Vi partners with Nokia to strengthen network security

Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has tapped Nokia NetGuard Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to strengthen network security against rising cyber threats and security vulnerabilities for its consumer and enterprise customers.

NetGuard EDR, a telco-specific threat detection suite, will provide Vi with real-time, automated monitoring to enable rapid detection and mitigation of endpoint-related security incidents. It will minimise security gaps, reduce the need for extensive testing, and optimise operational costs, while maintaining continuous service availability and performance of protected endpoints in the entire operational technology (OT) network.

NetGuard EDR’s vendor-agnostic capabilities will integrate seamlessly with Vi’s existing security tools and processes, strengthening telco’s network security and furthering Vi’s work of building a state-of-the-art security operations centre.

The deployment will initially cover Vi’s 4G networks, and eventually 5G network.

Commenting on the announcement, Jagbir Singh, chief technology officer (CTO), Vi, said, “Vi is fully committed to driving the next phase of network evolution, ensuring that our advanced solutions deliver both unmatched connectivity and security. As we embrace this journey with Nokia, we are focused on building networks that are resilient and capable of supporting the ever-growing demands, including heightened security risks, of digital transformation.”

Meanwhile, Mathan Babu Kasilingam, chief information security officer (CISO) and data privacy officer, Vi, said, “With the growing sophistication of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, Vi has prioritised telecom-focused protection for our core subscriber and identity management systems. Nokia NetGuard EDR is an important dimension to reinforcing our capabilities and protecting our entire subscriber base.”

In addition, Arvind Khurana, India market leader, cloud and network services, Nokia, said, “NetGuard EDR will deliver to Vi the advanced threat detection and response capabilities they need to ensure proactive protection against ever-evolving and more sophisticated cyber threats. With seamless integration and real-time monitoring, NetGuard EDR will also strengthen the operator’s OT infrastructure to safeguard its mission-critical telecom networks and maintain service continuity.”