Cisco Enables Security For Borderless Organisations

To enable companies to conduct business without borders, Cisco is introducing a new highly distributed security architecture that manages enforcement elements like firewalls, Web proxies and intrusion-prevention sensors with a higher-level policy language that is context-aware to accommodate business needs. These scanning elements are independent of the physical infrastructure and can be deployed as appliances, modules and cloud services. They are designed to know exactly who a user is, what role that user plays in the organisation, and whether that user should be allowed access.

The Cisco SecureX Architecture includes context-aware security enforcement elements that are independent of the physical infrastructure and can be deployed in a distributed way. It also includes a new context-aware policy language that helps manage the context-aware enforcement elements.

Cisco AnyConnect can tether any device, from anywhere, into the security enforcement fabric. Cisco Security Intelligence Operations is a cloud-based service that provides global context and threat intelligence. The SecureX Architecture also includes virtual and cloud platforms that attach to Cisco’s virtual datacentre switching capabilities and extensible APIs (application programming interfaces).

The Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) will offer full context-aware firewalling and policy enforcement. By combining local context using Cisco TrustSec, global context from Cisco Security Intelligence Operations, and mobile insight from Cisco AnyConnect, the Cisco ASA allows businesses to gain visibility into their network infrastructure.

Cisco AnyConnect 3.0 adds real-time client-based threat telemetry to Cisco Security Intelligence Operations. Telemetry from existing Cisco security services for email, Web, intrusion prevention, firewall and cloud security services enable powerful global context and threat intelligence.

“Today’s business environment requires proactive, context-aware security that provides deep insight, control and operational efficiency. Cisco SecureX Architecture and the Cisco ASA with context-aware firewalling represent a significant leap forward in allowing businesses to better embrace increasing mobility, virtualisation and collaboration across business boundaries,” said Tom Gillis, Vice President and General Manager, Security Technology business unit, Cisco.