Cable thieves beware: Final component in place on cable modem initiative

Given their previously lax security efforts and analog environment, most cable operators focused their efforts simply on managing the amount of service stolen.

But in the emerging digital environment where those same service providers are entering the data access market, managing loss won't do. The threat of hackers corrupting data suddenly becomes more personal when they can get into users' PCs.

Therefore, the goal is for cable operators to become more proactive in their security efforts, according to CableLabs CEO Dick Green. Toward that end, CableLabs recently picked RSA Data Security to provide a new security system that will be included into new cable modems and set-top boxes.

"The cable network itself-because it's a shared bus-does have some inherent issues with security that you don't find in a switched environment," Green said. "What we've done is structure a technical approach to this problem that we believe will address anyone's needs. It also reduces the cost of theft and privacy [issues]. We'll have a more reliable cable service, and most important, it opens the way for content providers to use the cable infrastructure."

Under the contract signed with CableLabs, RSA will develop a security system that employs public key and symmetrical encryption. The removable/renewable security system will be incorporated into CableLabs' multimedia cable network system (MCNS) standard, which serves as the basis for the next generation of cable modems. As part of the data over cable service interface specification, MCNS also will be used to build advanced set-top boxes.

"This essentially is the final piece of that specification," said Green.

At the core of the new security system is a two-line defense against theft of service and data corruption. The baseline will include a removable slot on MCNS modems that allows users to protect their data. A second line of defense will allow users to establish one-to-one connections with servers at the cable operators' headend.

"We feel very confident that we're putting out a strong system because it has those two distinct lines of defense," said Bob Cruckshank, director of digital technology for CableLabs.

Beyond the security aspects, the addition of RSA's system will allow cable operators to establish some guaranteed bandwidth services that compete with the latest high-speed offerings from telcos. Additionally, cable modem users could request-and pay for-different security levels.

"None of the service providers can see each other, and none of the subscribers can see each other unless we open the gate to let them to do that," said Jim Bidzos, president of RSA.

"It effectively takes the benefit of a bus network where you have statistical multiplexing and the ability to carry very high-bandwidth service, and yet provides the strength of a point-to-point network that keeps each user separate in a one-to-one correspondence," he said.

By providing a wall between users in an inherently insecure environment, CableLabs also is considering using RSA technology to authenticate and communicate tr ansactions between individuals.

Under terms of the agreement, CableLabs will distribute and sublicense RSA's security component to modem and set-top vendors. RSA will receive royalties based on the number of units shipped to cable operators, although Bidzos declined comment on specific numbers. The agreement, however, marks RSA's first major contract outside its traditional Internet and intranet markets.

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