Telefónica Backs Netskope In Managed Security Push

(MENAFN- The Arabian Post)

Shares of cloud security firm Netskope moved higher after Telefónica Tech UK & Ireland unveiled a fully managed Security Edge service built on the Netskope One platform, signalling a deeper alignment between a global telecoms group and a fast-growing specialist in cloud and data protection.

The service positions Telefónica's UK and Ireland technology arm as a one-stop provider of secure access for enterprises grappling with hybrid work, multi-cloud adoption and tighter regulatory expectations. By basing the offering on Netskope's Security Service Edge architecture, Telefónica is betting that customers want security, networking and policy controls delivered as a managed service rather than stitched together from multiple vendors.

The announcement landed at a moment when demand for managed cyber security services is accelerating across Europe. Enterprises continue to shift applications and data beyond traditional perimeters, while skills shortages make in-house operation of complex security stacks harder to sustain. Telecom operators, with established enterprise relationships and round-the-clock service capabilities, are increasingly positioning themselves as security partners rather than connectivity providers alone.

Telefónica turns to Netskope for security edge delivery was the message underscored in briefings to clients and analysts. The service bundles secure web gateway, cloud access security broker, zero trust network access and data loss prevention into a single platform, managed end-to-end by Telefónica's security teams. For customers, the promise is faster deployment, predictable costs and consistent policy enforcement across users and devices.

Netskope has built its reputation on visibility and control over cloud and software-as-a-service usage, an area where legacy network security tools have struggled. Its One platform integrates threat protection with granular data controls, allowing organisations to apply context-aware policies based on user, device, location and data sensitivity. Telefónica's decision to anchor its managed service on this platform reflects a broader industry shift away from appliance-centric security toward cloud-native architectures.

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Market reaction was swift. Investors interpreted the deal as validation of Netskope's strategy to partner with large service providers to extend reach, particularly in regulated markets. While financial terms were not disclosed, such partnerships typically translate into recurring revenue streams and deeper customer penetration over time. For Telefónica, the move strengthens its enterprise portfolio at a time when competition among managed service providers is intensifying.

The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of Security Service Edge, often shortened to SSE, as a subset of the broader Secure Access Service Edge model. While early SASE discussions bundled wide-area networking with security, many enterprises have prioritised the security layer first, especially as remote access and SaaS usage expand. Managed SSE offerings allow customers to modernise security without overhauling network infrastructure in a single step.

Industry analysts note that telecom operators are well placed to capitalise on this trend, but execution is critical. Success depends on integrating vendor platforms into existing operations, ensuring service quality and demonstrating measurable risk reduction. Telefónica has invested heavily in its cyber security capabilities over the past decade, including security operations centres and incident response teams across Europe, which provides a foundation for such services.

For Netskope, the partnership adds a high-profile reference in a competitive field that includes larger, more established security vendors. The company has been expanding its ecosystem of channel and service provider partners, arguing that scale and local expertise are essential for enterprise adoption. Aligning with a major telecoms group in the UK and Ireland strengthens that narrative and may open doors to similar arrangements in other regions.

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The broader context is a cyber security market shaped by persistent threats, regulatory scrutiny and board-level attention. Data protection rules across Europe continue to evolve, and organisations face pressure to demonstrate control over data flows, particularly when employees access cloud applications from outside corporate networks. Managed Security Edge services aim to address these concerns by combining technology with operational oversight.

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