Sky boosts customer data protection

Broadcasting firm offers service aimed at increasing online data security

Sky is charging customers for online identity theft prevention toolkit

Broadcaster Sky is offering an online data protection service to provide customers with the tools to safeguard their sensitive information from identity theft and fraud.

The service, dubbed Sky Identity Patrol, aims to encourage consumers to take responsibility for their own personal information. It searches and monitors the web and other sources for sensitive data such as public records and commercial databases, as well as sources of illegally traded data.

If the system – which uses technology provided by online identity specialist Garlik – finds anything that could potentially compromise data security, the customer is alerted and advised on what to do next.

Customers can choose to either pay for a monthly subscription of £4.50 or an annual fee of £45 for the service.

“By offering Sky Identity Patrol at such a competitive price, we continue to help customers to become more responsible for their online activity, without adversely impacting on their behaviour,” said Sandy Winarko, senior product manager at Sky.