Vodafone launches managed cyber-security service to handle 5G and IoT

(Image credit: Vodafone)

5G is going to open up many new opportunities for businesses, and last year a forecast from International Data Corporation (IDC) estimated that there will be 41.6 billion connected IoT devices by 2025, generating a staggering 79.4 zettabytes (ZB) of data. But with this vast amount of data and connected devices comes an increase in security threats, and how they can be identified and effectively handled. 

To help businesses tackle the growing concerns around 5G security and beyond,  Vodafone has launched Vodafone Cyber Enhanced, a new cyber-security managed service for critical infrastructure businesses including utilities, transport hubs, banks and emergency services.

Merging Vodafone’s expertise in cyber security and defence-grade technology, the new managed service will work to protect the resources and digital estates of critical national infrastructure providers around the clock, hopefully elevating some 5G security concerns.

5G devices & cyber security

The explosion of devices in the UK, that includes smart meters and wearables, all accessing 4G and 5G networks, has lead to increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. The percentage of businesses reporting cyber incidences rose from 40% to 55% in 2019 alone, according to Hiscox Cyber Readiness Report.

While 5G is here to stay and absolutely has the power to change how we live and brings benefits including super-fast speeds, reliability, efficiency and support for many more devices, it does open up many new opportunities for hackers. 

Indeed, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has reported the cyber security skills gap is also growing with around 710,000 business in the UK reporting that they are missing key skills such as threat intelligence and forensic analysis, so Vodafone’s launch is certainly timely, especially when you consider the rate at which 5G networks are being rolled-out.

“Being a critical national infrastructure business ourselves, we understand the challenges our customers face.”

Anne Sheehan, Vodafone Business.

“Cyber security is vital for all businesses, regardless of what industry they are in.  However, it’s especially important for those businesses that provide a service on which we all depend. Being a critical national infrastructure business ourselves, we understand the challenges our customers face; and can use our expertise in cyber security protection to assist them in both preparing for, detecting and managing potential cyber threats,” said Anne Sheehan, Director, Vodafone Business UK.

The new service offers protective monitoring via continual remote surveillance, analysis, alerting and reporting that enables threat detection and prevention across the customer’s full digital estate. New and existing firewalls are managed remotely, monitored and supported to ensure optimal strength and resilience.  

Vodafone Cyber Enhanced customers can select the level of managed service they need.


The Complete Guide to 5G - free 23-page PDF download.

(Image credit: Future)
Rachael Sharpe

Rachael is a British journalist with 17 years experience in the publishing industry. Since launching www.digitalcameraworld.com, she’s been freelancing, and working for some of the world’s best-loved websites and magazines including T3.com and TechRadar.com and has also had a book, iPad for Photographers, published. A regular contributor at 5Gradar, Rachael is following the 5G market closely. Find out more at www.rachaelsharpe.com