Symantec and Deloitte Establish Cyber Security Alliance to include Middle East

November 5, 2014 - Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) in alliance with Deloitte announced today an innovative cyber threat vulnerability management service. The integrated offering will pair Symantec’s cyber intelligence and information protection technologies with Deloitte’s consulting services to help businesses address concerns around cyber security and information protection. The alliance will focus on growth markets across EMEA, including Middle East as a priority region given it is a hub of targeted cyber crime activity.

The emergence of sophisticated cyber threats has resulted in the need for managed cyber security services that can help protect organizations and their assets from round-the-clock attacks. The impact following a data breach or security threat can have major consequences, damaging a business and brand reputation overnight. The unprecedented growth in digital communications, fuelled by the rise of mobile devices has made information management top of the agenda for today’s C-level executives. The latest cyber security technologies, training, skills and management all require ongoing investment that can be expensive and a drain on business resources. Symantec and Deloitte’s alliance will enable companies to outsource their cyber security to experts in the field for both technology and consulting services.

As part of the alliance, Deloitte’s enterprise risk services will be powered by Symantec Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Managed Security Services (MSS) technologies. The services are managed by Deloitte consultants who will oversee the data lifecycle for the customer, offering a resilient incident management and response program. Threat alerts are remotely monitored and analysed via Deloitte’s Cyber Intelligence Centers, housing a full scale team of incident response experts and ethical hackers. The Cyber Intelligence Centers’ build bespoke risk profiles and in the process, effectively develop an efficient and customized security operations center for a business.

Commenting on the announcement, Amer Chebaro, Symantec’s Regional Manager for Gulf & Levant, said: “In Deloitte, we have a trusted alliance associate that can deliver against the volatile world in which they operate. The Middle East region has witnessed an upsurge in cybercrime activity, with attacks on financial and oil and gas industries making headlines across the globe and leaving some organizations exposed. The alliance enables clients to build a swift security response team that can be fully operational in hours.”

Providing greater visibility into the global cyber threat landscape offers customers peace of mind in the protection of their data. In the event of a security attack, a single point of contact to an expert is available as part of a global team offering broad-ranging crisis management capabilities.

“Current security models are minimally effective against cyber criminals, the key to addressing these risks starts by recognising that cyber threats are in fact not a technology problem but rather a business risk with strategic implications”, said Fadi Mutlak, partner in charge of Cyber Risk Services in Deloitte Middle East. He added: “Outsourcing the security operations to highly skilled consultants can allow clients to remain confident they are kept safe with best-in-class technologies and people. We are excited to work closely with Symantec and bring the two brands side-by side to deliver a unique service to the market.”

About Symantec

Symantec Corporation (NASDAQ: SYMC) is an information protection expert that helps people, businesses and governments seeking the freedom to unlock the opportunities technology brings -- anytime, anywhere. Founded in April 1982, Symantec, a Fortune 500 company, operating one of the largest global data-intelligence networks, has provided leading security, backup and availability solutions for where vital information is stored, accessed and shared. The company's more than 20,000 employees reside in more than 50 countries. Ninety-nine percent of Fortune 500 companies are Symantec customers. In fiscal 2014, it recorded revenues of $6.7 billion. To learn more go to www.symantec.com or connect with Symantec at: go.symantec.com/socialmedia.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Deloitte provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services to public and private clients spanning multiple industries. With a globally connected network of member firms in more than 150 countries, Deloitte brings world-class capabilities and high-quality service to clients, delivering the insights they need to address their most complex business challenges. Deloitte has in the region of 200,000 professionals, all committed to becoming the standard of excellence.

Deloitte's professionals are unified by a collaborative culture that fosters integrity, outstanding value to markets and clients, commitment to each other, and strength from cultural diversity. They enjoy an environment of continuous learning, challenging experiences, and enriching career opportunities. Deloitte's professionals are dedicated to strengthening corporate responsibility, building public trust, and making a positive impact in their communities.

About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.):

Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (DTTL) and is the first Arab professional services firm established in the Middle East region with uninterrupted presence since 1926.

Deloitte is among the region’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through 26 offices in 15 countries with around 3,000 partners, directors and staff. It is a Tier 1 Tax advisor in the GCC region since 2010 (according to the International Tax Review World Tax Rankings). It has received numerous awards in the last few years which include Best Employer in the Middle East, best consulting firm, and the Middle East Training & Development Excellence Award by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).