In the dynamic arena of cybersecurity, James McGregor, U.S. GTM Specialist – Cisco Security at TD SYNNEX, underscored the adage, “If you can’t afford security, you can’t afford a breach.” It is truer today than ever as cyber adversaries continue to innovate and launch more sophisticated attacks, leading to an increase in demand for integrated solutions providing robust protection. McGregor recently led a webinar with TD SYNNEX and Cisco security specialists, John Wallace, Fredman Roble and Brent Gardener, spotlighting Cisco User Protection. In addition to ensuring seamless and secure access to applications across devices and locations, this comprehensive suite is also built to meet the core principles of Zero Trust while offering a frictionless user experience. By gaining deeper insights into the current cybersecurity landscape and familiarizing themselves with Cisco’s suite offerings, partners can arm themselves with the knowledge and tools necessary to help their customers effectively navigate today’s complex threat landscape.
Understanding the Need: Why Cisco’s Security Suites Exist
The cybersecurity landscape is fraught with challenges from evolving threats and advanced attack methods. The Talos 2023 Year in Review report stated that ransomware continues to be a major threat, especially involving LockBit, software that was developed to hold user access to their computers hostage for a ransom. Traditional security tools often fall short in providing adequate protection, leading to breaches and compromised systems. McGregor shared a statistic that more than half of security professionals believe their current tools are inadequate.
The User Protection suite addresses the pressing challenges faced by Security Operations (SOC) teams worldwide. “SOC teams are facing more and more sophisticated threats across multiple control points and typically, the security tools are not integrated in a meaningful way,” McGregor explained during the recent webinar. Cisco’s response? Consolidate more than 50 products into three comprehensive security suites, with the User Protection suite standing as a bulwark against evolving threats.
Exploring the User Protection Suite
At the heart of Cisco’s User Protection suite lies a comprehensive set of solutions aimed at safeguarding users and devices across various touchpoints. From email Threat Defense to Cisco Secure Access and multi-factor authentication, the suite provides an end-to-end approach to security. Fredman Robles, Cybersecurity Solutions Architect – Cisco at TD SYNNEX, explained that with this end-to-end protection, “users get the freedom to do what they want from day one if they want to work from home or from anywhere. But also, you as an admin will get the visibility and security that you and the company need.”
Each component is meticulously designed to address specific risks, such as phishing attacks, malware, and unauthorized access. By consolidating essential security tools under one umbrella, SOC teams are more empowered to mitigate risks effectively without additional manpower. These components that make up Cisco User Protection, are:
- Cisco Secure Access: A converged cloud security solution focused on securing access to applications and resources from anywhere, at any time, and from any device.
- Secure Malware Analytics: A cloud-based malware analysis and threat intelligence solution designed to identify and mitigate malware and cyber threats across networks and endpoints.
- Remote Browser Isolation (RBI): Isolates web traffic to prevent browser-based malware from compromising endpoint security, ensuring safe and seamless browsing experiences.
- Email Threat Defense: A comprehensive security solution to protect against email-based threats, including phishing, malware, and business email compromise attacks.
- Cisco Secure Endpoint: A next-generation endpoint security solution that prevents, detects, and responds to threats, offering deeper visibility and control over endpoints.
Unlocking Cybersecurity Excellence with Cisco and Talos for Unrivaled Protection
Cisco leads the cybersecurity realm with its pillars of innovation, trust and global reach. For Cisco distribution partners, effectively communicating these distinguishing factors is crucial for positioning the unique value proposition of Cisco’s cybersecurity solutions in the market. Constantly evolving to stay ahead of emerging threats, Cisco ensures its solutions remain cutting-edge, benefiting both partners and clients. With a trusted brand reputation and top-rated data protection, Cisco simplifies sales processes and fosters lasting client relationships for distribution partners. Leveraging Cisco’s unmatched global network, with the ability to connect with 99 percent of the world’s largest companies, partners gain access to new markets and growth opportunities.
A huge part of the effectiveness of Cisco security solutions is thanks to the team of threat researchers known as Talos. “They offer services as well for incident response and things like that, so it’s a holistic threat research team. And we blocked 20 billion new threats daily compared to our competitors,” Wallace said. Integrating this intelligence into products empowers SOC teams, adding value for partners and clients alike. By emphasizing Cisco’s innovation, trust, global presence, and Talos’s capabilities, partners can effectively communicate the unique value of Cisco’s cybersecurity solutions, bolstering partnerships and addressing clients’ security needs with confidence.
Strengthening Security Together
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, collaboration and innovation are key to staying ahead of the curve. Cisco User Protection provides businesses with the tools they need to protect their assets from emerging threats effectively. Whether refreshing existing security infrastructure, cross-selling with other Cisco solutions, or leveraging renewal opportunities, partners play a pivotal role in driving adoption and ensuring robust cybersecurity posture for clients. The Security teams at TD SYNNEX and Cisco are committed to empowering partners with the necessary resources and training to succeed in the security space. From Black Belt sales trainings to specialized certifications and extensive sales guides, partners have access to a wealth of resources to enhance their knowledge and skills. By leveraging promotions, incentives, and resources, partners can drive sales and deliver value to their customers. Ultimately, this collaborative effort strengthens security posture and fosters trust in an increasingly digital world.
To learn more and watch a demo with Brent Gardner, click here.
