiresearch.com

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5G FWA, the Fastest Growing Residential Broadband Service, to Exceed 58 Million Subscriptions in 2026 - Yahoo Finance

BEIJING (BLOOMBERG) - China released a five-year blueprint calling for greater regulation of vast parts of the economy, providing a sweeping framework for the broader crackdown on key industries that has left investors reeling.

The document, jointly issued late on Wednesday (Aug 11) by the State Council and the Communist Party's Central Committee, said the authorities would "actively" work on legislation in areas including national security, technology and monopolies. Law enforcement will be strengthened in sectors ranging from food and drugs to big data and artificial intelligence, the document said.

"The people's growing need for a better life has put forward new and higher requirements for the construction of a government under the rule of law," it said. "It must be based on the overall situation, take a long-term view, make up for shortcomings, forge aheadand promote the construction of a government under the rule of law to a new level in the new era."

Investors have been seeking to make sense of a regulatory onslaught in recent weeks that has roiled markets, particularly after the authorities banned profits in the US$100 billion (S$135.7 billion) after-school tutoring sector. Over the past year the Chinese authorities have launched anti-monopoly probes into some of the nation's largest tech companies, such as Alibaba Group Holding, while also implementing new rules for cyber-security reviews on foreign listings that have created problems for firms like Didi Global.

"We can't draw too much insight about enforcement and the potential shape of crackdowns from one document or another," said Mr Graham Webster, who leads the DigiChina project at the Stanford University Cyber Policy Centre. "Much depends on what bureaucrats and their higher-ups land on in terms of priorities month after month."

The outline released on Wednesday is an update of an earlier plan that ended last year. In an explanatory Q&A, officials responsible for the document highlighted modernisation of national governance, the need to build digital governance by law and increasing the public's overall level of satisfaction.

Key points include:

"Actively promote legislation" in areas such as national security, technological innovation, public health, culture and education, ethnic religion, biosecurity, ecological civilisation, risk prevention, anti-monopolyand foreign-related issues

"Intensify law enforcement in key areas related to the vital interests of the people" including food and medicine, public health, natural resources, ecological environment, safety production, labour security, urban management, transportation, financial services, education and training.

Ensure "healthy development of new business forms" with "good laws and good governance" related to the digital economy, Internet finance, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and other related legal systems

Strengthen the execution of administrative decision-making: "Once a major administrative decision has been made, it shall not be arbitrarily changed or suspended without legal procedures."

Use the Internet and big data in law enforcement: "Strengthen the construction of the national "Internet + supervision" system, and realise the integration and aggregation of all aspects of supervision platform data by the end of 2022."

Promote openness in government affairs: "Adhere to openness as the normal, non-openness as the exception, and have the government become more open and transparent to win more understanding."

Global CIO Office chief executiveGary Dugan said that, while many of the sectors are consistent with what has been announced previously, the addition of food and drugs is new and will make investors nervous until new regulations are defined.

"A five-year term to the crackdown at least gives definition to the time extent of the regulatory reset," he said. "However, it will be a long time for investors to fret about pending changes."

Investors have been dumping shares of sectors that receive criticism in state media, from digital gaming and e-cigarettes to property and baby formula. Alcohol-related stocks were the latest to take a hit on Tuesday, falling after the Communist Party's anti-graft watchdog called for a reduction of business drinking after a sexual assault case involving Alibaba employees.

China's banking and insurance watchdog ordered companies and local agencies to curb improper marketing and pricing practices, and step up user privacy protection, according to a notice seen by Bloomberg News. It encouraged companies to address these issues voluntarily and said those that failed to comply would face "severe punishment".

Some analysts welcomed the blueprint as an attempt by the Chinese authorities to help investors understand the motives behind the regulatory push.

"The State Council's statement provides a guiding context to interpret current regulatory thrusts," said Shanghai-based consultancy AgencyChina analyst Michael Norris. "In our view, investor concerns are driven less by proposed regulations' substance, and more by cadence and communication. We view this announcement as doing a better job telegraphing future regulatory hot spots."

More here:
China signals businesses face greater regulation in coming years - The Straits Times

If you're looking for an antivirus that goes above and beyond simply protecting your computer from malware, Trojans and scammers, then a full-on internet security suite may be a better choice.

The best internet security suites offer a comprehensive range of protection for your online devices. While basic virus defenses are always the base feature, others that these packages might offer include additional privacy features, extra encryption tools like a VPN, rescue disks, and even password managers. These really are all-singing all-dancing online security downloads for those wanting the best possible protection.

And it's not just desktops and laptops that can benefit from internet security suites as these subscriptions include access to apps for Android and iPhone smartphones. Because they cover multiple devices (usually five or more), you can protect all the gadgets of you and your family on one easy plan - Windows and Macs both included.

While these internet security packages are commonly aimed at domestic consumers, also note services that are specifically aimed at businesses, such as secure cloud backup and endpoint protection to offer business grade protection. There are also online cyber security courses available to help improve staff awareness.

With the help of this guide and our handpicked selection of the best internet security suites, you'll end up with more than just basic software. Here are the ones we think are currently top of the market.

Beefy protection across all fronts with great protection and features

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Safepay online banking protection, high-quality ransomware defenses, web protection module

+Huge range of features+Excellent web surfing protection+30-day trial (no card details needed)

-PC maintenance tools are basic

Bitdefender Total Security is the well-respected security firms top-of-the-range package and tops the lot when it comes to all-singing all-dancing internet security suites.

Total Security comes positively bristling with features. You get deep breath standard antivirus tools plus impressively capable ransomware protection, a firewall, Wi-Fi security advisor, a secure browser (Safepay) for online banking, file shredder, vulnerability scanner (which has been improved for 2021), password manager, email spam filter, parental controls, webcam and microphone defenses, and more besides including a superb web protection module for blocking malicious URLs.

As well as security features, Total Security provides various PC maintenance and optimization tools. These are somewhat useful in themselves, for cleaning out superfluous files and streamlining boot times but more importantly, Bitdefenders flagship package also covers more than just Windows devices, providing apps for Macs, along with Android and iOS mobiles.

As its only a bit more expensive than Bitdefender Internet Security the firms mid-tier security suite its certainly worthwhile upgrading to Total Security if you have multiple devices across various platforms to protect. (You can see what we think of the range in our full Bitdefender review).

There is further good news in that Bitdefender has a minimal impact on system performance, going by independent and our own testing (some rivals do a touch better in this department, but its not a difference youll ever notice in real-world use).

Finally, its worth noting that theres a 30-day trial of this suite, with no payment details needed; you just have to supply an email address. That means you can try out Bitdefender for a full month before committing to buying.

Today's best Bitdefender Total Security deals

Offers an integrated VPN, and helps keep the whole family safe

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 5

Stand out features: Parental controls, VPN, online backup, dark web monitoring (US)

+Fully integrated VPN+Superb parental controls+Intelligent firewall

-More performance impact than most

When we evaluated all of NortonLifeLocks security suite options, we picked out Norton 360 Deluxe as the best value all-round choice for anyone whos looking to protect more than a single device which is likely the majority of folks.

Norton delivers good basic protection although some of the independent test lab results have been a little mixed alongside a wealth of features, including webcam protection and dark web monitoring (the latter is for US users only, mind), an impressively smart firewall, plus a system of parental controls.

The parental controls are top-notch, by the way, including in-depth monitoring systems to keep an eye on what your kids are doing online, and even GPS tracking for their mobile devices. Nortons very strong in this department.

There are some truly worthwhile extras included here, too, like a fully integrated Norton VPN (which could be a big money-saver in itself) and 50GB of online backup storage (ditto).

As for negative points, a flaw worth bearing in mind is that Norton 360 Deluxe has more of a drag on system performance than most security suites though its not too far removed from average performers, and you likely wont even notice in everyday usage.

Norton 360 Deluxe covers up to five devices (and that means you can use the VPN with those five bits of hardware as well), either Windows or Mac PCs, plus there are mobile apps for Android and iOS. Pricing is highly competitive compared to rivals, so you should definitely consider this Norton package (compare it to the company's other offerings with our guide to choosing your Norton plan) particularly for family usage given the very thorough parental controls.

Today's best Norton 360 Deluxe deals

A seriously impressive security suite with a light system footprint

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Safe Money secure web browser, firewall, Safe Kids parental controls

+Excellent virus engine+Top-notch parental controls+Wont trouble your PCs resources

-Some features are only so-so quality

Kaspersky Total Security is another veteran of the security world and, as you might expect, it delivers top-quality defenses plus a very light touch in terms of using hardly any system resources. New for 2021 are performance options to minimize any battery drain for laptop users as well.

One of the issues with the entry-level Kaspersky Anti-Virus package is that its rather thin on extra features, sticking mostly to the core basics and what it does deliver in terms of additional bits and pieces is pretty weak.

Which is why it makes good sense to go for Kaspersky Total Security, mainly because it provides far more functionality, and doesnt cost all that much more than Kaspersky Anti-Virus (at least not if you want to protect multiple devices and sometimes with Kasperskys deals, both these products can be pitched at around the same price, anyway).

You get plenty more with Total Security, including an intelligent firewall (it doesnt plague you with pop-up messages asking what to do), a secure web browser, protection from webcam hijacking, and a software updater (which is more useful than most such efforts), and a file backup tool, along with a solid password manager, plus the full version of Kasperskys Safe Kids module.

The latter is an excellent parental controls system with some smart social media monitoring tools. While not all the features are up to this standard some extras, like the troubleshooting wizards and spam filter, are wobbly around the edges overall, youre getting a lot for your money here.

Today's best Kaspersky Total Security deals

Sterling malware and ransomware protection in a beginner-friendly package

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Folder Shield anti-ransomware, high-quality URL filter, social networking protection

+Very highly rated virus engine+Streamlined user-friendly interface+Impressive range of features

-Experts may want more configuration options

Theres a lot to like about Trend Micros flagship security suite Trend Micro Maximum Security not the least of which is its polished and user-friendly interface, backed up by superb virus protection. Trend Micro is highly ranked by the independent testing labs, and it offers sterling multi-layered anti-ransomware defenses, too.

The package also gives you first-class URL filtering for safer web browsing, and this system is smartly configurable. That said, one slight weak point with Trend Micros offering is that there isnt a huge amount of low-level control such as virus scan options so more demanding users may find it lacking here.

Maximum Security provides parental controls, social network protection, and PC maintenance tools, although the latter isnt a strong suit. It also boasts data theft prevention countermeasures, a secure vault for storing sensitive files, and a decent integrated password manager.

Less tech-savvy types will appreciate the ease of use here, which also goes for the capable mobile apps. Theres a 30-day trial as well, so you can thoroughly check all this out for yourself before buying.

Today's best Trend Micro Maximum Security deals

A quality all-rounder security solution

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Ransomware Shield, Wi-Fi Inspector, SecureLine VPN

+Well-featured suite+Bundled VPN+Plentiful configuration options

-Some impact on PC performance-Upselling of other products is unwelcome

Avast is best known for its excellent free security product, but the firm also provides an impressive all-round security solution in the form of Avast Ultimate. This is another offering which bundles a full VPN, giving you far more protection online than a typical antivirus suite, and making Avast Ultimate a value-packed buy for those who are also thinking of picking up a cheap VPN.

Avasts SecureLine VPN may not compete with the best providers out there, but it delivers a solid enough and importantly speedy enough service. Avast Ultimate also sports a decent password manager, a secure browser, and some excellent network protection measures.

This suite has plenty of options for experts to play with in terms of configuration, and has good enough defenses, backed up by a commendable Ransomware Shield for extra protection on that front.

There are some minor irritations here, notably some of Avasts unwelcome attempts to flog its other products in a paid-for suite, and we observed a little system slowdown in our review. But these niggles aside, if you need a VPN as well as regular virus protection, Avast Ultimate is a great choice.

Streamlined and fast-performing security suite

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 5

Stand out features: Password manager, identity protection, 70-day money-back offer

+Unbelievably lightweight app+Really quick scan times+LastPass account bundled

-Question marks over antivirus engine-iOS app is limited

Webroot majors in being incredibly lightweight and fast-performing. Indeed, it has a minuscule memory footprint, and takes up next to no space on your system drive, as the products virus definitions are all stored in the cloud.

Yet despite this minimal impact on your machine, Webroot Internet Security Plus comes with plenty of features. Theres online banking and identity theft protection, ransomware defenses, an accurate anti-phishing system, a smart firewall, plus a password manager (you get a LastPass subscription bundled, basically, so thats great news in terms of the quality on offer here).

Downsides? Well, you might get lightning quick malware scans, but Webroots engine hasnt been evaluated by the big-name independent testing labs in recent times. Thats not necessarily bad, but from what weve seen ourselves and what ratings are out there theres something of a mixed picture of its accuracy. Also bear in mind that the iOS app doesnt offer malware scanning - it consists of a secure browser, backup facility, and password manager.

Still, Internet Security Plus is a well-rounded package, and a 70-day no questions asked money-back guarantee shows Webroots confidence in its suite.

Today's best Webroot Internet Security Plus deals

Demanding users will really appreciate ESETs configurability

Operating system: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android

Maximum devices covered: 10

Stand out features: Network protection, password manager, anti-theft feature

+Highly configurable+Very light on system resources

-Some features are underpowered-Independent lab test results arent the best

ESET Smart Security Premium packs in a lot of features. That includes parental controls, webcam protection, network monitoring, additional network protection, and an anti-theft feature for Windows devices (allowing for location tracking, and more) is an interesting bonus. Furthermore, Linux systems are covered here, as well as Windows and Mac computers.

However, while ESET delivers lots of features, their quality can be variable. For example, the system of parental controls is very barebones, but the password manager is well fleshed-out. ESET also offers plenty of configuration options, which will please experts, although computing novices may find it tricky to get to grips with in some respects.

ESETs antivirus protection seems solid, albeit with some mixed evaluations from independent testing labs. Smart Security Premium does provide some interesting extras, including the aforementioned password manager, and a secure file vault to protect any sensitive data on your PC, which some folks will doubtless find very useful additions.

That said, unless you really want this additional functionality, its not the best value for money suite out there.

Today's best ESET Smart Security Premium deals

Way better value than McAfees entry-level plan

Operating system: Windows and Mac, Android and iOS

Maximum devices covered: 5

Stand out features: Configurable firewall, password manager, performance boosting tools

+High-quality spam filter+Integrated (but basic) VPN+Decent value

Originally posted here:
The best internet security suites 2021 | TechRadar

Islamist terrorist organisations including al-Qaeda, Islamic State (IS),and their supporter networks are increasingly exploiting open-source software to create cloud platform websites to store their content. These are password-protected websites that enable terrorist actors to share content via URLs. Many of these contain an extensive and regularly updated archive of terrorist material.

This trend is likely due in part to a broad improvement in moderation of terrorist content by mainstream tech platforms. Cloud platforms currently provide terrorist actors with a comparatively stable, centralised location in which to store their material. This is because the process of taking down cloud platforms is extremely challenging. As a result, content stored on cloud platforms canstay active without significant threat of being removed. Mostcloud platforms monitored by Tech Against Terrorism exploit open-source software developed by Germany-based company NextCloud.

The exploitation of the decentralised web or Dweb by terrorist and violent extremist (TVE) actors in recent months has both expanded and diversified. Messaging apps and social media platforms built on Dweb technology are serving critical roles in the online TVE ecosystem, ensuring the ongoing availability of terrorist content online. Decentralised web hosting software and file storage systems like Skynet and the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), are also increasingly being exploited for the hosting of terrorist content. The administrators of a prominent pro-IS propaganda archive website, for example, have been using a Dweb browser plugin since at least late 2020 to circumvent frequent takedowns over the past several months. The plugin enables users to locate a stable landing page on which the latest link for the website can be found.

This shift is likely the result of a combination of improved moderation by centralised platforms alongside a flawed perception among TVE actors that Dweb services cannot be moderated. We anticipate that TVE actors are likely to further expand their exploitation of Dweb services in the coming months, particularly if centralised platforms continue to make improvements in moderating terrorist content.

Read the report at Tech Against Terrorism

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Trends in Terrorist and Violent Extremist Use of the Internet, Q1-Q2 2021 Homeland Security Today - HSToday