Cisco launches Secure Networking approach in India

American IT networking company Cisco announced on Friday the launch of its secure networking approach in India. This innovative approach combines advanced networking and cybersecurity capabilities and is built on the concept of zero trust. Its goal is to provide businesses with seamless and secure connectivity to address the cybersecurity risks in a hybrid world. 

In today's dynamic and expanding threat landscape, with employees working from different locations, using multiple connections, and accessing information across diverse platforms, resiliency becomes even more critical. In this context, the network plays a crucial role as the first line of defense and the sole control point that comprehensively monitors every connection, including users, devices, and entities. 

"With Cisco Secure Networking, we are bringing together security capabilities, including the ability to apply zero trust principles and enforce granular security policies, into a single console," said Vish Iyer, President of Architectures, Asia Pacific, Japan, and China at Cisco. 

"At Cisco, secure networking isn't just a theory – it's an experience that we provide to our customers, partners, and people, enabled by our own technology. The launch of Cisco Secure Networking marks a new era of security-centric networking, bridging Cisco Networking Cloud and Cisco Security Cloud for a best-in-class secure connectivity experience," added Iyer. 

According to Cisco's Cybersecurity Readiness Index, which was launched earlier this year, companies in India are not fully prepared to tackle the cybersecurity challenge. Only 24% of organisations in India have a "Mature" level of readiness needed to be resilient against modern cybersecurity risks. This readiness gap is significant, especially considering that 90% of respondents in India expect a cybersecurity incident to disrupt their business in the next 12 to 24 months. 

The cost of being unprepared can be substantial. 80% of respondents reported experiencing a cybersecurity incident in the last 12 months, and 53% of those affected said it cost them at least $500,000, the company said. 

To address modern cybersecurity challenges, Cisco recognises that businesses need a networking experience built on zero trust, visibility and analytics, and enforcement to secure every connection, regardless of its location. 

Last month, Cisco announced it is acquiring cybersecurity software company Splunk for $157 per share in a cash deal worth about $28 billion - its largest acquisition ever. Splunk’s technology helps businesses monitor and analyze their data to minimize the risk of hacks and resolve technical issues faster. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins also emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence and using the power of AI that comes with Splunk’s technology to protect networks.