Telstra to open two new security operations centres in Sydney and Melbourne

Telstra will open two new security operations centres (SOC) in Sydney and Melbourne later this year to support its managed security practice.

The centres will support the launch of a new suite of managed security services, including a "broad range" of detection and protection services to mitigate cyber risks for government and enterprise customers.

Telstra opened its first SOC in an undisclosed location in Canberra back in 2009 to keep an eye on its core infrastructure and manage government clients.

Director of security solutions Neil Campbell said the new SOCs were the first steps in Telstra's product roadmap.

"We are building on Telstra’s capabilities in network security, recently augmented with the acquisition of security analytics business Cognevo, and our relationship with leading global partners, including companies in the Telstra Ventures portfolio like Zimperium and vArmour, to grow our position in the $2.5 billion Australian security services market.”

The telco giant has been building up its managed security practice over the past 12 months, which makes up part of its $630 million managed network services business.

Earlier this year, Telstra lured former AusCERT general manager Thomas King to lead the managed security services business, responsible for product development and lifecycle for the business unit.

Telstra acquired struggling New Zealand-based cybersecurity analytics firm Cognevo last year to boost the capabilities of the managed security business. Cognevo's threat detection solution was deployed across Telstra's internal ICT network to prevent cybercrime by identifying anomalies and unusual patterns within its network.