Cisco (CSCO), the renowned leader in enterprise networking and security, is delivering on its commitment to revolutionize cybersecurity with the AI-driven Cisco Security Cloud. The company is investing in groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, aiming to empower security teams by streamlining operations and boosting effectiveness in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats.
In today’s evolving IT landscape, characterized by accelerated cloud adoption and the prevalence of remote and hybrid workforces, Cisco recognizes the need for a simplified approach to cybersecurity. Many organizations rely on a complex assortment of point products that struggle to support the highly distributed nature of modern environments. This results in inconsistent access experiences and frequent reauthentication, hindering productivity. Cisco’s latest offering, Cisco Secure Access, addresses these challenges by seamlessly managing user connections to applications behind the scenes. The result is a more secure and hassle-free experience for users.
Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Security and Collaboration at Cisco, explains, “With Cisco Secure Access, we are removing the burden from the user and providing a superior experience with frictionless access to all applications—not just some—to enable secure, hybrid work. Our unparalleled network visibility gives us an advantage that no other company has, and we firmly believe that Cisco leads the world where security meets the network.”
To ensure the safest and most user-friendly experience, Cisco collaborates closely with leading mobile device vendors. The collaboration with Apple, for instance, integrates Zero Trust Access (ZTA) capabilities powered by Cisco Secure Access directly into the native experience of iOS and macOS. This pervasive integration enhances secure access to applications and simplifies IT management, benefiting both end-users and organizations.
Susan Prescott, Apple’s Vice President of Enterprise & Education Marketing, emphasizes their commitment to privacy and security: “At Apple, we believe deeply in providing privacy and security that is built in from the ground up. Later this year, iPhone, iPad, and Mac will have native support for network relays. Together with Cisco Secure Access, enterprises will have a secure and seamless remote access solution, enabling them to do their best work from anywhere on the best devices for business.”
Cisco Secure Access adopts a hybrid Points of Presence (POP) approach, leveraging Cisco Data Centers and public cloud providers to rapidly extend global reach for customers. As part of the comprehensive Cisco Security Cloud, it integrates capabilities from Cisco’s broader security and networking portfolio, including embedded network visibility from Cisco ThousandEyes. Moreover, it seamlessly integrates with third-party solutions. Cisco Secure Access will be available in limited availability starting in July 2023 and will be generally available in October 2023.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing integrated solutions that focus on simplicity, scalability, and user experience when adopting solutions like Cisco Secure Access. Security teams must strive for a frictionless experience for users while simplifying processes and ensuring consistency, says John Grady, Principal Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group.
Cisco’s partners also express their enthusiasm for Cisco Secure Access. Neil Anderson, Area Vice President of Cloud & Infrastructure Solutions at WWT, a Cisco partner, states, “With Cisco Secure Access, our customers gain a simplified way of accessing both private, cloud, and SaaS applications, securing against threats, and boosting user productivity while reducing frustration.”
Cisco’s AI-driven Security Cloud and its innovative solutions mark a significant step towards a more secure and efficient work environment, empowering organizations to navigate the evolving threat landscape with confidence.
