- U Mobile has signed an MoU with Palo Alto Networks to collaborate on integrating Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) solution into its network infrastructure
- The SECaaS solution will be leveraging on Palo Alto Networks’ next generation firewalls with machine learning driven threat prevention to safeguard mobile traffic at the network level
- Upon successful integration, the telco will become first in Malaysia to embed such capabilities directly within its network infrastructure
- As part of the MoU, the companies will also leverage on the telco’s neutral Enterprise Innovation Platform (EIP) to develop, test
and demonstrate additional SECaaS features and applications related to IoT and smart solutions
Barcelona, Spain, 5 March 2026 — U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Palo Alto Networks, the global cybersecurity leader, for network-embedded Security‑as‑a‑Service (SECaaS) solution, offering advanced cybersecurity protection for devices connected to U Mobile’s network. Upon successful implementation, U Mobile will be the first Malaysian telco to have integrated SECaaS directly into its network infrastructure.
Prior to this initiative, in February 2025, U Mobile was also the first telco to implement a voice and SMS firewall within its network, protecting all its customers against scam calls and fraudulent SMS. Building on this foundation, the latest approach with Palo Alto Networks represents the next evolution by providing security against data threats and digital risks. By embedding advanced security capabilities into the network, cybersecurity adoption is significantly simplified, enabling U Mobile’s customers, both consumers and enterprises, to benefit from intelligent, automated and frictionless protection without having to install software on their devices. This move aligns with the company’s broader ambition to deliver a secure, resilient and advanced network where cybersecurity operates natively within the infrastructure, stopping threats before they reach end-user devices.
As part of the partnership, U Mobile will leverage Palo Alto Networks’ industry‑leading Next‑Generation Firewall (NGFW) platform and AI‑powered Cloud‑Delivered Security Services (CDSS) for the development of the SECaaS solution. Once implemented, the solution will enable U Mobile’s entire network infrastructure, that includes its rapidly expanding next gen 5G network and existing 4G network, to have real‑time protection against malware, phishing attempts, command‑and‑control threats, and other evolving zero-day cyber-attacks at the network level. This is particularly timely as 5G and IoT innovation and adoption accelerates across Malaysia. Palo Alto Networks is also U Mobile’s anchor partner for its neutral Enterprise Innovation Platform (EIP), providing cybersecurity expertise and Zero Trust architecture guidance to support security validation across network, cloud and application layers for the EIP Hub, a physical innovation sandbox. This latest initiative will also see the companies leverage the EIP Hub to develop, test and demonstrate additional SECaaS features and applications related to IoT and smart solution in its sandbox environment.
“U Mobile is aware that cybersecurity is a real concern for all Malaysians, be it individuals, families or businesses especially as scam activities, cyber threats, phishing attempts and online fraud continue to rise locally and globally. As Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, we have been continuously investing in strengthening the security of our network and this latest collaboration with Palo Alto Networks will see us integrating SECaaS directly into our network infrastructure, a first for a Malaysian telco. The network-based approach means we can offer a more secure user experience for daily services like online banking, e-wallet transactions, accessing remote work tools, or cloud applications. Apart from that, U Mobile is also able to empower enterprises to innovate and adopt 5G, 5G-A and AI-driven solutions with confidence as any threat will be addressed at network level,” said Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile.
“As 5G accelerates the proliferation of attack surfaces in Malaysia, the complexity of the threat landscape grows exponentially,” said Dan Beaman, Vice President of Worldwide Service Providers, Palo Alto Networks. “We are thrilled to partner with U Mobile to pioneer a network-level security approach that removes the burden of protection from the end-user. By integrating our AI-powered security platforms directly into U Mobile’s infrastructure, we are not just reacting to threats, we are anticipating them. U Mobile will be the first Malaysian Service Provider to implement SECaaS into their network. This collaboration ensures that as consumers and businesses embrace the possibilities of 4G, 5G and AI, they do so on a foundation of Zero Trust, where security is seamless, automated, and built-in from the ground up.”
The MoU was formalised at MWC Barcelona by Wong Heang Tuck, U Mobile’s Chief Executive Officer; Woon Ooi Yuen, U Mobile’s Chief Technology Officer; Dan Beaman, Vice President of Worldwide Service Providers at Palo Alto Networks; and Tuna Toker, Global Account Manager (5G/IoT/MEC) at Palo Alto Networks.
