Cisco adds heft to cybersecurity push with acquisitions, new talent>
Network World – Bob Violino
Cisco, a dominant player in networking and telecommunications, is making significant strides in the cybersecurity market
Under the leadership of Tom Gillis, Cisco has adopted a platform-based approach with the Cisco Security Cloud, which unifies its security products and enables faster development of new offerings
The platform incorporates AI to address the increasing complexity of security threats
Cisco has made several key acquisitions to enhance its security capabilities:
1) Isolavent: Cisco introduced the Hypershield “AI-native” architecture, which infuses security into the network fabric, enabling automated segmentation and lateral movement prevention.
2) Splunk: Cisco plans to integrate its XDR platform with Splunk’s technology, providing enhanced threat prevention, detection, investigation, and response capabilities.
3) Oort: This acquisition bolsters Cisco’s XDR platform and provides services to analyze data from IAM systems for identity protection.
4) Armorblox: The acquisition contributes to the expansion of Cisco’s AI/ML capabilities and provides email security telemetry for building an XDR.
5) Lightspin Technologies: Cisco acquired Lightspin to offer cloud security posture management (CSPM) and build the Panoptica cloud-native application platform
Cisco faces challenges in migrating its substantial installed base of AnyConnect VPN and Umbrella users to its new offerings, such as Cisco Secure Access
The company also needs to better integrate its offerings to provide a cohesive security platform story and focus on selling security software and software-based capabilities rather than just appliances
To succeed, Cisco must direct more of its go-to-market motion towards security professionals and continue innovating its portfolio through organic product development and strategic acquisitions
With its strong focus on cybersecurity and commitment to innovation, Cisco aims to be at the forefront of efforts to make IT infrastructures more resistant to threats.
Link: https://www.networkworld.com/article/2514928/cisco-adds-heft-to-cybersecurity-push-with-acquisitions-new-talent.html