Cisco Systems, Inc. - CSCO STOCK NEWS

The 2021 Duo Trusted Access Report from Cisco reveals a significant shift towards passwordless authentication, driven by hybrid work environments. Multi-factor authentications rose by 39%, with biometric methods surging 48% year-over-year. Over half of IT decision-makers aim to adopt passwordless strategies, reflecting an industry trend toward improved security via user-friendly practices. Additionally, Duo noted a fivefold increase in WebAuthn usage since April 2019, highlighting the growing acceptance of biometrics. As organizations adapt, stricter access policies are emerging in response to elevated security threats.

Cisco Systems has been awarded the 2020 Global Enabling Technology Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan for its innovative contributions to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sector. The award highlights Cisco’s extensive range of solutions, including routers and edge computing software, that facilitate effective IIoT technology deployment. Cisco's collaboration with vendors like Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric enhances its market presence. The recognition underscores Cisco's leadership in providing secure and scalable solutions that advance digitization in industrial environments.

Cisco has launched its inaugural Hybrid Work Index (HWI), based on extensive customer data, revealing insights into the evolving preferences of hybrid workers. Key findings show a 200% increase in AI tool usage and a 300% surge in mobile meeting participation since the pandemic began. Security remains a critical concern, with over 100 million email threats targeted at hybrid workers daily. The importance of flexibility and wellness is highlighted, with 64% of employees stating remote work influences their job retention.

High Alpha, a leading venture studio, has launched its third venture studio, following the successful raising of a $110M fund. The new studio, focusing on enterprise cloud companies, raised $18M from Emergence Capital and Foundry Group. Since its inception in 2015, High Alpha has pioneered the venture studio model, raising over $260M and launching over 30 companies including Mandolin and Zylo. The firm aims to empower entrepreneurs through a unique model, providing essential coaching and resources to help startups thrive.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is set to host WebexOne from October 26-28, 2021, a leading collaboration event aimed at enhancing hybrid work and customer experiences. Esteemed speakers include Olympian Simon Biles, Spanx CEO Sarah Blakely, and astronaut Nicole Stott. The event will feature over 30 customer speakers, interactive breakout sessions, and keynote discussions led by Cisco executives, focusing on technological innovations and organizational growth. The free virtual event emphasizes inclusivity and collaboration, inviting global participation.

Cisco has introduced its New Trust Standard, aiming to set a benchmark for organizations to enhance customer trust during digital transformation. This framework emphasizes essential elements such as Zero-Trust architecture, trusted supply chain, and data rights, amidst increasing cyber threats and hybrid work environments. Insights from the 2021 Consumer Privacy Survey revealed that nearly a third of consumers prioritize transparency and control over data practices, indicating a growing demand for trust in digital interactions.

Cisco has been awarded the 2021 Global Market Leadership Award by Frost & Sullivan for its leadership in the global network firewall market. The recognition highlights Cisco's strategic vision to enhance multicloud security, providing enterprises with integrated security solutions to simplify policy management. Cisco's Secure Firewall, which includes evolving capabilities and integrates with the SecureX platform, aims to reduce costs and improve threat response times. With a focus on Zero Trust and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), Cisco is well-positioned to leverage the growing need for robust security in hybrid environments.

The Cisco Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per common share, scheduled for payment on October 27, 2021. This dividend will be distributed to stockholders of record as of October 5, 2021. The declared amount remains unchanged from the previous dividend, which was also $0.37 and paid on July 28, 2021. Future dividends will require Board approval.

Cisco has announced its commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, encompassing all scopes of emissions including product use, operations, and supply chain. The company aims to meet Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions targets by 2025, with future targets for Scope 3 emissions to follow. This initiative is pivotal for Cisco's strategy to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.

The firm will report on its progress through its Corporate Social Responsibility Impact Report.