IBM Security continues to open new X-Force Command Centers across the globe. The latest one is based in Wroclaw, Poland.
The new X-Force Command Center features IBM Watson for Cybersecurity cognitive capabilities and data localization services, according to IBM, and offers organizations the option of managing their security data via IBM staff and infrastructure in Europe.
In addition, the center represents a critical investment in helping organizations respond to cybersecurity incidents and prepare for the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), IBM Security Europe Vice President Julian Meyrick IBM opens European X-Force Command Center in Poland to help orgs address EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) & cybersecurity incident response. said in a prepared statement.
What Are IBM X-Force Command Centers?
X-Force Command Centers are staffed by approximately 1,400 IT security professionals who leverage cognitive technologies to address cybersecurity events, according to IBM.
The X-Force Command Centers process roughly 1 trillion cyber incidents each month and protect 4,500 customers across 133 countries, IBM indicated.
Moreover, IBM in November expanded the capabilities and capacity for its global network of X-Force Command Centers and launched an incident response and intelligence consulting team called X-Force Incident Response and Intelligence Services, the company indicated in a prepared statement.
These moves were made as part of a $200 million investment to bolster IBM's incident response capabilities, the business pointed out.
IBM Helps EU Organizations Prep for GDPR
IBM is taking multiple steps to help businesses safeguard their digital assets while adhering to compliance mandates. A case in point, the company last month introduced incident response capabilities for its IBM Resilient security portfolio to help organizations address GDPR.
The IBM Resilient incident response capabilities include:
- GDPR Preparatory Guide: Provides a step-by-step guide to help organizations get ready for GDPR.
- GDPR Simulation: Helps an organization’s security analysts simulate the actions they may need to take if they experience a data breach under GDPR.
- GDPR-Enhanced Privacy Module: Provides organizations with access to a database of GDPR-related guidelines and regulations.
GDPR takes effect May 25, 2018; the regulation is designed to streamline data privacy laws across Europe, the EU Parliament indicated.
IBM Unveils Cybersecurity Skills Initiative
Cybersecurity talent also has been a major focus area. IBM in May launched an initiative to help address the projected cybersecurity worker shortage through programs and partnerships and promote a "new collar" cybersecurity workforce strategy.
As part of the initiative, IBM is sponsoring alternative education models such as Hacker Highschool and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH), the company noted.
Also, IBM intends to define new workforce approaches to reach a broader pipeline of employees based on skills, experience and aptitudes, according to the company.
A recent survey of 641 IT and cybersecurity professionals conducted by research firm ESG indicated 45 percent of respondents said that their organization has a problematic shortage of cybersecurity skills.
Meanwhile, global spending on cybersecurity products and services is expected to exceed $1 trillion between 2017 and 2021, cybercrime research firm Cybersecurity Ventures stated.
