Securing the New Perimeter: 25 Leading Security Vendors in Edge Computing for 2024
As businesses increasingly shift their computing resources to the edge, the landscape of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. The edge, which encompasses devices and environments that operate outside traditional data centers, is becoming a prime target for cybercriminals. A recent report from cybersecurity vendor Rapid7 highlights a troubling trend: attacks exploiting network edge devices are on the rise, with many widely used vulnerabilities affecting these technologies. As researchers at Rapid7 note, these edge technologies represent a significant weak point in our collective defenses.
In response to these challenges, organizations are recognizing the need for a more integrated approach to cybersecurity, particularly as operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems converge. Clint Bodungen, director of cyber innovation at MorganFranklin Consulting, emphasizes the importance of collaboration between OT and IT teams, stating, “You have to have the OT and the IT sides talking.” This shift is critical as businesses strive to protect their assets in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Furthermore, the rise of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies reflects the growing demand for robust security solutions that can protect hybrid and remote workforces. These technologies provide essential capabilities such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Secure Web Gateway (SWG), all of which are vital for securing access to corporate applications and data.
As part of CRN’s Edge Computing 100 for 2024, we present 25 security vendors that are at the forefront of securing the new perimeter for today’s businesses.
1. Akamai Technologies
Tom Leighton, Co-Founder, CEO
Akamai is a leader in edge security, offering zero-trust segmentation for OT and IoT, as well as DDoS protection. The recent acquisition of API security firm Noname Security has further strengthened its security capabilities.
2. Asimily
Shankar Somasundaram, Founder, CEO
Based in Sunnyvale, California, Asimily focuses on risk management for IoT, OT, and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices, enhancing vulnerability mitigation and threat detection across various industries.
3. Armis
Yevgeny Dibrov, Co-Founder, CEO
Armis is expanding its vulnerability management platform, Centrix, to cover IT, medical, IoT, and OT devices. Recent acquisitions aim to improve risk prioritization and track real-world exploits.
4. Barracuda Networks
Hatem Naguib, CEO
Barracuda’s SecureEdge platform enhances control over data access from devices across all locations, targeting managed service providers (MSPs) and small to midsize enterprises.
5. Broadcom
Hock Tan, President, CEO
The acquisition of Symantec has integrated Edge Secure Web Gateway into Broadcom’s portfolio, while the recent acquisition of VMware has bolstered its edge security strategy with SD-WAN and SASE capabilities.
6. Check Point Software Technologies
Gil Shwed, Co-Founder, CEO
Check Point simplifies SASE management with its Quantum SASE offering, integrating SD-WAN and IoT security capabilities to enhance overall security.
7. Claroty
Yaniv Vardi, CEO
Claroty’s platform focuses on risk reduction for cyber-physical systems, offering exposure management, network protection, and AI-powered threat detection.
8. Cloudflare
Matthew Prince, Co-Founder, CEO
Cloudflare One, its SASE platform, has expanded with the acquisition of BastionZero, enabling passwordless authentication and enhancing zero-trust infrastructure access.
9. Dragos
Robert Lee, Co-Founder, CEO
Dragos has updated its platform to improve asset inventory capabilities and advanced vulnerability management features, focusing on operational technology security.
10. F5
François Locoh-Donou, President, CEO
F5 emphasizes application and API security, launching the BIG-IP Next Web Application Firewall to enhance protection against various cyber threats.
11. Fastly
Todd Nightingale, CEO
Fastly’s Bot Management solution provides instant classification of bots at the network edge, offering robust defenses against automated attacks.
12. Forcepoint
Ryan Windham, CEO
Forcepoint One SASE focuses on data security and access control, with recent updates enhancing data security posture management.
13. Forescout
Barry Mainz, CEO
Forescout’s new operational technology security offering protects diverse environments, providing exposure management and threat detection for both managed and unmanaged devices.
14. Fortinet
Ken Xie, Co-Founder, Chairman, CEO
Fortinet’s Unified SASE platform, FortiSASE, has received updates for remote browser isolation and Secure SD-WAN, enhancing security for remote access.
15. Lookout
Jim Dolce, Chairman, CEO
Lookout’s Cloud Security Platform is tailored for midsize enterprises, offering simplified deployment and improved visibility into data risks.
16. Menlo Security
Amir Ben-Efraim, CEO
Menlo Security has enhanced its Zero Trust Access offering and Secure Enterprise Browser, focusing on improving zero-trust security measures.
17. Netskope
Sanjay Beri, Co-Founder, CEO
Netskope’s new SASE platform version caters to midmarket customers, providing tailored capabilities and pricing for MSPs and MSSPs.
18. Nozomi Networks
Edgard Capdevielle, President, CEO
Nozomi Networks has introduced a groundbreaking security sensor embedded within Industrial Control Systems, enhancing visibility for industrial automation.
19. Palo Alto Networks
Nikesh Arora, Chairman, CEO
Palo Alto Networks’ Prisma SASE 3.0 platform features improved data classification and application performance, supporting unmanaged devices.
20. Skyhigh Security
Vishal Rao, CEO
Skyhigh Security has launched AI functionality for its SSE platform, enhancing visibility and protection related to generative AI usage.
21. SonicWall
Bob VanKirk, President, CEO
SonicWall has expanded its SASE platform with the acquisition of Banyan Security, integrating zero-trust network access technologies.
22. Sophos
Joe Levy, CEO
Sophos SASE leverages its unified console, Sophos Central, to enforce security policies across all environments, enhancing connectivity for IoT devices.
23. Thales
Lloyd Mitchell, President
Thales Trusted Cyber Technologies offers edge security through its acquisition of Imperva, focusing on data protection and role-based access control.
24. WatchGuard Technologies
Prakash Panjwani, CEO
WatchGuard Technologies has launched new Firebox firewalls and integrated network detection and response capabilities through its acquisition of CyGlass Technology Services.
25. Zscaler
Jay Chaudhry, Founder, CEO
Zscaler’s Zero Trust SASE platform includes SD-WAN capabilities and utilizes adaptive AI technology for continuous risk assessment.
Conclusion
As the edge computing landscape continues to evolve, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. The 25 vendors highlighted in CRN’s Edge Computing 100 for 2024 are leading the charge in securing the new perimeter for businesses, offering innovative solutions to combat the growing threats targeting edge environments. As organizations navigate this complex landscape, collaboration between IT and OT teams, along with the adoption of advanced security technologies, will be crucial in safeguarding their assets and ensuring business continuity.