Telecom companies already have recognized the many benefits that come with utilizing software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV) solutions within their businesses, but these technologies also introduce new risks. By utilizing these technologies, telecom service providers open themselves to a host of new security vulnerabilities, which include the risk of hacking, malware and data loss.

Telco Systems is looking to provide service providers with a way to utilize SDN and NFV without having to worry about security issues with the launch of NFV CyberGuard, a solution that scans for and remediates network threats.

NFV CyberGuard combines network-monitoring sensors embedded on Telco Systems’ CloudMetro virtualization platform with a big data analytics engine. The system also includes an SDN controller running on the company’s EdgeGenie Orchestrator.

When activated, NFV CyberGuard gathers application-level session information from across the network, which is then organized into a database of expected network behavior, according to Telco Systems. This information is then run through a big data engine to check for suspicious behavior. If a problem is identified, the system activates the SDN controller to apply predefined policies to stop the threats before they have a chance to cause damage.

“The benefits of SDN and NFV are clear, although at the same time, the security risks associated with these technologies also need to be addressed,” said Ariel Efrati, CEO of Telco Systems, in a statement. “We are proud to be applying a unique usage of our new NFV innovations in our new cyber-protection solution to address the security vulnerabilities enabled by these two technologies.”

Customers looking for a virtual version of the solution can purchase vCyberGuard, which allows service providers to sell security as-a-service offerings to their customers, according to the announcement. vCyberGuard runs as TelcoApp from the company’s CloudMetro virtualization device, which allows service providers to add custom management and security services to the offering.