BBVA has chosen Telefónica Tech to enhance the cybersecurity of its operations on a global scale, covering more than 25 countries in which the bank operates. The two organizations have also established a new specialized centre in Mexico, which will function as a mirror of BBVA’s existing global cybersecurity centre in Spain. The new centre is expected to be fully operational this month.
With around 200 personnel, the two hubs are among the largest cybersecurity centres in the financial industry, according to BBVA. Sergio Fidalgo, BBVA’s global chief information security officer, stated that the centres are “unique in the financial industry and represent a new step towards protecting our infrastructures.” The bank’s goal is to be “prepared to respond to all types of attacks,” he added. Telefónica Tech has become one of the bank’s main strategic partners in cybersecurity, BBVA reported.
Global cybersecurity partnership expands footprint
Utilizing the latest tech offerings that incorporate artificial intelligence, Telefónica Tech now provides nearly 50 services to BBVA across business and operations. These services range from solutions for the proactive anticipation of threats, definition of operational tactics, strategies to strengthen BBVA’s resilience, and protection for Data Processing Centres.
María Jesús Almazor, COO of Telefónica Tech for Spain and the Americas, commented, “It is a pleasure to accompany BBVA in this process of global security with our technological capabilities and the talent of our professionals. Our global network of more than 1,500 cybersecurity experts and over ten Security Operations Centres across Europe and the Americas will monitor and oversee the security of organisations 24×7.”
The establishment of this new security centre is part of Telefónica Tech’s broader strategy to strengthen its role as a leading security provider. Earlier this year, the company’s UK and Ireland division launched its NextDefense portfolio of Managed Security Services for enterprises, aiming to predict and protect against emerging threats using advanced data sources, big data, and machine learning.
This collaboration marks a significant movement towards bolstering global cybersecurity measures within the financial industry at large. The combination of the two centers will provide comprehensive and uninterrupted coverage for the entire BBVA group, incorporating the latest technological advances to ensure robust cybersecurity.
