Telefonica, SoftBank, Etisalat and Singtel have signed an agreement to create the first global telco cyber security partnership.

Cyber security

The Global Telco Security Alliance has been launched in response to growing cyber security concerns and the requirement to protect valuable assets from ransom and malware attacks in a time where security has become increasingly complex. 

The Alliance will be one of the largest global partnerships with more than 1.2 billion customers in over 50 countries across Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.

The group will aim to help support and offer companies a comprehensive portfolio of cyber security services drawing on their combined resources and capabilities. 

Members of the Alliance hope to achieve operational synergies and economies of scale that they say will ultimately lower costs for their customers. 

The group’s founding members operate 22 security operations centres (SOC) with more than 6,000 cyber security experts employed.

In a statement, the Alliance said it plans to enhance its cyber security portfolio with the possibility of developing new technologies including predictive analytics using machine learning (ML) and advanced cyber security for the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Alliance will also consider developing a joint roadmap for the evolution of its security portfolios and explore joint investments in security products and services, SOCs, platforms, start-ups and R&D. 

Global Telco Security members:

Telefonica 

VP Security and Telefonica Chief Executive Cyber Security unit ElevenPaths Pedro Pérez said: “The Security Alliance will help all its members to deliver disruptive innovation to secure our customers’ digital lives.

“For Telefónica, it’s a major step ahead in complementing our ability to develop as an intelligent Managed Security Service Provider and to continue to deliver outstanding growth.”

SoftBank

SoftBank Corporation Head of the Cloud and Cyber Security Division Andrew Schwabecher said: “Hackers have well-established and organised communities where they cooperate to produce cyber threats.

”It’s time that the world’s largest network of operators formed a global alliance to strengthen our defence against these attacks. SoftBank is excited to join the initial alliance partners including Singtel, Telefonica and Etisalat, to offer enhanced security to our customers and advance our cyber defense.”

Etisalat 

Etisalat Digital Senior Vice President Francisco Salcedo said: “With digital technologies gaining widespread adoption and driving innovation across industry verticals, the security landscape has evolved. Organisations now face a new breed of threats and need to manage digital risks in their environments.

”Today’s strategic alliance will give us a unique opportunity to work hand in hand with our telecom counterparts and deliver innovative security services for digital risk management.”

Singtel 

Singtel Chief Executive of Global Cyber Security Art Wong said: “We need swift and coordinated global responses to defend enterprises that operate across transnational borders as cyber threats are increasing in frequency, scale and sophistication.

“Singtel and its US-based subsidiary Trustwave are both well-established security leaders across the Asia Pacific, Europe and the Americas. The group’s resources, combined with those of its alliance partners, will provide a robust cyber security platform to protect our global customers, allowing them to thrive in the digital economy.”

Watch IBC365 on-demand webinar Cyber security and the protection of assets

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