Tech Mahindra, a leading provider of technology consulting and digital solutions, and Cisco, a networking and cybersecurity giant, have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership. This announcement details the co-development of a next-generation firewall (NGFW) modernisation solution powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). This collaboration aims to tackle the ever-growing challenge of cyber threats faced by organisations worldwide.
The new NGFW solution promises to elevate standard firewall functionalities by integrating several advanced features. A key highlight is unified policy management. This allows for consistent security policies to be applied across both on-premises and cloud environments, simplifying security administration for businesses with hybrid IT infrastructures.
Furthermore, the solution leverages Cisco’s Talos threat intelligence. This integration provides users with comprehensive malware defence capabilities, safeguarding not only their networks but also endpoints within the organisation. Talos is a continuously updated threat intelligence feed maintained by Cisco, offering real-time protection against known and emerging cyber threats.
“Enterprises today require a flexible approach that allows them to scale their security infrastructure rapidly while modernising their network defences,” said Kunal Purohit, Chief Digital Services Officer at Tech Mahindra. He further emphasised the challenges traditionally associated with firewalls, acknowledging their complexity, time-consuming deployment processes, and high operational costs. Purohit hailed the partnership with Cisco as a milestone in delivering “a unique, robust, efficient, and cost-effective solution for firewall modernisation.”
The new NGFW solution is designed with scalability in mind. It adapts to the ever-changing demands of network environments and evolving security threats. This adaptability ensures that organisations can continue to rely on their firewalls as their security landscapes transform. Additionally, the solution offers flexible deployment options, including hardware, software, and virtualised formats. This caters to the diverse needs of businesses with varying IT infrastructures.
Another benefit of this announcement is the expansion of Tech Mahindra’s security service portfolio. This partnership allows Tech Mahindra to offer its clients a wider range of security solutions, including the AI-powered NGFW. The joint venture also presents opportunities for market reach expansion for both companies. Cisco gains access to Tech Mahindra’s established client base, while Tech Mahindra can leverage Cisco’s brand recognition and industry expertise.
Nick Holden, VP of Global and Strategic Partners & Ecosystem Co-Sell at Cisco, emphasised the importance of a scalable NGFW solution in today’s environment where businesses are constantly modernising their IT infrastructure. “Our partnership with Tech Mahindra offers these customers a specialised approach to customising and implementing these firewall capabilities based on their unique business and network needs,” said Holden.
The growing prevalence of cyberattacks and data breaches underscores the need for robust network security solutions. Businesses of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats. Traditional firewalls, while still essential, may not be sufficient to address the evolving tactics employed by cybercriminals. By integrating AI and machine learning functionalities, the new NGFW solution from Tech Mahindra and Cisco offers a significant leap forward in network security.
This announcement signifies a positive development in the cybersecurity landscape. The combined expertise of Tech Mahindra and Cisco has the potential to deliver a powerful NGFW solution that empowers businesses to effectively combat cyber threats and safeguard their valuable data assets. By simplifying security administration, offering comprehensive threat protection, and providing scalability, this solution has the potential to become a valuable tool for organisations seeking to fortify their network defences in the digital age.
