Vodafone has expanded its focus on enterprise security with the creation of a new global business line.

The new Vodafone Enterprise Security Services (VESS) line of business will provide businesses with cyber security technologies, specialist advice and support.

VESS will offer cloud-based protection for business-critical application, network perimeter management, threat detection and response.

It will also provide security assessments and advisory services centred on customer security policy development, risk management and compliance processes

VESS will co-operate with several strategic security partners including expanding an existing partnership with BAE Systems Applied Intelligence to develop new products, services and capabilities.

VESS will be led by Simon Church, who will report to Vodafone Group Enterprise CEO Nick Jeffrey.

Jeffery said: "Our customers know they face a wide range of cyber threats, many of which could materially impact their operations and brand.

"We know they’re looking for trusted partners with the right expertise to stand with them and help them secure their operations from end to end. Vodafone Enterprise Security Services is designed to meet that important need.

"Under the experienced leadership of Simon Church, VESS will be completely focused on helping our customers protect their businesses in an unpredictable world."

The company’s move come as a result of cyber security becoming one of the biggest areas of concern for business.

A report by research firm Gartner predicted that global spending in information security could reach more than $75.4bn.

In 2014, Vodafone became the first UK communications company to be awarded the government’s Cyber Essentials Plus cybersecurity certification.

The accreditation was part of the two-tier Cyber Essentials Scheme that was launched on 5 June 2014.

The scheme certifies that an organisation has met a number of stringent criteria to help protect its IT systems against cyber attacks.

However in October last year, Vodafone UK was subject to an attempt to access some customers’ account details. The personal data of more than 1,800 customers was accessed by an outside source.

Vodafone is investing about £1bn on its network and services throughout the UK.

The company’s PC Protection secures users valuable digital content across devices. It provides back up of important files and allows to share them with teams.