Category: National
Fortinet Tightens Partnership with Google Cloud
Fortinet® has recently extended integration of its cloud security portfolio with Google Cloud to offer customers migrating to Google Cloud Platform (GCP) advanced security for their workloads and applications. The tightened integration comprises a new reference architecture helping customers connect distributed branches to GCP with Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution and the availability of Fortinet’s FortiWeb Cloud WAF-as-a-Service in the Google Cloud Marketplace. Distributed cloud and on-premise infrastructures introduce new risks to the expanding digital attack surface. This is why it’s especially crucial for organizations to implement consistent security and centralized management across the entire infrastructure. Fortinet provides this through the Fortinet Security Fabric and today we announce extending our Security Fabric’s cloud security offerings to Google Cloud. Through our extended collaboration, we’re providing customers advanced cloud security across regions, office locations and environments. -Rajesh Maurya Regional Vice President, India & SAARC at Fortinet Gartner expects that by the end of 2019, more than 30 percent of technology providers’ new software investments will shift from cloud-first to cloud-only. As cloud continues to become mainstream for organizations, security can’t be an afterthought. Organizations adopting cloud face the reality of their digital attack surface widening, which introduces new risks if multi-cloud security isn’t consistent across the network infrastructure. This is coupled with fragmented management systems that compromise visibility across on-premises and cloud environments. Fortinet is collaborating with Google Cloud to alleviate these challenges for end users by integrating its cloud security solutions with GCP. Fortinet’s cloud security portfolio is managed by a single management system as part of its Fortinet Security Fabric, providing IT teams with comprehensive visibility and consolidated management across the growing attack surface. We’re delighted to expand our partnership with Fortinet to deliver tightly integrated security solutions to our joint customers. With Fortinet’s new SD-WAN reference architecture and support for Anthos, customers will be able to securely move their data from on-prem to the cloud, between data centers, or to a hybrid environment with the highest levels of security and protection. -Manvinder Singh Director, Partnerships at Google Cloud Advancing security and accelerating the cloud on-ramp Working with Google Cloud, Fortinet will provide the following: Fortinet has introduced a reference architecture for customers to connect facilities to GCP with Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution. Fortinet’s unique Secure SD-WAN approach tightly integrates security and SDWAN functionality into a single offering. Using this reference architecture, customers can design and build cloud on-ramp solutions for GCP, providing secure highspeed connectivity across Google Anthos deployments on-premise and in GCP, as well as SSL inspection for office connectivity through the Fortinet Secure SD-WAN solution. Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution gives customers enhanced user experience and optimized WAN management across various locations at a lower cost without compromising security. Fortinet FortiWeb Cloud WAF-as-a-Service is now available on Google Cloud Platform. FortiWeb WAFas-a-Service offers easy and effective machine learning enabled security for GCP based web applications and offers advanced zero-day attack protection, as well as easy fine-tuning of security policies and protection of web resources. Customers can now rapidly protect applications through instant activation of Fortinet’s Cloud WAF solution directly from the GCP marketplace. Fortinet already provides the FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer and FortiWeb products on GCP as part of its cloud security portfolio. Fortinet’s FortiCWP will integrate with GCP’s Cloud Security Command Center to provide advanced workload protection and visibility. Leveraging Fortinet’s FortiGuard-based threat intelligence, FortiCWP will conduct deep analysis of activities and data in GCP to enable customers to detect threats or anomalies. This will allow IT teams to respond with instant remediation. Google Cloud Security Command Center integration with FortiCWP is expected to be available in early Q1 2020. Google Cloud Platform is a member of the Fortinet Fabric-Ready Partner program, a premium category of Fortinet’s technology alliance partnerships and a key part of the Fortinet Security Fabric. In addition, Fortinet joined the Google Cloud Advanced Security Specialization to further collaborate in enabling customers to take advantage of cloud security’s benefits.
Strength in Security Sees Zyxel Achieve Multiple Accolades at the Taiwan Excellence Awards
For the 15th consecutive year, Zyxel’s networking solutions have been recognized for their outstanding innovative and creative qualities by the Taiwan Excellence Awards. Four Zyxel products have been selected to receive the award – more than any other networking companies in Taiwan this year. With the growing cyberthreat landscape as a real concern for businesses and individuals alike, Zyxel’s product range is designed to simplify and bolster networking defences and controls – no matter what is the IT security skill level. The four products recognized this year all focus on helping users improve the management of their networks and devices. They ensure users can stay protected against evolving cyberthreats and continue to adopt new and innovative applications for work or home. The Zyxel SecuReporter is a cloud-based intelligent analytics and reporting service, which provides network administrators with a centralized view of network activities and potential threats across the entire network. IT professionals can use the service to track emerging targeted attack trends and produce customized reports to make proactive decisions based on up-to-date threat intelligence and in-depth insight. For home users and small businesses, Zyxel’s AiShield security service is an AI-driven, cloud-based security database. It helps protect networks and digital assets against a wide range of current and evolving cyber-attacks, including malware, ransomware and phishing attacks. To extend the reach and capabilities of home networks, the recently launched Zyxel PLA6456 G.hn 2400Mbps Wave 2 Powerline adapter helps users take advantage of the latest networking standard for extended data streaming speeds and greater reliability. In a world where streaming 8K content and data-heavy gaming platforms is becoming the norm, the pass-thru gigabit adapter helps home users to easily extend internet access points throughout their home, providing improved coverage and speeds of up to 2400Mbps through existing plug sockets. As well as extending network coverage for home users, Zyxel also helps parents to ensure access to the internet remains secure for the whole family. The Armor G1 multi-gigabit security and parental control WiFi router (NBG6816) provides this peace of mind by offering not only speed but robust security for all devices connected to the network. Premium WiFi performance with 5G 8×8 eFEM and antenna design is accompanied by cybersecurity features and parental control options. Gary Chen, President, Zyxel India Said, “Zyxel has always believed in challenging the status quo and do something different and always be ahead of its competition. As a result we have performed better than any other networking brand in Taiwan at Taiwan Excellence Awards. I congratulate Zyxel team for their dedication and wish them all the best for the future. Also thanks to Taiwan Excellence team for organizing such great awards and selecting Zyxel as top brand.” The Taiwan Excellence Awards were established by the Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1993 that recognise products developed in the region that offer ‘innovative value.’ Entries are judged on their achievement in R&D, design, quality and marketing.
Hikvision Certified Security Associate Program (Surat and Kolkata)
The latest Prama Hikvision Certified Security Associates (HCSA) Program was held in two phases at Surat (21-22-23 November) and Kolkata (5-6-7 December). They as often got an overwhelming response from the young security professional community. The Hikvision Certified Security Associate (HCSA) level certification focuses on training participants in essential configurations, operations & maintenance of Hikvision video surveillance products and its features. It is designed for technical engineers, who have worked in the security industry for some years and have already gained knowledge and experience about security basics. The certification program is open to anyone looking to gain expertise in video surveillance and total security solution. The trainee should have at least one year of work experience in the security industry and be familiar with security basics. The three-day comprehensive HCSA program included training sessions on optics basics, turbo HD analog solution, PTZ configuration, network basics, IP camera, NVR, fish eye camera, iVMS 4200 and smart functions and applications. Some latest themes and technologies were introduced under HCSA training. The hands-on training module includes configuration and deployment of Colorvu and AcuSense technology and cameras, face recognition, people counting, heat mapping functions in Hikvision’s latest cameras. The HCSA program also covered net- working fundamentals and designing concepts related to video surveillance, network security features available in Hikvision products, as well as new 4.0 GUI of Hikvision NVR. The training contained implementation of ANR technology for video stream recording in case of network failure of NVR, and the implementation of RAID technolo- gy for data security on hard disk, hot spare system for storage device failure, lens selection according to the field of view, and network bandwidth and storage calculation base on H.265+ compression technology. The HCSA training program was conducted by the Prama Hikvision representative Vinit Narvekar. “Prama Hikvision has set the industry standard by offering professional video surveillance certification to validate video expertise under Hikvision Certified Security Associate (HCSA) program in India. This Hikvision certification program is specially designed for the security professionals. Besides, Hikvision provides meaningful endorsement to those, who succeed in the exams and become Hikvision certified professionals,” said Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd. Hikvision Certified Security Associate Program was concluded successfully in Surat and Kolkata getting a good response from young engineers and installers. The HCSA Surat event attracted security professionals from Bharuch and other nearby towns. The HCSA Kolkata event had participants from nearby towns. The successful batch of Hikvision Certified Security Associates (HCSA) Program participants will receive the HCSA certificates. The HCSA Certificate adds value with product knowledge and technology updates to security professionals, entrepreneurs and system integrators. It also enhances the business prospects. The next HCSA pro- gram schedule will be announced on the Hikvision India website.
Axis Communications Launches Innovative Radar Technology & System-on-Chip
Industry’s second-generation radar surveillance cameras are cost efficient with capabilities like working in zero light conditions and providing decreased false alarms. First-of-its-kind ARTPEC chip provides powerful compression, edge analytics and high-end cybersecurity. The growing demand for border security, drone detection, industrial security or stringent traffic management, calls for implementing network cameras with a combination of motion detectors utilizing a technology that enables a smarter and safer world. To address this gap, Axis Communications has recently launched its second generation of radar technology cameras for the Indian market. The company also introduced first of its kind 7th generation ARTPEC chip, giving Axis complete control over every single transistor, which will help provide customers with enhanced images, powerful compression and cybersecurity features. The network camera market in India is expected to grow from 225 million to 605 million USD by 2023 at CAGR of 26.6% according to IHS 2019 India report. The report further states that the total video surveillance market is expected to grow from 588 million to 1159 million USD during 2019-2023 at CAGR 18.3%. Axis has been at the forefront of innovation. There is an increasing demand, not only to protect boundaries from foreign intrusion, but across educational institutes, airports, railway stations and power plants to adopt new technologies with cost efficiencies. With enterprises looking to invest in top end value-based hybrid solutions, we have launched our second generation radar detector that would help in closing gaps and existing loopholes as it offers excellent image quality, detects movement with high accuracy, and reduces false alarms. We see the demand in northern region very encouraging and were successful in winning projects like Safex, Panchakula safe city, PGCIL, western court-PWD Sudhindra Holla Director, Axis Communications, India & SAARC “With cybersecurity becoming a key concern across sectors, the Axis manufactured ARTPEC system-on-chip provides the ultimate competitive advantage as we are one of the few manufacturers with total control over every single transistor, which is very good from a trust and cybersecurity perspective. The chip’s real-time object detection engine, compression technology and edge analytics are market differentiators and will empower customers with unique value proposition,” said Sudhindra Holla Director, Axis Communications, India & SAARC. The AXIS D2050-VE network radar detector is a good complement to cameras with video motion detection that can be used to track moving objects. Radar also allows for a wide area to be covered and are more suitable for long perimeter protection. The product is designed to integrate with Axis cameras and video management systems (VMS). Vandal-proof and suitable for outdoor use, it can deliver real-time information about the position, speed, angle, and size of a moving object. With a longer range than passive infrared sensors, it covers a wide field of detection, while minimizing the number of false alarms triggered by spiders, small animals, moving shadows and light reflections. The radar motion detector can be set to trigger camera recording, activate a horn speaker, or switch on a light for deterrence and improved visibility on camera. The new seventh generation Axis Real Time Picture Encoder (ARTPEC) chip, optimized for network video, is a chip developed by Axis Communications that powers an array of new capabilities and features instilled in the Axis network cameras. These features include even better imaging, enhanced security features, powerful compression and a possibility to run impressive analytics on the edge. It also features a real-time object detection engine that will make it possible for Axis and Axis partners to develop powerful analytics to automatically detect and differentiate between people, faces and objects. It also provides a layer of control that is crucial for effective cybersecurity.
iValue & Morphisec Joining Hands to Deliver Innovative Unified Threat Prevention Platform
iValue Info Solutions, one of India’s fastest growing technology aggregators, has partnered with Israeli professional cybersecurity solutions provider Morphisec to offer protection across advanced endpoint, virtual desktop, cloud workload and servers. This move is in line with strengthening their commitment to protecting and transforming digital assets of organizations across industries such as manufacturing, technology, healthcare etc. iValue has maintained to stay ahead in the value chain by consistently partnering with the right mix of popular and niche technology providers thus helping customers in their digital transformation journey. Morphisec is the latest entrant into iValue’s compelling and complementing offerings in the data, network and application management and protection space. Morphisec uses the power of Moving Target Defense, a wholly innovative approach to prevent cyber-attacks and threats. Morphisec reduces an organization’s risk exposure without affecting business productivity or creating work for the security team. Moving Target Defense applies across attack vectors and threat types – no need for indicators, and no waiting for patches or updates. Morphisec solutions deliver operationally simple and proactive prevention unbound by the limits of detection and prediction. They protect businesses around the globe from the most dangerous and sophisticated cyberattacks immediately, efficiently and absolutely. “iValue is excited to partner with Morphisec who is transforming endpoint security through pioneering Moving Target Defense,” said Subodh Anchan, VP – Alliance, iValue Info Solutions, “Their solutions protect customers from the most sophisticated cyberattacks efficiently. iValue’s eco-system will relish Morphisec’s product quality, user friendly software, excellent support and high security.” “iValue has been a force in the markets they operate, and it gives us immense pleasure to be associated with a technology enabler who boasts a rich eco-system. iValue’s distinctive industry focused GTM strategies augers perfectly with our product roadmap,” said Ajit Pillai, Managing Director – India & SAARC, Morphisec, “We look forward to great opportunities working together and enhancing our market position in the forthcoming years through this association with iValue.”
ATOS Agrees for Distribution Partnership with VSS for Indian Subcontinent
ATOS Global LLP has been appointed a distributor of Video Storage Solutions’ (VSS) pre-engineered video recording and storage appliances. Based in Mumbai, ATOS Global, a specialist VAR national distributor of access and entrance control, life safety, intruder alarm, IP video surveillance, server and storage solutions, as well as IBMS, IOT and PA systems, will supply the complete range of VSS appliances to system integrators across the Indian subcontinent who are part of the Milestone Systems Community. VSS, a division of the BCD International brand of companies, specialises in offering video appliances that are pre-engineered with Milestone XProtect®, Seagate Skyhawk surveillance-grade drives and its state-of-the-art storage accelerator, which significantly increases storage scalability, performance and reliability for Milestone Systems’ projects. As such, they can withstand the taxing video data write load of systems which have a large number of cameras. “With demand increasing year-on-year for professional and enterprise-level video surveillance systems, there is a tremendous opportunity for us to significantly increase sales of our appliances across India and other SAARC countries,” said Rohit Khubchandani, VSS’ Regional Sales Director for METAI. “We are therefore delighted to have the support of ATOS Global as our distribution partner and are looking forward to working closely with them to help their resellers gain a competitive edge by offering robust, ultra reliable and affordable recording and storage solutions.” Commenting on the distribution agreement, Siddharth Mehta, Director of ATOS Global said, “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to add VSS appliances to our product portfolio. There are so many reasons why we believe our customers should take a close look at what VSS has to offer, not the least of which is that their verified appliances are supplied with guaranteed performance.” The VSS engineering team will certify the bandwidth capabilities of each appliance ordered through ATOS Global. System integrators can rest assured that they will be installing an effective video recording and storage solution with guaranteed performance, provided bandwidth requirements do not exceed the appliance’s specification.
New ASIS Foundation Research Explores the State of Security Convergence
ASIS International, the world’s leading association of security management professionals, has published new State of Security Convergence in the United States, Europe, and India. The research was conducted by the ASIS Foundation. Using survey responses from more than 1,000 security leaders from around the globe – plus more than 20 follow-up interviews – the study analyzes the relationship between physical security, cybersecurity and business continuity in modern organizations. It provides relevant benchmarks to compare strategies, plans and operations, and determine best practices for creating more effective and cost-efficient security and risk operations. According to the report, despite years of predictions about the inevitability of security convergence, just 24 percent of respondents have converged their physical and cybersecurity functions. When business continuity is included, a total of 52 percent have converged two or all of the three functions. Of the 48 percent who have not converged at all, 70 percent have no current plans to converge. “For years, security practitioners have accepted that organizations are increasingly converging their physical security and cybersecurity functions,” said Brian Allen, CPP, President, ASIS Foundation Board of Trustees, “This study collected current data to measure trends and progress with converging environments. What we’ve learned is that although convergence has brought positive results, there is still much work to be done.” The study’s executive summary is available free on the Foundation’s website. The full report is available for purchase and is complimentary for all ASIS members. Supported by member and corporate donations, the ASIS Foundation invests in elevating security practice through research and education. The Foundation awarded more than 170 scholarships in 2019 totalling more than $75,000.
CP PLUS Honored as the Best Electronics Security Company
CP PLUS has recently been awarded as the ‘Best Electronics Security Company’ of 2019 at the 18th edition of VARINDIA Star Nite Awards (SNA) at Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi. Nominated by the VARs and partners, the award recognizes and celebrates brand competencies in technology, innovation, marketing capabilities, and post-sales support etc. “It’s an honour to receive such an esteemed award that is really important for us. We thank all partners and vendors for choosing us the best brand. We are also thankful to VARINDIA, board members, and the management who showed trust in us. As a brand, CP PLUS has an enriching journey of growth and development with continual innovations,” expressed Yogesh B. Dutta, COO, CP PLUS. Many IT corporates, VAR fraternity, and industry leaders from across the country were present at the event. The forum also saw various interesting and knowledge-based sessions such as experts speech, super session and tech-talk. CP PLUS has been a pioneer in electronic surveillance and security solutions. The brand offers a complete portfolio of advanced surveillance products and systems for a wide range of applications in different verticals. Its integrated and intelligent solutions are used in government buildings, infrastructure projects, defence locations, transportation, hotels & hospitals, educational institutions, homes, and other areas. Further, CP PLUS has made crucial investments for the protection of society.
Any Body Can Tech (ABCT) Program on Cyber Security & Cloud Computing
Unlike in the past when technology was a support to the business, today it lies at the heart. In fact in many cases it is the technology which is driving the business. This trend is going to get even more accentuated in the times to come. Lack of tech awareness or the inability to use it effectively, it’s functionally could be career limiting in the times to come. On the other hand, there are no barriers to learning in today’s world – it is just a few clicks away. Technology is easy if taught correctly by the right trainers. One does not need to have a degree to learn it; inquisitive mind and the desire to learn are all that is needed. With the above background Forces Network decided to prove the concept in practice and launched ABCT (Any Body Can Tech) Program. It is a 3 week program – online and offline – to train participants in attaining a functional understanding of two tech areas – Cyber Security and Cloud Computing. There is no prerequisite for the participants – they could be from any stream (BA, B.Com, B.Sc. etc.) and of any age. The program ran from 01 November 2019 in offline mode and finally concluded with a day-long face-to face workshop at New Delhi on 17th of the month. The pedagogy included weekly webinars, assignments, quiz tests, and hands on lab sessions in the workshop. The trainers were practising industry professionals. The participants profile had pretty varied age groups ranging 14-60 years. The batch size was deliberately kept small so that individual attention could be paid. Approximately 70 percent of the students had a complete non-tech background. However, the curriculum was very carefully designed starting from scratch. The learning curve was kept at a gentle gradient but with consistent daily learning. At the workshop the participants were given live handson sessions, as well as industry related case studies were shared. The participants went from no knowledge of even how a computer works to learning about operating systems, data center, virtualization to being able to create virtual machines on Azure cloud, logging in to them remotely, and installing a web server in them – all in less than 3 weeks. Similarly in cyber security the participants were taken through topics like Cryptography and Encryption Technologies, Security Architecture, Ethical Hacking, and Application Security to practical cyber security exercises. The feedbacks from the participants are extremely positive and encouraging. They said to have learnt a lot, learnt it well, learnt it fast, they are now asking for more. So Forces Network has de facto proven the ABCT concept practically, and they look forward to conducting more ABCT workshops across the country.
Patriarchy in Security Business – A Bias
Diversity is the qualifying criteria for the OSAC Delhi Chapter (DC) Country Council Achievements Awards nomination The general perception is the business of ‘Security’ is a masculine, male dominated and managed domain of human expertise. The social fabric subtly insinuates that security falls under the purview of male responsibility, ability and capability. The bias is thicker in developing countries like India, resulting largely in exclusion of women partnership in this field. Diversity challenges on hand The security functions are and have been challenged by the absence of female security professionals, and cross functional groups such as Business Continuity and Risk Management (BCRM), Travel Security Management, Environment Health and Safety (EHS), thus limiting the 360 degree function security approach. This lack of engagement of the female security professionals and public-private partnership has led to substantive deficit in the cross pollination of knowledge and sharing the best practices. OSAC Justifies The Delhi Chapter of the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), US Embassy runs an ‘out-reach program’ for diversity and inclusivity in security domain. It leverages a three-pronged approach to address this challenge. 1. Student engagement initiative OSAC DC initiated an innovative approach for the first time by engaging with Post Graduate students of all the women’s colleges of ‘Vedica Group.’ The initiative aims at helping them understand the various spheres of security functions and to look at it as one of the ‘first career’ options. The overall intention of inviting these young career professionals to Delhi OSAC meeting was the tipping point, and now they have been regular attendees. OSAC’s All-India General Meeting (AGM) in December 2018 had presence of 32 Vedica students out of the total 330 participants. 2. Multi-functional diversity & inclusion approach OSAC believes in the concept of inclusion of professionals in security – especially for the female, others cross-functional units’ members, and all of those who work closely to deliver robust security plans on a day to day basis. This effort is being supported and propagated by a conscious awareness and engagement drive leveraging their strengths. As a strategic step forward, Delhi Chapter has a track record of having a female council secretary right from 2015. In addition, the mentoring program by the senior industry chief security officers (CSOs) has been encouraging female security professionals to opt for core operational physical security roles. 3. Equal opportunity OSAC focuses on enhanced industry engagements in a positive step-up towards public-private partnership. This has been led by way of female OSAC members being invited as speakers/ moderators at large and reputed security industry events/ conferences to share their best practices and technical expertise. Demonstrated result For the first time, Vedica Group of institutions encouraged their students of the batch graduating in 2018 to look at roles within the security domain as part of their campus placements. Vedica students who were already inspired by attending the OSAC meetings opted for security industry for their internships – four (04) of them have already been offered career opportunities by those agencies. Thus, OSAC DC has clearly helped move the security function from the ‘last to the first’ choice for the next generation female professionals. Stepped up membership of female professionals in DC from 05 in 2015 to 50+ in 2018 – an increase of 900% in line with the growing female footprint in the corporate industry. Positive cross functional engagement of professionals from CSR, BCRM and Travel domains helped make security deliver on a 360-degree approach. Delhi Chapter members are being a regular feature in the landscape of all major security events from Security Today summit to IFSEC. The UBM International group has recognized DC members as the trusted jury partner for their annual awards – where out of 04 members, 03 OSAC women professionals are on the panel – recognizing the female talent in the security industry. The enhanced public-private partnerships initiative’s crowning glory was the invitation by UBM to jury members to attend the IFSEC conference as special invitee delegates at Seoul in 2019. Summary Diversity augments holistic growth of a function, and also the ability to deliver its true potential. The Delhi Chapter of OSAC has spearheaded a revolution by pioneering the change management in engaging the new millennial female leaders to lead the security functionalities for 21st century as their brand ambassadors. The enhanced diversity engagement of the female security professional and public-private partnership by OSAC DC have fostered a robust security landscape with enhanced collaboration and sharing of the best practices – thereby accomplishing the overall goals of OSAC.