AT&T has introduced AT&T SASE(Secure Access Service Edge), The emerging concept in network security, with Cisco Meraki. It is designed to provide businesses of nearly any size and industry with a powerful networking and security offering, this new managed service helps organizations to improve network performance, enable resilient access and defend sensitive data. The service also helps protect against unauthorized use and loss while delivering flexibility for customers as their networking environments evolve due to business growth, location expansion and changes in strategy.

 

Danessa Lambdin, (Vice President, AT&T Cybersecurity) said that, “In network connectivity and security, there is often little margin for error. For many businesses, the expertise to get it right is hard to come by. AT&T SASE with Cisco Meraki is a completely managed service that puts our experts in the driver’s seat giving growth-oriented businesses an integrated solution that can address their needs today, and scale up right alongside them going forward,”

 

The need for reliable, high-performance connectivity has never been greater, the company said in a press release. The growth of hybrid work environments means organizations are connecting people, places and devices, enabling users to connect and collaborate at nearly any time, from nearly anywhere. Organizations also rely on a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices to drive efficiency, from security cameras to medical devices and manufacturing equipment. This explosion of connectivity makes preparing for and addressing cybersecurity threats a critical challenge, especially for sophisticated enterprises.

 

But small and medium-sized businesses are also common targets for cybercriminals, and a lack of expertise and resources make them particularly vulnerable. In fact, AT&T noted in its announcement that 60% of SMBs cease operations within 6 months following a cyberattack.

 

AT&T SASE with Cisco Meraki further expands the AT&T SASE portfolio, creating a solution that also includes indoor/outdoor access points, network switches, cellular gateways, and teleworker appliances.

 

The managed security service allows almost any business to connect, protect, manage, and scale its network without the in-house expertise typically needed to achieve this level of security. The scalability of the solution is critical for growing businesses that need to rapidly expand to different data centers and branch locations or add more devices to their network. This solution also helps businesses defend their sensitive data against unauthorized use and theft.

 

Lawrence Huang, (Vice President, and Product Manager at Cisco Meraki), concluded: “Businesses looking to deploy cloud security across distributed locations must be able to do so in a simple, scalable, and reliable way.

 

Recommendations:

The AT&T SASE with Cisco Meraki service offers customers a seamless onramp to their SASE journey with a fully integrated networking and security offering, ultimately protecting users against internet-based threats both on and off the network.”