BAE Systems and Vodafone Group have signed a deal to offer a range of communications security services. Part of BAE Systems' drive to grow its cyber and security arm, BAE Systems Detica, products will initially focused on smart phones and tablets.

The first commercial element of the strategic partnership will be a new cloud-based mobile security solution, Vodafone Mobile Threat Manager, scheduled for launch in Spring 2013 and initially available to Vodafone's largest 1,500 global enterprise customers. Vodafone Mobile Threat Manager works across all networks, scanning traffic to and from a company's mobile devices in order to safeguard against malicious attacks and block inappropriate content, without impacting on device performance.

Under the terms of the partnership, BAE Systems will also confirm its intention to select Vodafone as its preferred global supplier of mobile communications, excluding the US.

It is hoped that Vodafone will provide services to BAE Systems' 35,000 UK employees from July this year, with a view to expanding these services across its global workforce over the five-year term of the contract. Vodafone is additionally discussing the supply of Unified Communications to BAE Systems in the UK. The partnership also provides a framework for both companies to explore a broader range of joint security products for other business areas including interconnected devices using machine to machine (M2M) technology.

Vittorio Colao, CEO of Vodafone Group, said: "Mobile is transforming enterprise; businesses big and small now rely on mobile services to an extent unimaginable five years ago. As a new generation of mobile-centric security risks begins to emerge, our customers are looking for our help to protect their businesses. Our partnership with BAE Systems will strengthen further our commitment to meet our customers' increasingly complex cyber security needs. We also look forward to working with BAE Systems as the company's communications partner."

Ian King, CEO of BAE Systems, said: "This partnership is unique, not only in bringing together a defence and security player with a major communications provider, but also in its ability to help global enterprises realise their ambitions around leveraging the future of communications technologies in a secure manner. These technologies are subject to the vulnerabilities of cyber space and we can provide the mobile marketplace with protection against today's threats and the advanced threats of the future."

Share Story: