That would make it somewhat harder to scan machines for potential security problems. Since the standard was first adopted in March 1999, about 1.9 million cable modems, or about half of all units manufactured, comply with the standard, she said. Today, almost every cable modem made is certified by CableLabs, consortium spokesman Mike Schwartz said. The security problems facing consumers today are with systems installed before their cable company upgraded equipment and modems to the new standard, he said. Powell Bedgood, vice president of digital services for St. Louis-based Charter Communications, said his company expects 70 percent of its customers to have the updated service by the end of this year.
Charter operates cable systems in Atlanta's north suburbs.