Telefónica, working with Palo Alto Networks, has launched a software service that provides a cloud-based security layer over customers’ Internet access.

The Spain-based service provider natively embedded the new service, Clean Pipes 2.0, into its platforms. It is available now to Telefónica Business Solutions’ multinational customers.

Palo Alto, along with Telefónica security unit ElevenPaths, built the service to include features such as application-layer firewall, protection against known and unknown threats, web filtering, and intrusion prevention.

“Telefónica has deployed several Clean Pipes 2.0 nodes across its global network on top of which Palo Alto Networks has implemented virtualized next generation firewalls (VM-Series),” said Peter Margaris, head of service provider marketing at Palo Alto Networks, in an email. “The VM-Series combines next-generation firewall security and advanced threat prevention to protect virtualized environments from advanced cyberthreats. Based on service level, customers can benefit from different performance and security features.”

The new Telefónica software-as-a-service (SaaS) doesn’t incorporate the automated behavioral analytics technology Palo Alto acquired from LightCyber earlier this year, but features could be added in the future, Margaris said.

“Clean Pipes 2.0 was designed before automated behavioral analytics were available, so this feature is not currently included,” he explained. “Nevertheless, the scalable architecture of the service allows Telefónica to include this and other Palo Alto Networks technologies in the future.”

In February, Palo Alto acquired privately held security company LightCyber for $105 million in cash. LightCyber's an automated behavioral analytics technology uses machine learning to identify attacks based on behavioral anomalies inside the network.

Their work on Clean Pipes 2.0 isn’t the first time the two companies have partnered. Palo Alto’s technology is already available to Telefónica customers across its 20-plus country footprint. “Telefónica has incorporated Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform into Telefónica’s B2B portfolio of services — the Telefónica Business Solutions service is the first one to have been completed,” Margaris said.

The two companies also collaborate on the Cyber Threat Alliance, working with other security companies to share threat information and collectively improve threat defense.