Verizon Business expands global managed services with Fortinet Secure SD WAN

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon Business announced the expansion of its global SD WAN offerings through its collaboration with Fortinet. This new service, Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch, aims to secure hybrid and remote work environments by integrating networking and security solutions. The offering responds to increasing cyber threats, with data showing a rise in phishing and ransomware attacks. Additionally, Verizon seeks to provide flexible solutions to support businesses in adapting to digital transformations and changes in workforce models.

Positive

• Introduction of a comprehensive security solution for hybrid and remote work environments.
• Integration of networking and security features enhances customer flexibility and agility.
• Responds to increasing cybersecurity threats, as shown in the 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report.

Negative

• None.

Verizon Business enterprise and business market customers can leverage Fortinet Secure SD WAN to take a secure “work from anywhere” approach to their networks.

NEW YORK, Oct. 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon Business announced the expansion of its global SD WAN offering with the addition of Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch with Fortinet Secure SD WAN. The solution is designed to provide businesses, including enterprise and business market customers, with a converged networking and security solution “in-a-box” to secure and connect hybrid and remote workforces.

According to the Verizon Business 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report, which analyzes 29,207 quality incidents, of which 5,258 were confirmed breaches, phishing attacks increased by 11 percent, while attacks using ransomware rose by 6 percent. Additionally, 85 percent of breaches involved a human element, while over 80 percent of breaches were discovered by external parties.

“The quick transition to hybrid and/or remote working models opened new avenues for cyber threat actors,” said Sampath Sowmyanarayan, Chief Revenue Officer for Verizon Business. “Solutions like Verizon’s Software Defined Secure Branch with Fortinet add those layers of security that help safeguard your employees, your business and ultimately your customers against cyberattacks.”

Deployed leveraging Fortinet Secure SD WAN, which integrates SD WAN, firewall, and advanced routing, this security-driven networking solution delivers quality of experience at any scale and enables consistent network and security policies. The solution also works with many types of network transports including MPLS, Internet, Broadband, and Wireless to enable hybrid WAN and LAN transformation. It builds upon the capabilities of traditional network routing with additional SD WAN and integrated security to help safeguard communications between network endpoints, either on-premises or in the cloud, and ensure organizations are better protected from the expanded attack surface introduced by remote and hybrid work. This simple, all-in-one solution provides customers with added agility and flexibility as they adjust their digital transformation agendas based on ever-changing business needs.

“Fortinet is committed to supporting our partners and customers with innovative Secure SD WAN technology based on a security-driven networking approach that tightly integrates an organization’s network infrastructure and security architecture,” said John Maddison, EVP of products and CMO at Fortinet. “By leveraging Fortinet Secure SD WAN, Verizon enables organizations to take a ‘work from anywhere’ approach to their network and security to support remote and hybrid workforces.”

"IDC predicts that enterprises will commit to providing technical parity to a hybrid workforce, i.e., ensuring secure access to the technical resources needed to conduct their job regardless of their access method," says Ghassan Abdo, Research VP at IDC. "The Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch based on Fortinet is aligned with this vision."

Learn more about Verizon’s enterprise managed network services.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Kyle Ragonese
kyle.ragonese@verizon.com
732.236.3526
@KyleRagonese

FAQ

What is the Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch?

The Verizon Software Defined Secure Branch is a new offering that integrates networking and security solutions to secure hybrid and remote workforces.

How does Verizon's partnership with Fortinet enhance cybersecurity?

The partnership combines Fortinet's Secure SD WAN technology with Verizon's services to provide a fortified network and security approach against rising cyber threats.

What significant cybersecurity trends were reported by Verizon Business in 2021?

The 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report indicated a 11% rise in phishing attacks and a 6% increase in ransomware incidents.

What market segment does the new SD WAN solution target?

The solution primarily targets enterprise and business market customers looking to secure remote and hybrid work setups.