At GlobalComm 2006 this week, BellSouth announced that it is now offering managed security services.

The carrier has teamed with SecureWorks, a managed IT security services provider to offer BellSouth Managed Security Services. The services include network intrusion prevention, managed firewall, host intrusion prevention, vulnerability assessments and e-mail encryption.

In addition to these managed services, BellSouth offers a “penetration test” that simulates a network attack to determine the impact of potential security threats.

BellSouth markets the service while SecureWorks hosts the managed IT security services and provides 24/7/365 monitoring, reporting and technical support to BellSouth customers.

BellSouth Managed Security Services are available in packages - bundled with additional BellSouth network and equipment services; as a suite with all five security features; and as individual security services purchased according to customer need.

BellSouth become the latest entrant of the major U.S. carriers in the managed security services arena. Last year, Verizon disclosed plans to offer such services and AT&T also already offers them.