Vodafone announced today that it has created a new global line of business dedicated to providing its enterprise customers with world-leading cyber security technologies and specialist advice and support. The new Vodafone Enterprise Security Services (VESS) line of business will bring together the Group's current portfolio of security products under the leadership of Simon Church who will join the company in April as VESS Chief Executive reporting to Vodafone Group Enterprise Chief Executive Nick Jeffery. Simon Church was previously chief executive at NTT Com Security, formerly Integralis, and has held senior roles at Verisign and NetIQ.

Cyber security has become one of the biggest areas of concern for business with increased focus being driven by government initiatives, new legislation and high profile data breaches, recent market reports highlight that global spending in information security could reach over $75.4 billion¹ . VESS will offer an expanded range of products, services and support in areas including:

• cloud-based protection for business-critical applications;
• network perimeter management;
• threat detection and response; and
• security assessments and advisory services focused on customer security policy development, risk management and compliance processes.

VESS will work closely with a number of strategic security partners. This will include building on its existing relationship with BAE Systems Applied Intelligence to develop new products, services and capabilities designed to ensure Vodafone's customers benefit from effective and reliable protection against constantly evolving cyber risks.

Vodafone Group Enterprise chief executive Nick Jeffery said:

"Our customers know they face a wide range of cyber threats, many of which could materially impact their operations and brand. We know they're looking for trusted partners with the right expertise to stand with them and help them secure their operations from end to end. Vodafone Enterprise Security Services is designed to meet that important need. Under the experienced leadership of Simon Church, VESS will be completely focused on helping our customers protect their businesses in an unpredictable world."