First ISP-Level Malicious URL Blocking Service Debuts in UK

UK broadband provider TalkTalk has launched the first ever ISP-level malicious URL filtering service in the country and offers it to its customers for free on an opt-in basis.

TalkTalk's intention to provide such a service has been known for some time, its preliminary tests even attracting an official inquiry from the UK's Information Commissioner's Office.

The service scans all URLs requested by customers for malware with network-level security solutions and uses the determinations to build a blacklist.

This is done in an anonymous fashion, meaning the service doesn't track who requested which URL in the scanning phase. Customers can then opt in to have their traffic checked against the blacklist for free.

The service is called HomeSafe and apparently it extends past malicious URL blocking. Customers can also benefit from parental controls, which allow them to block access to certain groups of websites, such as adult, violence or gambling.

Another feature allows parents to temporarily block social networking and gaming sites to allow their kids to focus on homework.

"[...] We believe it’s the most comprehensive and effective internet security product available right now," said Tristia Clarke, commercial director of TalkTalk, who pointed out that PC solutions are no longer enough in an Internet landscape increasingly populated by smartphones.

"We’ve spent a lot of time working with parents, charities and other groups to get this product right and make it as user-friendly as possible, and we think it will appeal to people who want a safer internet experience for their family," she concluded.

Depending on its success, TalkTalk's HomeSafe might serve as an incentive for other ISPs to offer similar security solutions to their customers. Some already scan their network traffic for botnet activity and work with infected computer owners to clean their computers.