With their partnership, HypoVereinsbank and Schwarz Digits are setting new standards for the security of corporate customers in the German banking market

• HypoVereinsbank (HVB) and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group (including Lidl and Kaufland), are planning to enter into a partnership around the topic of cyber security for corporate customers
• HVB plans to convey the XM Cyber solution to its corporate customers to secure their business processes
• In addition, HVB wants to offer its customers the omniac app from Schwarz Digits. Omniac aims to reduce the risk of identity theft through data leaks

Cybercrime is a growing threat to businesses worldwide. According to a survey by the industry association Bitkom, two-thirds of all companies see their existence threatened by cyberattacks. Defending against such attacks is like a constant cat-and-mouse game.

In view of the growing security requirements, HypoVereinsbank (HVB) and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group (including Lidl and Kaufland), are planning to enter into a partnership around the topic of cybersecurity. The aim is to secure and maintain business processes of companies. In the future, HypoVereinsbank also plans to support its corporate customers in the field of cybersecurity by brokering the innovative XM Cyber solution. XM Cyber, as the leading preventive Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM) solution, holistically identifies vulnerabilities in the client's system and how they can be eliminated efficiently – 24/7 automated, without affecting the client's systems and thus always up-to-date.

"Together with Schwarz Digits, we bundle state-of-the-art security standards and in-depth 
IT security expertise for the benefit of our corporate customers. In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity is a key success factor for sustainable innovation. Together, we are creating a reliable technological basis for the secure digitization of the economy and society," says Artur Gruca, Chief Digital & Operating Officer, HypoVereinsbank/UniCredit.

"We support our medium-sized customers with suitable financing solutions and strategic support. In an increasingly digital world, this also includes cybersecurity. With this innovative partnership, we are sending a strong signal for security, trust and future viability," says Martin Brinckmann, Head of Small and Medium Corporates, HypoVereinsbank/UniCredit.

In addition, HypoVereinsbank intends to convey the omniac app from Schwarz Digits to its customers in the future. Omniac warns users if their sensitive data can be found on the internet, deep web, or dark web. The service checks more data around the clock for data leaks than any other provider. For example, if passwords appear, users immediately receive a warning message and can take action. In this way, HVB customers can reduce the risk of identity theft, misuse and dangers such as social engineering or infostealer malware.

"The financial sector is essential for the functioning of societies and is therefore particularly at the center of cyberattacks. HypoVereinsbank has recognized this and we are very pleased about the cooperation," says Christian Müller, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits. Rolf Schumann, Co-CEO of Schwarz Digits, adds: "The combination of omniac as digital identity protection and XM Cyber as an overarching defense shield create a security advantage for customers of HypoVereinsbank. Together with the bank's experts, we are working intensively on cyber resilience in the financial sector."