Telco Strategies for Consumer Security
New research on how telecom operators are strengthening protection for households online
Online scams and malicious infrastructure continue to grow, while consumers connect more devices than ever before. Telecom operators are increasingly responding by deploying security directly at the network level, protecting users before threats reach their devices.
The HardenStance report – Telco Strategies for Consumer Security (2026) examines how operators approach consumer security, where investments are increasing, and how different protection models compare. The research includes insights from leading technology providers, including Whalebone.
Key insights from the report
Consumer security is gaining strategic importance
Global telecom operator spending on consumer security software reached $441 million in 2025, covering endpoint security, router protection, and network-level solutions.
At the same time, the global cost of scams is estimated at $442 billion annually, illustrating the growing need for effective protection.
Network-level security is expanding
In 2025 alone, vendors reported:
- 38 new contracts for network-based DNS security
- 16 contracts for endpoint security
- 8 contracts for home router security agents
Contracts are accelerating across emerging markets
Half of the new DNS security contracts reported in 2025 came from operators in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia, highlighting strong demand for scalable network-level protection.
Download the full report
The report explores how telecom operators are evolving their consumer security strategies, including trends in spending, technology adoption, and network-level protection.
Download the full HardenStance report to learn more.
