BT, Palo Alto Networks give cloud a tougher skin

NEW DELHI: British Telecommunications plc (BT) and US-based Palo Alto Networks, the next-generation security company, have signed an agreement to integrate the Palo Alto Networks’ Next-Generation Security Platform into BT’s global portfolio of security services.

BT customers around the world will benefit from the combination of the Palo Alto Networks’ breach prevention-focused platform with the global reach and scale of BT’s security services.

As part of this agreement, BT’s Assure Managed Firewall service will now integrate WildFire cloud-based malware prevention, which is a key component of the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform. It will be used to further secure the access to cloud-based applications, enabling enterprise customers to reap increased benefits from BT’s Cloud of Clouds.

Commenting on the partnership Mark Hughes, CEO of BT Security, said, “Enterprises are keen to accelerate their digital transformation and fully leverage exciting new technology, from big-data analytics to cloud applications. They need to access these applications securely, using future-proof tools that protect them against targeted and increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks. They need a tougher lining around their cloud services. Palo Alto Networks provides intelligent security monitoring, management and efficacy. Integrating that breach prevention capability into the BT Assure portfolio of security services will be a big step forward in securing the cloud strategy of an organization.”

Mark McLaughlin, President and Chief Executive Officer at Palo Alto Networks, said, “Security is now a top concern for every business, and with continued growth in both the volume and sophistication of attacks, a breach prevention-focused strategy is essential to ensure a safe digital future for organizations and individuals alike. We are delighted to join forces with BT to help organizations safely enable business operations and protect their most valuable assets, managing both their risk and their security budgets.”