SonicWall curbs cyber threats through machine learning and behavioural analysis

Renowned for its effective management and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities, SonicWall has dedicated the last three decades to evolving its cybersecurity portfolio to meet the changing needs of its customers. The company has embraced cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. In an insightful conversation with VARINDIA, Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President of Regional Sales for Asia Pacific Japan at SonicWall, delved into the latest technological advancements, concerns surrounding AI, strategies for combating cyber threats, and much more

What technologies and strategies do you use for threat detection and response in your products?
Over the last three decades, SonicWall has maintained its vision to evolve its cybersecurity portfolio to meet the diverse needs of its end customers across a variety of complex on-premises, hybrid cloud and multi-cloud environments.

Today SonicWall products integrate a range of advanced technologies and strategies to deliver effective threat detection and response. Its Real-Time Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) scrutinizes network traffic for malicious content and anomalies at a granular level. SonicWall's solutions leverage the Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) service, which utilizes cloud-based sandboxing to analyze and identify sophisticated threats, including zero-day attacks, in a secure environment before they can impact the network.

How is SonicWall adapting to counter cyber threats, especially in the age of AI?
Today AI can do incredible things like learn, adapt, and predict rapidly evolving threats making it an indispensable tool to protect businesses, governments and also personal lives while bringing about unprecedented convenience and efficiency.

On the flip side, new cybersecurity threats have emerged because of the same increased adoption of AI technologies.  The more sophisticated AI is becoming, the more techniques are being employed by cybercriminals.

A big concern with the use of AI is that one can create sophisticated malware and cyber-attacks. AI can be engaged to automate identifying system vulnerabilities, crafting targeted attacks, and evading traditional security measures. Cybercriminals can leverage AI algorithms to develop malware that adapts and learns from its environment, making it challenging to detect and mitigate.

To combat these scenarios, SonicWall employs machine learning and behavioural analysis to detect deviations from normal network patterns, enhancing their ability to spot previously unknown threats. SonicWall's products also feature automated threat response mechanisms, which help to quickly neutralize threats and minimize damage.

Further, regular updates to Threat Intelligence Database ensure that SonicWall solutions stay ahead of emerging threats, providing a dynamic and resilient defense against a constantly evolving cyber threat landscape. A key component of their strategy is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which enforces strict access controls and continuously verifies the identity and integrity of users and devices, ensuring that only authorized entities can access network resources.

Can you share examples of how your company has handled past cybersecurity incidents or vulnerabilities in your products?
Effective management and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents and vulnerabilities for customers is what makes SonicWall so successful in its business. Its aim is always to quickly roll out updates and patches that address any/all vulnerabilities identified in products. The company also provides comprehensive guidance and support to help affected customers secure their networks and recover from any attack. A notable instance was with SonicWall’s VPN appliances, which were exploited. SonicWall promptly issued a series of security advisories and patches to address the vulnerability, working closely with affected customers to mitigate the risk. It also enhanced its threat detection and response capabilities to better protect against similar threats in the future. SonicWall's rapid response and transparent communication during these incidents underscored its commitment to protecting customer networks and maintaining trust.

How do you maintain effective communication with your channel partners to ensure alignment on cybersecurity goals and strategies in the country?
SonicWall maintains effective communication with its channel partners through a variety of structured and strategic methods that align with its cybersecurity goals and strategies. It provides partners with comprehensive resources and training programs to ensure they are well-versed in the latest SonicWall technologies and threat landscapes. This includes access to detailed product documentation, cybersecurity updates, and threat intelligence reports. SonicWall provides regular and transparent communication that is facilitated through dedicated partner portals, newsletters, emails and webinars, which keep partners informed about new product releases, security advisories, and best practices. SonicWall also organizes periodic partner events and forums where they share insights on emerging threats and strategic direction, fostering a collaborative environment.

Additionally, SonicWall's support teams work closely with channel partners to offer technical assistance and guidance, ensuring that they can effectively deploy and manage SonicWall solutions. This proactive approach helps align partners with SonicWall's cybersecurity objectives and ensures a unified strategy in addressing evolving security challenges.