AI-Driven Cybersecurity Strategies for ISPs: Balancing Threat Mitigation and Monetization

Abstract

As traditional revenue streams from bundled internet, voice, and TV services decline due to the rise of OTT platforms like Netflix and voice-over-IP services such as WhatsApp, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are seeking innovative strategies to remain competitive. This white paper highlights the pivotal role of AI-driven cybersecurity in securing household video and data traffic across broadband, video streaming, and smart home devices, offering ISPs a powerful tool to enhance customer experiences and boost Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). By leveraging AI technologies, ISPs can safeguard and optimize the flow of data across connected homes, ensuring a seamless, secure, and high-quality experience for users. AI-driven cybersecurity solutions enable ISPs to monitor and protect video streaming content, gaming applications, and smart home devices such as IP cameras. These solutions not only enhance security but also improve network performance by identifying and mitigating potential vulnerabilities in real time. By integrating AI-powered cybersecurity tools with real-time Quality of Experience (QoE) analytics, ISPs gain deep insights into user behavior and device interactions. This allows them to proactively address issues such as data breaches, service interruptions, and latency, ensuring uninterrupted and high-quality service delivery. Armed with these insights, ISPs can create personalized service bundles that combine premium cybersecurity features with high-demand offerings such as 4K streaming, low-latency gaming, and smart home automation. For example, ISPs can offer tailored packages that include advanced firewall protection, parental controls, and IoT device management alongside premium content and high-speed internet options. These AI-driven bundling strategies not only enhance the security and performance of connected devices but also unlock new revenue streams by upselling premium packages to customers. Additionally, value-added features such as real-time security alerts, periodic reports, and integrated support services foster customer trust and loyalty. By leveraging AI to optimize both security and service delivery, ISPs can reduce churn, increase customer satisfaction, and significantly boost ARPU. This strategic approach positions ISPs as leaders in the competitive broadband and entertainment landscape, enabling them to thrive in an era of evolving consumer demands and technological advancements.