AB InBev creates cybersecurity unit as attacks mount

Beer giant AB InBev is opening a cybersecurity unit in Israel to protect itself from a growing number of attacks.

The company started recruiting for the new centre - called Beer Tech - in March and currently aims to have 20 employees. However, that number may rise to 100 in the future depending on the technologies scouted or developed there.

Israel is the world leader in cybersecurity, with many companies opening centres there or acquiring Israeli tech firms to defend themselves against hackers as reliance on digital networks and cloud storage becomes more widespread.

Luis Veronesi, AB InBev's vice president of global security and compliance told Reuters that AB InBev and the entire industry have been facing increased cyber attacks, ranging from “financially motivated” hacks to attempts at disrupting operations.

“With increasing digitalisation, we have to be prepared to defend against anything coming,” he said.

Beer Tech joins Beer Garage

AB InBev already has a tech innovation lab called Beer Garage located in the heart of Silicon Valley.

Beer Garage is home to Global Enterprise Architecture, Cyber Security and Innovation teams that help the company "explore, pilot and scale new capabilities driving competitive advantage in the future".

"We realise that innovation touches all facets of our business and continue to invest in technology infrastructure and capabilities that are globally scalable, secure, integrated and future-ready," the company noted.

"Innovation drives our commercial strategy, our supply chain, processes for supporting our colleagues and recruiting future talent, as well as helping us to build a sustainable business to improve lives in communities around the world."