Singapore Telecommunications : Optus Cyber Security expands Trustwave’s cyber capabilities in Australia with acquisition of Hivint

Strategic acquisition bolsters Optus Business' security consulting services across Australia

Singapore, Sydney, 10 October 2018 - Singtel announced today that its wholly-owned subsidiary Optus Cyber Security Pty Limited has signed an agreement to fully acquire Hivint, an award-winning cyber security consulting company in Australia, to enhance the Group's cyber security capabilities. This acquisition will strengthen Optus Business' cyber security capabilities as Trustwave, the global cyber security arm of Singtel and Optus, integrates Hivint's advisory services into Trustwave's security offerings across Australia and the Asia Pacific.

Founded in 2015, Hivint is a privately-owned company which provides a full suite of cyber security professional services including technical, governance, risk and compliance services, principally in Australia. One of its key differentiating strengths is 'Security Colony,' a unique collaborative software-as-a-service platform that allows subscribers to access a library containing information security management systems, policies, standards, and templates derived from Hivint's consulting engagements with hundreds of enterprises across the country.

'This acquisition is timely as an overwhelming 85% of over 200 Australian enterprises we surveyed cited cyber and information security as having the highest disruptive impact on their industries in the next three years,' said Mr John Paitaridis, Optus Business Managing Director. 'Hivint's reputation for providing high-quality advisory services to businesses facing the challenges of increased cyber security threats and digitalisation will strengthen Optus' position as one of Australia's leading cybersecurity service providers and trusted advisor to both government and enterprise customers.'

Australia is a key growth area for cyber security services in the Asia Pacific, with Gartner forecasting the professional services market in Australia to grow to US$600 million in 2021.

'We are pleased to add Hivint's capabilities, high-level expertise and community-driven approach to cybersecurity into Trustwave consulting services,' said Mr Arthur Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Global Cyber Security at Singtel and Chief Executive Officer of Trustwave. 'Protecting businesses from data breaches, disruption of operations and loss of IP and economic assets has become a key objective for C-Suite and Board level executives. Additionally, Australia's business leaders already leveraging Hivint as a preferred security advisor now have direct access to the complete Trustwave portfolio of security solutions, managed security services and advanced education programs - a powerful combination.'

Hivint Co-Founder Mr Nick Ellsmore said: 'We are very excited and looking forward to this journey ahead. Singtel is building a truly global cyber security business under the Trustwave brand. It's a genuinely compelling vision and a great opportunity for the Hivint team on many levels.'

The announcement follows a number of Optus cyber security investments and collaborations, including strategic partnerships with Macquarie University and La Trobe University, and their key role in Australia's Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre.

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