Telefonica Business Solutions: Helping Companies and Consumers with Cybersecurity

By: Cris Marshall

Francisco Avalos, a 36 year-old native of Spain, has a varied background – one that suits his current role at Telefonica Business Solutions, which specializes in cyber security.  Avalos obtained a degree as a Telecommunications Engineer with a Major in IT System Management from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and an MBA in Finance at Escuela de Organizacion Industrial.

Avalos went on to work as a Technical Consultant at Hewlett Packard, a Data Center & Cloud Computing Consultant in Europe and Africa, and then in several positions at his current employer, Telefonica.  Paramount in this experience is his vast working knowledge of cyber security.

This technology-based field, cyber security, is one that is currently trending.  Retail uses security in many ways:  public assistance, password information, storing information on the cloud, and enhancing their use of technology.

Avalos has focused on this area since the increase of cyber-crimes both at companies and with individuals.  Since he believes this is only going to increase in the next few years, Avalos believes strongly in advancing the cyber technology security field.

So, how big is the threat – how bad is the situation that would make a company or individual turn to a security company to protect its data and communications?

Avalos states that companies use passwords for credit cards, social security and governmental entities need data protection.  Manufacturing companies need protections of their cyber assets.  The main goal of hackers is to obtain the data of customers – their social IDs, credit card information – much of it can be obtained by hacking social media accounts or “clouds”.  Companies and individuals need to make sure their assets are protected.

According to Avalos, 59% of companies are implementing cyber security services for personal/business records and this is increasing every year.  They are using the services to prevent attacks that are affecting more and more Americans every year.  The threat is increasing.

Companies are more confused than ever about what needs to be done to protect their data and keep their customers’ data private, but they are evolving in response to a need to solve the problems that have arisen due to cyber-attacks.

Avalos says that by “having security defense centers, like those provided by Telefonica, the approach is protection from both sides – security programs to protect data and defense programs to protect companies while on the internet.”

While many do not believe that privately they are at risk, Avalos stated that it is common now for people to utilize multiple devices all tied to one phone.  “All of these attached devices are targets when the phone is being used.  Any user needs to be aware that a small culture of technology is protecting their equipment.” 

Avalos has found it challenging to work internationally as countries have different laws governing cyber security and what constitutes a cybercrime.  “Any policies that help guide security in information are helpful.  There are also a lot of political interest involved in cyber-crimes but again, preventing and enforcing cyber security can be very difficult with the varying legislation and policies.” says Avalos. Thankfully, his experience working in different countries helps Telefonica bridge these gaps.

Being a native of Spain drew Avalos to the Latino community in the United States.  He is proud to have helped form a company that has a great influence on the Hispanic population and its cyber security.  

Avalos believes that diversity within the field is critical and that as the Hispanic population grows, so should its presence in companies such as Telefonica.  “Hispanic or Latin Americans have a really important role in this industry and its future in this country.”