Cloud Security

Google Cloud Next 2023 Embraces Generative AI for Safer Digital Future

Google Cloud Next 2023 Embraces Generative AI for Cybersecurity
  • Google reveals its pioneering approach to applying generative AI in cybersecurity at the Google Cloud Next conference in San Francisco.

  • Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai's keynote emphasizes Google's AI-first approach and the transformative impact of AI across industries.

  • Google introduces innovative security updates and trends, highlighting its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

  • Google Cloud extends Duet AI to three key products in preview mode, empowering security teams to address complex cybersecurity challenges more efficiently.

Google unveiled its pioneering approach to applying generative AI in cybersecurity at the Google Cloud Next conference in San Francisco. This significant revelation follows the broader accessibility of generative AI, made possible earlier this year by technologies like ChatGPT. Google's strategic endeavor aims to harness the potential of AI to combat cybersecurity challenges. Additionally, the event featured a keynote address by Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, who underscored the transformative influence of AI across sectors and emphasized Google's extensive history of adopting an AI-first approach.

During the conference, Google seized the opportunity to introduce innovative security updates and trends, signifying its commitment to enhancing cybersecurity capabilities for its customers. These developments come at a time when the integration of AI technologies in addressing cybersecurity concerns has gained substantial attention and recognition. Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a prominent figure in the technology industry, initiated the conference, reiterating the profound influence of AI across various sectors, industries, and business functions. His emphasis on Google's decade-long dedication to an AI-first approach solidified the company's leadership position in this transformative era.

Furthermore, Google unveiled significant developments in the conference, including expanding Vertex AI with over 100 foundation models and introducing enhancements like PaLM 2, supercomputing capabilities, and the fifth-gen Tensor Processing Units. However, their commitment to democratizing AI was highlighted, demonstrated through customer stories and live demos. Google Cloud's developer advocate, Priyanka Vergadia, showcased Duet AI, an intelligent chatbot assistant that streamlines developers' tasks, saving time and enhancing security. Duet AI automates deployments, configures applications correctly, aids in debugging, and strengthens security. Its preview release marks a step towards achieving shift-left and DevSecOps goals, empowering developers to secure their code effectively and allowing security teams to scale their efforts.

The research conducted by ESG and ISSA highlights the challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals. A significant majority (63%) have found their roles increasingly complex over the past two years. A closer look reveals that the surge in complexity (81%), rising workloads, and growing cyberthreats (59%), as well as understaffing issues (46%), are the primary factors contributing to this challenge. In response to these evolving demands, Google Cloud has taken a proactive step by extending the application of Duet AI to three key products, now available in preview mode. These applications empower security teams with Mandiant Threat Intelligence for threat analysis, Google Chronicle for accelerated SecOps processes, and Google Security Command Center for risk mitigation. A live demonstration showcased how Duet AI streamlines security analysts' workflows, making threat detection and response more efficient and enhancing overall security posture management.

Google Cloud announced Mandiant Hunt for Chronicle Security Ops in preview, boosting threat hunting with expert Mandiant insights. Agentless vulnerability scanning (powered by Tenable) in preview detects OS, software, and network vulnerabilities on Google Compute Engine VMs. Custom posture findings and threat detectors are now available in the Security Command Center. Cloud Firewall Plus, in preview, enhances firewall service with advanced threat protection (Palo Alto Networks). These updates, utilizing Duet AI in preview, demonstrate Google Cloud's dedication to cybersecurity innovation, with specific availability details to come. The conference also highlighted partner offerings in the ever-evolving cloud security landscape.

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Software Security

Lacework and Snowflake Expand Their Alliance to Secure Cloud Business

Lacework | September 15, 2023

Lacework, a company specializing in data-driven cloud security, and Snowflake, a prominent Data Cloud company, have jointly announced an expanded partnership. This partnership aims to propel the evolution of cloud infrastructure while enhancing cloud security automation at scale. Through this extended collaboration, security teams gain direct access to their Lacework cloud security data using Snowflake's secure data sharing, thus enabling unified visibility and tailored automation. Ulfar Erlingsson, Chief Architect, Lacework, said, Snowflake has been a dedicated platform partner as Lacework has scaled our business to support over 900 customers — ranging from small, early-stage startups to some of the most sophisticated enterprises running in the cloud space today — whose operations result in tremendous volume, variety, and velocity of security-relevant data. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] Erlingsson mentioned that, over the past seven years, Lacework had successfully conducted timely and efficient data processing by utilizing the Snowflake Data Cloud, even among a highly skewed set of customers. He further explained that their extended partnership with Snowflake would enhance their ability to serve joint customers at a cloud scale. This would apply whether customers needed them to handle only a small amount of security data or data processing at rates as high as 10s of gigabytes per second. As generative AI advances and becomes more accessible across various industries, the frequency and severity of cybersecurity threats are on the rise. This trend is driven by businesses accelerating their development processes and increasing cloud data generation. Addressing this new era of cloud security necessitates a fundamentally fresh approach, and Lacework's platform is designed to efficiently manage the substantial volume of data within an organization's cloud ecosystem. This includes data related to code, identities, containers, and multi-cloud infrastructure, with Snowflake serving as a critical platform partner. Through the combined capabilities of Lacework's security platform and Snowflake's Data Cloud, customers gain the ability to extend the value of cloud security data throughout their organization. This enables organizations to thoroughly assess their security and compliance status. Head of Cybersecurity Strategy at Snowflake, Omer Singer, said, Among the many potential advantages of generative AI is the ability for enterprises to deploy new applications faster, which places even more emphasis on the need to have scalable infrastructure and solutions. The combination of Snowflake and Lacework will continue to assist organizations scale their cloud businesses securely in the new era. [Source – Cision PR Newswire] About Lacework Lacework protects organizations in the cloud, enabling them to innovate with greater speed and assurance. Lacework's platform is designed to scale with the variety, volume, and velocity of cloud data across an organization's cloud environment, including code, containers, identities, and multi-cloud infrastructure. Only Lacework provides Security and Development teams with a connected and prioritized end-to-end view that identifies the most significant hazards and security events. About Snowflake The Snowflake enables all organizations to mobilize their data with its Data Cloud. Customers utilize the Data Cloud to integrate disparate data sources, power data applications, discover and securely share data, and implement a variety of AI/ML and analytic workloads. Snowflake provides a singular data experience that transcends multiple clouds and geographies, regardless of where data or users reside. Snowflake Data Cloud is used by thousands of customers across numerous industries, including 639 of the 2023 Forbes Global 2000 as of July 31, 2023.

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Software Security

Cyolo Unveils Key Insights into OT Cybersecurity Threat Landscape from KuppingerCole and Releases Cyolo 4.3 for Enhanced Security

Business Wire | September 27, 2023

Today, Cyolo, provider of the fastest and most secure zero-trust access and connectivity solution for hybrid organizations with IT and OT, in partnership with KuppingerCole, released an industry analysis focused on zero trust and remote access for operational technology (OT) environments. The analysis reveals key insights about the OT cybersecurity threat landscape, outlines high-level security architecture for OT, critical infrastructure systems (CIS) and industrial control systems (ICS), and evaluates key requirements of security regulations and frameworks. OT environments experience the same kinds of threats as enterprise IT – including ransomware, account takeovers, APTs, and Supply Chains as vectors – while experiencing expanded OT-specific threats. While traditional IT security tools may be adapted, developing robust security architectures for OT environments is inherently complex compared to their IT counterparts. Its unique nature, from equipment and software to communication protocols requires dedicated OT security solutions. Cyolo can help organizations with OT infrastructure to define and manage access control to those complex environments, said John Tolbert, Lead Analyst at KuppingerCole. Overall key insights include: OT Threat Landscape. Heightened geopolitical factors have intensified attacks on OT and ICS, posing significant consequences ranging from operational disruptions and service denial to financial repercussions and potential harm to human well-being. Core Cybersecurity Regulations. The risks and consequences of cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure advanced regulations globally mandating secure architectures and technical controls. KRITIS and the follow-on IT Security Act 2.0 are related examples of such regulations, as well as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. OT Security Architectures and Key Functionalities. There are eight areas of functionality that are central to effective OT security architectures. Cybersecurity architectures for OT must address asset discovery, access control, IT security tool integration, detection and response capabilities, and OT protocol level threats. As the analysis breaks down, within critical infrastructure interruptions and downtime are not an option. To address the increasing need for secure access in OT environments, Cyolo introduced Cyolo 4.3, which expands key capabilities with more layers of security and making the product easier than ever to use for both administrators and end users in the industrial space. With Cyolo 4.3, industrial organizations will be able to extend their multi-factor authentication (MFA) across environments through an integration with Duo Security to support their physical tokens as required. Additionally, the company has implemented another layer of security for file transfer within the OT/ICS environment, through query anti-virus software to scan files before they are delivered to their destination. Cyolo is also adapting for further usability, allowing teams to securely invite external users by generating a secure one-time password; and import groups from existing IdPs, using SCIM. “Ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and industrial processes has become increasingly critical as organizations unite their IT and OT systems. This convergence has expanded the OT threat landscape and introduced significant cybersecurity challenges, as the once-isolated OT networks are now vulnerable to the same threats that have targeted IT networks for years” said Joe O'Donnell, Vice President ICS/OT of Cyolo. “With Cyolo 4.3, industrial entities can confidently navigate the complexities of the modern threat landscape and fortify their defenses against evolving cyber threats.” The announcement of Cyolo 4.3 highlights the company’s commitment to advancing zero-trust capabilities and it comes on the heels of Cyolo being listed as a Representative Vendor in the 2023 Gartner® “Market Guide for Zero Trust Network Access” report for the second consecutive year and recognized by Frost & Sullivan with the 2023 North American New Product Innovation Award for Secure Remote Access to Operational Infrastructure and Industrial Control Systems (OT/ICS). As the threats to critical infrastructure continue to evolve, Cyolo zero-trust access solution continues to provide the utmost protection and ease of use. To learn more about Cyolo 4.3, visit here. Access the report for a full view of the industry here. Register here to attend the joint webinar from Cyolo and KuppingerCole on how to achieve secure remote access for OT environments, to be held on Tuesday, October 10 at 7 a.m. PT. About Cyolo Cyolo helps hybrid organizations in the IT and OT spaces to stay safe, secure and productive in an era of distributed workforces and unprecedented cyberthreats. Cyolo’s next-generation zero-trust access solution enables all users, including employees, third parties as well as remote and on-site workers, to connect to their working environments seamlessly and securely via modern identity-based access. Providing one unified solution that integrates with the existing tech stack and deploys easily in the cloud, on-premises or in a hybrid model, Cyolo empowers the global workforce to securely access anything from anywhere.

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Software Security

SCYTHE Latest Version 4.1 Introduces Enhanced Deployment Flexibility and AI-Driven Productivity Boost

Business Wire | November 02, 2023

SCYTHE, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, announces the release of SCYTHE 4.1, the latest evolution in its cutting-edge cyber resilience offering. This release brings new and enhanced features to empower organizations in their continuous efforts to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. SaaS Offering for Unparalleled Flexibility SCYTHE 4.1 introduces its initial Software as a Service (SaaS) offering, providing organizations with newfound deployment flexibility. This SaaS option offers the same robust capabilities as the on-premises version, ensuring that teams can choose the deployment model that best suits their needs without pricing changes. SCYTHE's commitment to flexibility ensures that organizations can secure their infrastructure on their terms. Advanced Agent Support with Scheduling for Continuous Testing To unlock even greater control over security testing, SCYTHE 4.1 introduces advanced agent support with scheduling. This feature allows organizations to perform continuous testing by automating the deployment and execution of security assessments at specified intervals. With the power of scheduling, teams can proactively identify threats, assess controls, and evaluate their readiness to respond to cyber threats. SCYTHE empowers organizations to maintain the highest level of cyber resilience without manual intervention. Cloppy - Your AI-Powered Security Analyst In a significant leap forward, SCYTHE unveils the early access beta release of "Cloppy," its supervised machine learning (ML)-based AI analyst chatbot. Cloppy enhances team productivity, job satisfaction, and cybersecurity capabilities by delivering instant insights and recommendations. This AI-driven assistant will leverage private knowledge base instances, ensuring sensitive information stays secure. Cloppy is poised to become a trusted companion for security professionals, providing real-time guidance and augmenting their decision-making processes. As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to cybersecurity. SCYTHE 4.1 represents our commitment to innovation and empowering organizations to stay ahead of cyber adversaries, said Marc Brown, Head of Product at SCYTHE. With our SaaS offering, advanced agent support, and the introduction of Cloppy, we're equipping organizations with the tools they need to enhance their cyber resilience while simplifying offensive security. SCYTHE 4.1 Platform is now available for both new and existing customers. For more information on SCYTHE's comprehensive cyber resilience solutions, please visit https://scythe.io. About SCYTHE SCYTHE represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity risk management, empowering organizations to Attack, Detect, and Respond efficiently. The SCYTHE platform enables collaboration between red, blue, and purple teams to build and emulate real-world adversarial campaigns. SCYTHE's innovative dual-deployment options and comprehensive features ensure a proactive cybersecurity approach. Headquartered in Arlington, VA, SCYTHE is privately funded by distinguished partners dedicated to shaping a more resilient cybersecurity landscape.

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Platform Security

BeyondID Introduces Identity-First Model for Zero Trust Maturity

PR Newswire | October 04, 2023

BeyondID, a leading managed identity solutions provider, today announced the industry's first solution that accurately conveys the true nature of identity within the zero trust security framework. BeyondID's Identity Fabric Model for Zero Trust promises optimal threat detection, investigation, and round-the-clock remediation via the BeyondID Security Operations Center (SOC). The Zero Trust Maturity Model by CISA has gained widespread acceptance and acknowledges the importance of identity as a pillar in modern security, but it undervalues the critical role of identity in ensuring security, stated Arun Shrestha, co-founder and CEO of BeyondID. The effectiveness of your security posture depends on how quickly and accurately you can detect behavioral discrepancies, as recent high-profile security breaches demonstrate. Zero trust cannot be achieved without identity as the fabric. BeyondID is the first managed identity services provider delivering a holistic approach to zero trust. Its Identity Fabric Model supports seamless user experience outcomes by implementing a strong digital identity strategy across the board from devices to network, to apps and workload, to data. This holistic approach ensures optimal threat detection, continuous compliance, risk mitigation, and a high return on IT and security investments. The company also announced that it can provide organizations with the breach protection they need, including a service that can identity, isolate and remediate threats in as little as seven days. Utilizing BeyondID's SOC enables companies to get their zero trust solution up and running quickly, offering 24x7 protection from the persistent threat of cybersecurity attacks. As an esteemed Okta Apex Partner and Okta's most trusted implementation ally, BeyondID is committed to modernizing identity management and digital transformation. BeyondID is launching its next-gen zero trust services at Oktane23. Oktane23 attendees will be offered an exclusive, complimentary Zero Trust Assessment. About BeyondID BeyondID is a leading managed identity services provider that the most successful brands trust to bring their digital identity strategies to life. BeyondID helps organizations streamline their adoption process and ensure their implementations are secure, agile, and future proof. A few of the valued customers that trust BeyondID to keep their organizations secure include ATN International, Discount Tire, Johnson Financial Group, Major League Baseball, Mayo Clinic, Northern Trust, TDECU, and VF Corp. More information about BeyondID can be found at www.BeyondID.com.

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