If a major telecommunications network is hacked, millions of customers’ connections will be abruptly disrupted, causing widespread societal panic and economic loss. And as illustrated by the recent attack on Verizon and AT&T by Chinese hackers, telco breaches can impact national security posture, too.

Threat actors are now well-equipped to bypass traditional security measures, allowing them to exploit network vulnerabilities and unleash chaos in a matter of minutes. Such a chilling scenario is increasingly plausible in today’s digital age. The escalating complexity of telco networks and the growing sophistication of cyberthreats demand a robust, scalable solution to detect and respond to these incidents.

Enter Extended Detection and Response (XDR), which offers a cutting-edge approach tailored to unifying threat detection, streamlining responses, and digitally arming network defenses. While XDR has found traction across several industries, its potential in telecommunications remains underutilized. In this context, ABI Research Analyst Georgia Cooke will delve into why telcos need XDR and highlight some of the most prominent players shaping this space.

Why XDR Matters for Telcos

Telecommunications networks are sprawling digital ecosystems characterized by vast datasets, intricate infrastructure, and critical real-time operations. In other words, they are a ripe target for threat actors. Traditional security tools often struggle to manage these complexities, resulting in alert fatigue and undetected threats. XDR addresses these challenges by:

• Centralizing Threat Detection: XDR gathers data across multiple layers—networks, endpoints, and cloud environments. This centralization enables telcos to correlate and prioritize threats in real time.
• Streamlining Response: By automating incident management and response, XDR reduces reliance on human expertise, a crucial factor for resource-constrained operators.
• Enhancing Visibility: XDR’s ability to provide actionable insights helps security teams stay ahead of attackers, while ensuring uninterrupted network operations.

Key Players Driving XDR Innovation in Telecommunications

Nokia

Nokia stands out with its NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, a solution steeped in telco-specific expertise. Its Artificial Intelligence (AI) copilot uses advanced modeling to tackle threats unique to telecommunications. With a repository of specialized threat response playbooks and contextualized network data, Nokia delivers precise threat detection and response. Notably, the company’s NetGuard Endpoint Detection and Response tool operates on a user-based model. This ensures computing resources remain focused on core network tasks, avoiding connectivity disruptions.

Fortinet

Fortinet’s FortiXDR combines kernel-based operations with advanced AI-driven threat intelligence to deliver seamless security without interrupting network performance. Its incident investigation microservices dynamically adapt to evolving threats, making it especially relevant in a telco landscape vulnerable to state-sponsored cyberattacks. All in all, Fortinet's solution is a critical asset for telcos managing increasing attack sophistication.

NetWitness

With a legacy rooted in RSA, NetWitness offers an XDR platform that excels in data depth and usability. Mobile operators with various stakeholders will benefit from the company’s innovative persona-specific tool views. It caters to both technical analysts and executive decision makers, bridging the gap between operational details and strategic insights. This dual approach ensures comprehensive threat management, while enabling actionable decision-making at all levels of the organization.

Sophos

Sophos emphasizes simplicity and efficiency with its XDR platform, championing a “security by default” approach. Its anti-ransomware capabilities detect behavioral patterns, rather than relying on specific attack signatures. This way, the platform offers a proactive shield against rapidly evolving cyberthreats. For telcos overwhelmed by alerts and escalating risks, Sophos delivers an intuitive and impactful solution that seamlessly integrates with existing systems.

BT Group

BT Group takes a customer-centric approach, offering managed XDR solutions powered by CrowdStrike or Microsoft, depending on client preferences. This flexibility accommodates existing investments, ensuring seamless integration with current network security tools. BT enriches these partnerships with proprietary technologies, adding layers of expertise and value. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of building synergies between managed security providers and telcos to address diverse needs.

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As cyberthreats grow in volume and sophistication, XDR is emerging as a cornerstone for telco network security. By bringing threat detection and response under one umbrella, XDR empowers operators to tackle complex challenges with precision and scalability.

XDR software solutions from vendors like Nokia, Fortinet, and Sophos underscore the importance of telco-specific innovations in safeguarding infrastructure. With its ability to streamline operations and enhance network resilience, XDR is no longer optional, but essential for network protection as cyberthreats rapidly evolve. Learn more about XDR’s role in 5G network security by checking out the following ABI Research findings:

• XDR in 5G Networks: Enhancing Telco Security Through Generative AI
• Extended Detection and Response (XDR) Gaining More Prominence in the 5G Security Landscape
• XDR for 5G: The Telecommunications XDR Opportunity

About the Author

  Georgia Cooke, Research Analyst

Georgia Cooke is a Research Analyst within ABI Research's Digital Security team, conducting research on topics such as 5G security and RISC-V. Georgia works closely with security providers to understand the state of these markets and deliver actionable analysis.