Australian telecommunications company Optus has embarked on a multi-year partnership with Cisco to bolster network security for its enterprise and business customers. This collaboration responds to growing cyber threat complexities, critical skill shortages, stringent regulatory requirements, and the rise of remote work setups.
As more Australians work remotely, reliance on Software-as-a-Service and on-demand network services has surged. While convenient, these services also elevate the risk of security breaches, affecting both devices and software. To address this, Optus will launch an extensive portfolio of network security services powered by Cisco.
The new offerings include significant upgrades to Optus’ Secure Network Operation Centre. A suite of new security products from Cisco will complement these upgrades, aimed at delivering enhanced security solutions. Investment will also boost Optus’ Integrated Network Operation Centre and Security Operation Centre.
Moreover, the platform will feature Cisco-Powered Secure Firewall and Managed Secure Service Edge (SSE) services. Additional tools, such as advanced email security, vulnerability management, and integration with Cisco Meraki and ThousandEyes, will further improve network protection.
Danny Price, VP Client Services and Delivery, Enterprise and Business at Optus, articulated the company’s commitment: “Our enterprise and business customers rely on Optus to deliver a network that can support high traffic, secure and reliable bandwidth. We are committed to creating solutions that address complex security issues while optimizing performance and reliability, particularly in environments that are increasingly hard to defend.”
Optus has faced significant cybersecurity issues in recent years. A data breach in September 2022 affected up to 10 million current and former customers, roughly a third of Australia’s population. Sensitive information, including names, dates of birth, addresses, and contact details, was illegally acquired. As a result, Australia’s Communications and Media Authority launched legal action against Optus in May, stating the company failed to protect customer data from unauthorized access.
These challenges underscore the critical need for robust security solutions. By partnering with Cisco, Optus aims to offer fortified security measures to safeguard its customers’ networks, providing not just protection but also peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.
