Security outfit KnowBe4 released the results of its “What Keeps You Up at Night – The 2019 Report” which looks at more than 350 organisations globally and reveals the security weaknesses and concerns within organisations. On average, 81 per cent of organisations had some degree of anxiety around security issues.
Most were worried about data breaches, with credential compromise coming in as a close second. These
Hacker typing on a laptop
Close Brothers Business Barometer research shows that UK SMEs are a lot more worried about cyber attacks than they were a year ago.
Two-thirds of SMEs surveyed said they were more worried about cybersecurity threats now, with a third saying they were significantly concerned.
Cybersecurity outfit NCC Group has shared an interim first half update that exposes its problems finding those with security skills.
While everyone knows that there are problems with finding staff with the right stuff it has mostly been pitched as an “opportunity for the channel to fill the skills gap.”
The NCC report implies that even the channel is suffering too.
BlackBerry announced it is scaling its BlackBerry Secure technology and licensing strategy to enable its partners to rapidly bring-to-market safe and secure IoT devices.
According to a recent survey commissioned by the company, approximately 80 per cent of consumers in the US, UK and Canada do not trust their current Internet-connected devices to secure their data and privacy. Additionally, when asked about future purchases, respondents said they were more likely to choose a product or do business with a company that had a strong reputation for data security and privacy.
Untangles’ inaugural “Voice of the Channel” survey has found that channel partners are moving towards adding more diverse and comprehensive security solutions to their portfolios.
However the survey found that that limited solutions knowledge and budget constraints are top barriers the channel faces in deploying cybersecurity solutions to small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).
Channel partners play a key role in providing network security solutions to SMBs with limited resources and budget. With cyberattacks expected to continue to increase in 2019,
Armour Communications has partnered with Global RadioData Communications (GRC) to provide a joint solution with 24/7 support. GRC has already secured its first two customers for the new combined solution that provides additional levels of security.
The new service is available via the UK Government Digital Marketplace G-Cloud 10, under the cloud hosting, software and support framework listed as SCYTALE Armour Comms.
SMEs who base their systems around Apple software and hardware are more likely to be taken down in ransomware attacks according to a new study.
Datto Businesses third annual Global State of the Channel Ransomware Report said that there was a fivefold increase in the number of MSPs reporting ransomware attacks on macOS and iOS platforms over the last year.
There is going to be shedloads of cash in the home security market, according to a new report.
The MarketsandMarkets report with the punchy title “Home Security System Market by Home Type (Independent Homes, Apartments), System Type (Professionally Installed & Monitored, Self-Installed & Professionally Monitored, Do-It-Yourself), Offering (Products, Services), and Geography – Global Forecast to 2023” said the market will reach $74.75 billion by 2023 from $45.58 billion in 2018.
This means that it will grow at an annual rate of 10.40 percent during the forecast period. The growth of the home security system market is attributed to the emergence of IoT and wireless technologies, and increasing customer awareness . Moreover, the integration of AI and deep learning in home security systems and worldwide proliferation of “smart cities” initiatives are creating huge growth opportunities for players in the market.
There is an increasing concern about security among the independent homeowners. The number of independent households is high in the economically developed countries, such as the US, Canada, Germany, etc. Also, those who own the induvial homes usually have a high total household income. The independent homes are more frequently built in isolated locations, and in case of the medical emergencies or the emergencies like burglary/theft, the necessary help may not be available in the area nearby these homes. Considering these factors, the adoption of home security systems among independent homeowners is high, the report said.
Home security system market for do-it-yourself security systems to grow at highest CAGR during the forecast period
One of the major factors contributing to the projected high growth of the market for DIY security systems is the cost optimization ensured by these systems. Some of the products offer integrated alarm triggers and other smart features during a break-in or security cameras for the monitoring purposes.
The penetration of home security systems is still low, and the customers from economically developing countries prefer deploying DIY systems for the security within their budgets. Also, some companies help the customers with user manuals and guidance tools for the system installation and integration. Although the systems do not provide a connection with a professional monitoring station, the customers can remotely monitor the home using their smartphones. Therefore, with the growing adoption of home security systems, the DIY systems become an attractive alternative for the newer customers with average disposable incomes, the report said.
Layer 8, a provider of experiential cybersecurity training stuff, has appointed VCW Security as its UK distribution partner.
The partnership lets VCW expand its cyber security portfolio and lets resellers provide customers with an additional layer of protection against security breaches by employees that are not fully aware of all potential cyber threats.
Sarah Janes, Managing Director at Layer 8 said: “Working with VCW has been extremely refreshing. The company is proactive and understands how to position and sell the ‘value add’ that many talk about but are unable to fulfil.”
Layer 8 provides, it claims, a “new breed” of training solutions which empowers changes in organisational security cultures by raising awareness that technology alone cannot deliver the required level of protection. In fact, the recently published ‘Black Report’ states that 85 percent of hackers said people were the primary source of blame for security breaches, even more than inadequate security and unpatched software.
Layer 8 training solutions are delivered using a combination of methods including immersive workshops, peer-to-peer learning and leadership via ‘champions’ campaigns. A smartphone app is also available for both iOS and Android users. The training programmes blend security and educational experience to challenge the status quo, strengthen the human factor in security and empower leaders to drive a culture change that will have a real impact on stopping cyber-attacks.
Gareth Morris, Sales Director at VCW Security, added: “Layer 8 gives resellers a significant competitive advantage by enabling them to provide their customers with a multi-layered approach to security that recognises the role played by employees as the first line of defence against the rising tide of cyber threats. Activating an effective human firewall will help organisations to plug the gap in existing IT security strategies while providing resellers with additional ongoing revenue streams.”
Security firm Vectra has got its paws on millions in funding to fuel some international expansion
The firm uses AI to get ahead of security threats, has opened a research and development centre in Ireland and is planning to increase the channel numbers in the UK.
The firm has gained $36 million in series D funding, led by Atlantic Bridge along with a few others, including the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
The R&D centre in Ireland gives the firm a foothold in the EU and should generate up to 100 jobs over the next five years.
Hitesh Sheth, president and CEO of Vectra, said that it had already established some channel and customer relationships in the UK, but this funding would give it the chance to do more. He added that the company had a significant European footprint, but the funding would drive company growth internationally.
He added that the firm had taken the decision to be indirect since the beginning and wanted to add more resellers.
One of the issues that its software has been able to identify is a growing number of PCs that are being used for Bitcoin mining which can make PCs insecure.
The financial services industry and public sector are aligned in their concerns about data and system security, with both citing a fear of harmful cyber threats emerging in 2018, according to a new study from digital workplace provider Invotra.
The research, conducted among 504 senior IT managers working across public sector and financial organisations, found that 79% of those in the public sector, and 85 percent of respondents in the financial services sector, consider data and systems security to be their biggest priority. Both groups also said that the most notable impact of high profile cyber attacks hitting the headlines was greater scrutiny on existing systems. When asked how well equipped their organisation is to defend itself against cyber attacks, the financial sector showed greater confidence, with 94 percent saying they had a strong line of defence, compared to 88 percent in the public sector.
Fintan Galvin, chief executive officer at Invotra said: “We commissioned this research to understand digital challenges facing the financial and public sectors. Both sectors are under pressure to modernise systems, make them accessible, and to keep pace with emerging technologies; all the while tackling sophisticated security threats. These are real hurdles for IT professionals today so it’s no wonder they have concerns for the year ahead.”
Exploring respondents attitudes to digital transformation, public sector IT managers were asked how well they felt the sector was progressing. 44 percent described digital transformation as ‘an important focus’, but said the public sector is way behind the private sector. There was greater confidence and belief among financial services professionals, with a smaller proportion (19 percent) feeling financial services lags behind other sectors, and just a small proportion (eight percent) of respondents in the financial sector describing digitisation as ‘an aspiration’ and ‘not an achievable goal’. In the public sector, a larger proportion (18 percent) said digital transformation was ‘a buzzword’ and described it as ‘meaningless’, and a fifth said digital transformation was too costly compared to 13 percent in the finance sector.
With the emphasis on improving digital services, Invotra asked how technology professionals rate current investment levels. Almost half (49 percent) of public sector respondents said about the right amount had been invested to support broader digital transformation initiatives, but almost a third (32 percent) said investment to date had been inadequate. In the financial sector, 64 percent of respondents believe the right amount has been invested in improving digital services, and a much smaller proportion (18 percent believe not enough spend has been dedicated to modernisation.
Respondents were also asked to rate their organisation’s investment in emerging technologies, including blockchain, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and biometrics. 46 percent of public sector IT professionals believe about the right amount has been invested but over a third (37 percent) would like to see greater investment. In the financial sector, over half (54 percent) believe current investment levels are appropriate, but a fifth believe their organisation is spending too much on emerging technologies. A far smaller proportion (23 percent) thinks too little is being spent.
Fintan Galvin added: “It’s clear from our study that finance technology professionals understand the need to drive change. But, they are charged with providing an accessible digital workplace with meaningful results in terms of improving people’s work lives, whilst facing sophisticated security threats. And, there is, of course, pressure to do more with less.
“Organisations need to wake up and realise that enhancing digital capabilities is about enabling people and not the sole responsibility of IT departments. This research highlights a need for widespread buy in, and understanding of digital workplace technologies across organisations, and for proper user training. Without this, transforming the internal and external customer experience, is going to prove impossible.”
Security outfits Thales and Gemalto have reached a merger agreement.
The pair have settled on an all-cash offer for all issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Gemalto, for a price of €51 per share.
Patrice Caine, Thales’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said that the acquisition of Gemalto was a milestone in the implementation of Thales’s strategy.
“Together with Gemalto’s management, we have big ambitions based on a shared vision of the digital transformation of our industries and customers. Our project will be beneficial to innovation and employment, whilst respecting sovereign strategic technologies.”
He said the pair share the same culture and DNA which must have been a traumatic merger meeting.
It means that Gemalto’s 15,000 employees will join the group to make a significant digital security player.
Philippe Vallée, Gemalto’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am convinced that the combination with Thales is the best and the most promising option for Gemalto and the most positive outcome for our Company, employees, clients, shareholders and other stakeholders. We share the same values and Gemalto will be able to pursue its strategy, accelerate its development and deliver its digital security vision, as part of Thales.”
Over the past three years, Thales has increased its focus on digital technologies, investing over €1 billion in connectivity, cybersecurity, data analytics and artificial intelligence, in particular with the acquisition of Sysgo, Vormetric and Guavus. The integration of Gemalto, reinforces Thales’s digital offering, across its five vertical markets – aeronautics, space, ground transportation, defence and security.
Altogether, this new business unit will represent around 20 percent of pro forma Group revenues and rank among the top three players worldwide, with €3.5 billion revenues in the digital security market.
Apparently, according to the spinners: “Thales will be ideally positioned to offer an end-to-end solution, to secure the full critical digital decision chains, from data creation in sensors to real-time decision making. This unrivalled and innovative technology portfolio will put Thales in a highly differentiated position to provide enterprises and governments with a seamless response to the data security challenges that lie at the heart of their digital transformation.”
Whatever that means.
Punters are terrified of cyber attacks and are spending cash to make sure they are not the latest victim according to the most recent survey by the research analysts at Canalys.
Canalys has been asking around and added up some numbers and decided that the worldwide security market grew by nine percent in the third quarter.
Content security enjoyed the fastest growth, up by 13 percent year-on-year, with network security (eight percent) and security management (five percent) seeing rises in the third quarter.
Canalys research analyst Claudio Stahnke said that high-profile ransomware attacks and increasingly sophisticated phishing techniques had proved the need for businesses to reinforce their IT security to safeguard data assets and ensure continuity of operation.
The top five security vendors have commanded a third of all customer spend, with Cisco grabbing the most with nine percent. They were followed by Symantec, Check Point, IBM and McAfee.
“Cisco grew seven percent year on year, thanks to its strong channel partner focus and a broad product portfolio boosted by acquisitions”, said Stahnke.
The prospects for the fourth quarter and next year are also looking positive as the pressure on protecting data increases against a backdrop of the introduction in May of the GDPR regulations.
“In 2018, as hackers intensify the use of AI, attacks will become more sophisticated. This will increase demand for comprehensive security solutions, favouring those vendors with broad product portfolios”, said Stahnke.
Next year should be good for the security channel.
“Security threats have never had more public awareness than they do currently. 2017 saw major events such as Wannacry galvanise the public’s attention and affect organisations all around the world. In 2018, security breaches will continue to hit the headlines and influence businesses into reviewing their data protection. And of course GDPR will be a major factor in promoting sales of security solutions”, said Ian Kilpatrick, EVP Cyber Security for Nuvias Group.
“The reality is that security will continue to be a high growth area for the channel. In a market which is already overcrowded with solutions, 2018 will bring great opportunities for resellers to build on their position as trusted advisors and guide clients through what may seem like a worrying and confusing scenario”, he added.
After the WannaCry disaster, the NHS wants a cybersecurity partner to create a security operations centre (SOC), in a deal set to be worth £20 million.
A contract notice, published by NHS Digital shows plans to select a “strategic partner” that will develop and support the SOC for three years.
In a statement, NHS Digital said the agreement would provide “enhanced monitoring of national services” and also bolster the NHS’ ethical hacking capabilities.
Dan Taylor, head of the digital security centre at NHS Digital, said: “The partnership will provide access to extra specialist resources during peak periods and enable the team which would proactively monitor the web for security threats and emerging vulnerabilities.
“It will also allow us to improve our current capabilities in ethical hacking, vulnerability testing and the forensic analysis of malicious software, and will improve our ability to anticipate future vulnerabilities while supporting health and care in remediating current known threats.
“By creating a national, near-real-time monitoring and alerting service that covers the whole health and care system, the SOC will drive economies of scale, giving health and care organisations additional intelligence and support services that they might not otherwise be able to access.”
NHS Digital will invite five or six suppliers to tender for the contract, with the deadline for suppliers to express interest set for 20 December.
NHS Digital expects to invite potential suppliers to tender on 15 January next year.
The NHS had a rough time after the network was taken down by the WannaCry virus which was blamed on the outdated and unsupported operating systems used by NHS organisations.
Nearly half of companies plan to outsource their security opening the way for managed security service providers (MSSPs) according to research from service management software provider SolarWinds .
SolarWinds is a managed service provider (MSP) so the results are not entirely unexpected, but the results come from a survey with 401 UK and US enterprises in a report called ‘The Path to MSSP’.
From its findings, 60 percent of respondents are currently managing all or part of their security internally but of those, 82 percent are likely to outsource in the next year.
Out of those likely to outsource, 42 percent cited cost and 40 percent performance as the main drivers for this decision. Those who are likely to outsource also make up 49 percent of all the respondents and the report highlights how MSSPs can take advantage of this opportunity.
The difference between MSSPs and managed service providers (MSPs) is that the former meet various criteria in four categories: infrastructure, risk and vulnerability management, data security and identity and access management. The majority of businesses in the report preferred a security specialist to an MSP, with 70 percent agreeing that it would give them ‘more trust in their security capabilities’.
Tim Brown, vice president of security architecture at SolarWinds MSP, said that daily reports of security issues were forcing businesses to examine their protection measures.
“This creates nervousness amongst enterprises and SMEs and greater scrutiny of the IT security measures in place. Where there is market turbulence, there is also opportunity, and the good news for IT service providers is that this has resulted in almost half of all businesses planning to outsource their security needs to specialists”, he said.
“However, IT service providers need to remember that more opportunity inherently means more competition. Providers need to be able to prove their knowledge, capabilities, and available resources to take full advantage.”
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