TIM and Cisco integrates to increase the IT security of Italian companies

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Starting in March, TIM, the leading provider of mobile and fixed telecommunication services in Italy, in partnership with Cisco will offer “TIM Safe WEB”, a highly secure platform service, integrated in the TIM network, able to safeguard small business users from malware, such as ramsomware, phishing, and other malicious cyber security activities.

TIM Safe Web combines TIM’s unique technologies and information with the capabilities of the Cisco Umbrella cloud-based security platform, which leverages a constantly updated global database of threat intelligence. This “over-the-network” service enhancement will be provided to about 600,000 TIM Business customers in order to improve both security and quality of service starting with the small business market that is very exposed to cyber attacks.

Functionalities like antiphishing and malware containment will also be “embedded” in TIM network, without need of placing more HW in customers’ premises nor having new SW in their devices. Moreover, the protection will be active on every system connected to the customers’ LAN for the application of the security policies at DNS (Domain Name Server) level, thus allowing to block the requests to dangerous IP addresses before the Internet connection is up. Cisco Umbrella analyses over 125 billion Domain Name System (DNS) requests per day in 160 countries worldwide and proactively blocks almost every request to malicious destinations— offering a “clean pipe” for end users.

The new features will block navigation to malicious sites, which have the aim of stealing confidential personal information, financial data or private codes, and to prevent access to malicious sites designed to infect computers with malicous software, also mitigating the spread of latest generation malware (ransomware). With ‘TIM Safe Web’, the small and medium-sized companies and SOHOs will rely on a high level of quality and reliability, through the TIM broadband and ultra broadband network, a high-performance service able to make web surfing safer ensuring benefits in terms of affordability and ease of use.

The initiative represents a first concrete step towards the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed yesterday in Barcelona, which also provides the skills and solutions sharing to support the digital transformation of companies, Public Administration and public services.

Lorenzo Forina, Executive Vice President, Business & Top Customers Director at TIM, said: “Constantly evolving our offer with distinctive solutions and improving the quality of our services are the pillars of Tim strategy on business market. The use of a “best of breed” platform like Cisco Umbrella allows TIM, first in Europe, to offer a cloud based, extremely effective and directly embedded in the network, security service to our customers. The security of the enterprises network infrastructure is a key element to strengthen the global cyber-security of their business, indeed.”

Woody Sessoms, Senior Vice President, Global Service Provider segment, at Cisco, added: “The threat of cyber attacks is a growing concern for individuals and enterprises, and can only be resolved through collaboration among all industry players. TIM, which is already able to rely on threat intelligence from its own sources, has long recognized the need to tackle malicious cyber security activity head on, and is ensuring that its business customers are protected from malware, ransomware and other forms of cyber attacks.”

Cisco is leading disruption in the industry with our technology innovations in systems, silicon, optics and security, and our unrivalled expertise in mass-scale networking, automation, optical, cable access, video, and mobility. Together with our portfolio of professional services, we can enable service providers and media and web companies to reduce cost and complexity, help secure their networks and grow revenue.

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About TIM
TIM Group is Italy’s leading ICT company, supporting the country’s “Digital Life”. TIM’s offer is built on top quality and maximum dissemination of convergent services and premium content relying upon innovative infrastructures, a vast choice of App and devices, tailored and modular solutions, both for retail and business. TIM Brazil is one of the major players in the local market, leading 4G coverage in the country.