Telenor targets growing threats with …

Telenor committed to curb the rise of cyberattacks targeting Norwegian enterprises through a newly-built entity, Telenor Cyberdefence, which will provide security and consulting services.

In a statement, Telenor explained it built the company in response to a growing cyber threat targeting local businesses and the public sector, with 130,000 Norwegian companies having experienced an attack in the past year, according to a research commissioned by the operator.

Telenor CEO Sigve Brekke claimed “we have never experienced cyber threats as frequent and severe as we do today”, with the executive describing the new business as “a cybersecurity company with Nordic ambitions”.

Thomas Kroner (pictured) was appointed as CEO of Telenor Cyberdefence, overseeing the company’s offerings including a 24/7 security operations centre, consulting services by specialists and the testing of IT infrastructure.

Kroner was previously board member and MD at Orange Cyberdefence Norway.

Approximately 50 security personnel from Telenor Norway will be transferred to work at the new cybersecurity business, which will assume responsibility for the operator’s existing security customers of around 70 enterprises.

Kroner said it will “bring together security experts from across our Nordic region to create a powerful entity with comprehensive capabilities dedicated to safeguarding our customers’ digital security”.

Telenor Cyberdefence is part of Telenor Amp, part of the operator’s larger business that manages a portfolio of 15 companies in “high-growth areas”, including cybersecurity and IoT.