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Consumers today face an unprecedented wave of digital threats—from sophisticated phishing campaigns and malware to identity theft and smart home vulnerabilities. SMS scams surged by 70.3% between 2024 and 2025, while email scams rose by 44.2%.
At the same time, expectations have shifted dramatically: 81% of consumers now expect their internet provider to deliver some form of protection. For communication service providers (CSPs), this is both a responsibility and a business-defining opportunity. The question is no longer whether to offer cyber security services, but how quickly and comprehensively they can bring it to market.
That's the central message of Digital Guardians: The CSP Advantage in Delivering Consumer Cyber Security, a new report from Omdia in partnership with F-Secure. As the fundamental gateway to the digital world for millions of households, CSPs occupy a privileged position. Their network-level visibility offers unique insights into traffic patterns and potential threats—creating an opportunity to deliver value-added security services that protect customers across their entire digital footprint.
From Optional Add-on to Growth Engine
For years, consumer cyber security was positioned as a fear-driven add-on. But that narrative is now outdated. By reframing security as a digital lifestyle enhancement—something that enables safer, more confident online experiences—CSPs can make protection central to everyday digital life.
Embedding security directly into the services and apps consumers already use transforms it from a niche add-on into a valued feature: one that drives engagement, improves satisfaction, and generates new willingness to pay.
"Cyber security is no longer optional. It's the next frontier of customer value," explains Timo Laaksonen, President and CEO of F-Secure. "The winners will be the ones who step up and own the role of becoming a trusted digital guardian."
An Opportunity for CSPs, Backed by Research
The new report goes beyond describing the threat landscape—it makes the business case for action. Consumers don't just expect protection from their providers; they're also willing to engage more deeply and pay more for it. When cyber security becomes part of the core connectivity experience, it builds trust, strengthens engagement, and delivers measurable business outcomes.
Key findings include:
71% of consumers prefer or would consider getting security protection from their CSP app over any other provider.
Cyber security ranks alongside speed guarantees as the top value-added service consumers are most willing to pay for.
Embedding protection into CSP apps increases engagement by 57%, boosting both app stickiness and brand value.
Comprehensive security offerings lift ARPU, reduce churn, and foster long-term customer loyalty.
AI is a double-edged sword—driving more sophisticated scams but also creating opportunities for CSPs to build trust with transparent, AI-powered protection.
Turning Insight into Action
Cyber security is no longer a side service—it's a core expectation. Consumers demand it, the business case is compelling, and CSPs are uniquely positioned to deliver. Those who act decisively will capture differentiation, revenue, and trust. Those who hesitate risk falling behind.
To dive deeper into the insights and strategies shaping this opportunity, read the full Omdia and F-Secure report, Digital Guardians: The CSP Advantage in Delivering Consumer Cyber Security.