Mobile network operators are facing major new responsibilities for protecting their networks and their customers from a growing number of security threats. Wednesday's first-ever Light Reading event in this area, "Mobile Network Security Strategies: New Threats, New Opportunities," will focus on what operators need to know to deliver that protection.

"Mobile networks are now vulnerable to all the threats that face ISPs, along with some unique to mobile networks," says Patrick Donegan, event chair and Heavy Reading senior analyst. "Our event is intended to help them prepare to address those threats, from a variety of angles."

Mobile network operators will be on hand, including Gustavo de los Reyes, executive director of technical security for AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) Security Research Center, and Claudio Taglienti, principal architect of advanced technology and strategy for U.S. Cellular Corp. (NYSE: USM). De los Reyes will outline AT&T's approach to mobile security while Taglienti will join a panel of experts exploring the affect of cloud services on mobile security.

Omar Khawaja, managing principal of global security at Verizon, will examine the growing security issues around mobility in the workplace and look at how enterprises are facing the challenge of enabling employee productivity without increasing the vulnerability of their networks and data.

In addition, the program is packed with security expertise from individuals, such as Dave Donohue, VP of telecom applications and managed services at Tekmark Global Solutions LLC ; Toby Weir-Jones, head of portfolio marketing for BT Assure, the security unit of BT Global Services ; Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) board member James Armstrong; and John Marinho, vice president of cybersecurity for CTIA .

The topics under consideration vary widely, from concerns over the security vulnerabilities of the GPS technology being used to deliver network synchronization, to threat detection and mitigation and the need to secure the cloud.

The event kicks off Wednesday morning with Donegan discussing his latest research on mobile security, providing insight into how mobile operators are viewing this critical topic.

— Carol Wilson, Chief Editor, Events, Light Reading