Swisscom acquires Swiss security specialist United Security Providers

Swisscom and United Security Providers (USP) are two of the leading Swiss providers of cyber security solutions for Swiss companies – and will now be forging ahead together. Swisscom is taking over the pioneering Swiss company, bringing the independent company with its own cyber security business under the aegis of Enterprise Customers and creating a cluster of security expertise comprising some 200 security specialists going forward.

09 May 2019

Cyber security is rapidly gaining importance for Swiss companies. This is because, alongside the many opportunities digital transformation affords companies, it also brings substantial challenges in the shape of hacker attacks or cybercrime for instance. At present, Swisscom and United Security Providers (USP) are two of Switzerland's leading providers of cyber security solutions and Managed Security Services, and they are now pooling their considerable experience and expertise to provide customers with more extensive professional support and enhanced protection from cyber-attacks. The USP employees joining the Swisscom team will create a security competence centre boasting some 200 experts who will take round-the-clock care of business customers’ application, data and network security.

Cyber security as an area of strategic growth

Urs Lehner, Head of Swisscom Enterprise Customers and member of the Group Executive Board on the acquisition: “USP is a well-established, superbly managed company. With 25 years of business behind it, it has built up an extremely exciting portfolio of clients, services and expertise. The acquisition gives Swisscom access to security specialists and relevant expertise in this rapidly growing market. Michael Liebi, CEO at USP adds: “With their client portfolio, Swisscom and USP complement each other perfectly. In addition, we share the conviction that, together, we can provide even better support to our customers in terms of the full range of cyber security challenges both now and in the future.

The acquisition will further strengthen Swisscom’s Managed Security Services (MSS). The new security software product business (web access management and network access control), expands Swisscom’s security solutions. “We see huge potential for making these products a more integral part of Swisscom’s portfolio, thereby providing our customers with an even more comprehensive service,” says Urs Lehner.

USP will continue as a company and a brand

Founded in 1994, USP will continue to exist as a separate entity and brand within the Swisscom family. The existing management team under founder and CEO Michael Liebi will continue to develop USP services, thereby ensuring continuity. Swisscom intends to further develop and strengthen its cyber security division for the long term.