Business Economy Society Technology Travels Trends

Sophos Launches Industry-First Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Service from an Endpoint Security Provider that Integrates Vendor Agnostic Telemetry

 

 

 

  • Introduces Sophos Marketplace and $1 Million Breach Protection Warranty
  • Sophos X-Ops Identifies LockBit 3.0 Similarities to BlackMatter; Attackers Use Pentesting and Credential Theft to Evade Detection, Requiring Specialized MDR Skills to Spot Them

Dec. 05, 2022 – Sophos, a global leader in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, has announced the general availability of Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR) with new industry-first threat detection and response capabilities.

 

Sophos is the first endpoint security provider to integrate vendor agnostic telemetry from third-party security technologies into its MDR offering, providing unprecedented visibility and detection across diverse operating environments. Sophos also introduced the Sophos Marketplace and $1 million Sophos Breach Protection Warranty.

  

The need for MDR services and specialized defenders has never been greater, as shown in today’s new research, “LockBit 3.0 ‘Black’ Attacks and Leaks Reveal Wormable Capabilities and Tooling,” from Sophos X-Ops, the company’s cross-domain threat intelligence unit. The research analyzes tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) used by LockBit, one of today’s most prolific ransomware gangs, that are similar to BlackMatter, and explains how the latest version of the ransomware, LockBit 3.0, adds wormable capabilities and uses legitimate pentesting tools to evade detection.

 

In a second article, “Detection Tools and Human Analysis Lead to a Security Non-Event,” Sophos X-Ops details a recent Sophos MDR use case involving credential theft, another technique that allows adversaries to impersonate legitimate users. In this case, the Sophos MDR team combined its threat hunting intelligence with information from the customer’s third-party security appliance to thwart an attack.

 

“The only way to reliably detect and neutralize determined attackers who increasingly combine the use of pentesting tools, stolen credentials and other stealthy tactics to maneuver undetected is with 24×7 eyes on glass, operating on signals from a diversity of event sources and employing actionable threat intelligence into real-time attacker behaviors,” said Joe Levy, chief technology and product officer at Sophos. “Organizations are struggling to keep pace with well-funded adversaries who are continuously innovating and industrializing their ability to evade defensive technologies alone. Sophos MDR can discover and intercept these steps before they result in a data breach, ransomware or other type of costly compromise. Sadly, ransomware persists as one of the greatest cybercrime threats to organizations, as evidenced in the Sophos 2023 Threat Report. We’re raising the industry standard for how critical MDR services can be delivered to broaden visibility for better, faster detection and response.”

 

Industry-First Detection and Response and the New Sophos Marketplace
Sophos is the first leading endpoint security provider delivering MDR across both its own product portfolio as well as end users’ existing security deployments. To support this effort, Sophos launched the Sophos Marketplace, an open ecosystem of more than 75 technology integrations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Check Point, CrowdStrike, Darktrace, Fortinet, Google, Microsoft, Okta, Palo Alto Networks, Rapid7, and many others. Expanded visibility across these integrations and diverse operating environments enables Sophos MDR experts to better detect and remediate attacks with speed and precision, regardless of customers’ existing security solutions.

 

In addition to Sophos MDR, Sophos Marketplace provides third-party integrations for Sophos’ portfolio of services, products and technologies. Telemetry is automatically consolidated, correlated and prioritized with insights from the Sophos Adaptive Cybersecurity Ecosystem and the Sophos X-Ops threat intelligence unit.

 

Extended Protection Warranty

Sophos stands behind its MDR customers with the new Sophos Breach Protection Warranty that covers up to $1 million in response expenses for organizations protected by Sophos MDR Complete, Sophos’ most comprehensive MDR offering. Underwritten solely by Sophos, the warranty covers endpoints – both Windows and Mac devices – and servers, and unlike competitive offerings, there are no warranty tiers or duration limitations for active customers. This Sophos Breach Protection Warranty is automatically included with all purchases and renewals of Sophos MDR Complete annual subscriptions through Sophos’ global reseller partner network.

 

Availability

More than 13,000 organizations already rely on Sophos’ existing MDR service for 24/7 threat hunting, detection and response by an expert team as a fully-managed service. The newest offering with third party integration capabilities is available now, and the service is customizable with different tiers and threat response options, enabling customers to choose whether to have the Sophos MDR operations team execute full-scale incident response, provide collaborative assistance for confirmed threats, or deliver detailed alert notifications for their security operations teams to manage themselves.

 

# # #

 

Learn More About

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Announcements Business Culture Economy

Nigeria’s Economic Handlers Must Buck Up: A Wake-Up Call

post-image

 

The recent announcement by Holcim to exit the Nigerian market after a 65-year presence is a stark reminder of the deteriorating economic climate in the country. This departure, coupled with the ongoing exodus of other multinational corporations, demands urgent attention and decisive action from Nigeria’s economic handlers.

John Paul Emechebe, Head of On-Premise at Red Bull, aptly highlighted the gravity of the situation. The combination of unfavorable economic policies, infrastructure deficiencies, regulatory hurdles, and security concerns has created a hostile environment for businesses, both domestic and foreign.

It’s imperative for the government to recognize that these challenges are not isolated incidents but systemic issues that require a comprehensive and coordinated approach. To stem the tide of corporate departures and attract much-needed foreign direct investment, the following measures must be implemented:

  • Economic Policy Reform: The government must prioritize the implementation of investor-friendly policies that foster a…
Read More
Art Business Economy

Pixel-perfect precision: Protecting today’s digital workforce’s visual health

post-image

For modern professionals who spend long hours focused on intricate digital tasks, maintaining eye health and comfort is critical. Yet many unknowingly put excessive visual strain on their eyes by working on cramped, low-resolution displays ill-equipped for detail-intensive applications.

 

This can have serious ramifications for both employee well-being and work quality. “Basic laptop screens and small desktop monitors simply don’t provide enough screen real estate or visual fidelity for precision tasks like coding, video editing or complex design work,” explains Tyrone Young, Head of Sales for Information Display and Information Technology, at LG Electronics South Africa.

When working on minuscule user interface elements, typography or intricately layered assets, visual acuity becomes very important. “Inadequate screen size or resolution can lead to excessive squinting and an uncomfortable viewing experience as users struggle to see fine details.”

This chronic eye fatigue can quickly drain productivity and open the door to more severe visual issues…

Read More
Business Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

NCC Champions Seamless, Safe, and Profitable Telecom Industry Through Type Approval Standards

post-image

 

In its relentless drive to create a thriving, efficient, and safe telecommunications landscape, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has implemented comprehensive standards for telecom equipment through its “Type Approval” process. These regulations are designed to ensure that every device used in Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem is not only safe but also operates seamlessly to support the industry’s growth and enhance the quality of service (QoS) for millions of Nigerians.

The NCC’s vision is clear: to make Nigeria’s telecom industry a model of excellence, fostering innovation, interoperability, and consumer satisfaction. As the industry regulator, the NCC recognizes that its role extends beyond oversight—it is about enabling progress and profitability for stakeholders, from operators to end-users.

A Commitment to Seamlessness and Safety

The Commission, empowered by the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, emphasizes that its Type Approval standards are not just technical requirements—they are the backbone of a robust telecom environment. According to the NCC:

>…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy

Ifee Kojo Honored as Visionary Leader at CIO and C-Suite Awards 2024

post-image

In a remarkable moment of recognition, Ifee Kojo, PhD, the Country Manager for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (operated by Selectium), was honored as one of the Visionary Leaders in Technology and Business at the 5th Edition of the prestigious CIO and C-Suite Awards 2024.

A seasoned business leader, ethics advocate, coach, and facilitator, Dr. Kojo’s recognition at the awards highlights her profound impact on the technology and business sectors. The CIO and C-Suite Awards, renowned for celebrating leadership, innovation, and excellence across Africa, recognized her as an influential figure whose contributions have advanced both technological advancements and ethical business practices.

Dr. Kojo shared her gratitude with those who have supported her throughout her career. “I am humbled and deeply honored to be recognized as one of the Visionary Leaders in Technology and Business. This achievement is not mine alone. It is a reflection of the incredible teams I have worked with, the…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy Government Investments Technology Technology Trends

Dr. Vincent Olatunji Appointed as ID4Africa Deputy Ambassador for Nigeria

post-image

 

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has achieved a significant milestone with his appointment as the ID4Africa Deputy Ambassador for Nigeria. This new role, set to commence on January 1, 2025, places Dr. Olatunji at the forefront of identity development efforts across Africa, solidifying his reputation as a key advocate for digital transformation and data protection.

The appointment is a recognition of Dr. Olatunji’s outstanding contributions to the fields of identity management and digital innovation. Announced by Dr. Joseph Atick, Executive Chairman of ID4Africa, the decision reflects Olatunji’s consistent dedication to advancing secure and inclusive identity systems, both within Nigeria and across the continent.

As a Deputy Ambassador, Dr. Olatunji becomes a member of the ID4Africa Ambassadors Bureau, an influential body that drives the vision of the ID4Africa Movement. This Bureau also serves as the Ambassadors Council, a governance platform that steers the continent’s…

Read More
Announcements Autos Business

Imo and Abia Must Wake Up: The Urgent Need to Boost IGR for Development

post-image

 

The recent Value Added Tax (VAT) contributions and allocations for South-East states from January to October 2024 have exposed a deeply troubling reality. While other states in the region, such as Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu, are making significant strides in generating revenue, Imo and Abia—both oil-producing states—are failing to live up to their potential.

Here’s a quick look at the VAT numbers:

Anambra: Contributed ₦40.13 billion, received ₦63.35 billion (157.9%).

Ebonyi: Contributed ₦21.98 billion, received ₦49.97 billion (227.3%).

Enugu: Contributed ₦12.99 billion, received ₦54.76 billion (421.4%).

Abia: Contributed just ₦6.50 billion, received ₦51.59 billion (793.1%).

Imo: Contributed a paltry ₦3.33 billion, yet received ₦57.22 billion (1,715.9%).

Imo and Abia, both blessed with abundant natural resources, are lagging embarrassingly behind in revenue generation. Despite their oil-producing status, these states seem to be content with their reliance on federal allocations while failing to harness the economic potential within their borders.

Imo State: A Wasted Opportunity in Tourism and Hospitality

Imo…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Government

Peter Obi Decries Nigeria’s Endemic Corruption, Calls for Accountability on International Anti-Corruption Day

post-image

 

As the global community marks International Anti-Corruption Day, former Anambra State Governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has issued a strong condemnation of the pervasive corruption undermining Nigeria’s development. Obi described corruption as the “bane of our national development” and urged both leaders and citizens to take decisive action against it.

In a statement released to the media, Obi referenced recent findings by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which highlighted how corruption has crippled Nigeria economically and socially. He also cited the nation’s low ranking of 145 out of 180 on the Corruption Perception Index and its classification among the 11 worst-governed African countries over the past decade.

“From lack of transparency in budgeting and allocation of funds to the misappropriation of public resources, corruption manifests in various ways across different levels of government,” Obi said. He noted specific issues such as budget padding, contract inflation,…

Read More
Business Culture

Africa’s Largest Rice Importers in 2023: Cote D’Ivoire Tops the

post-image

 

The 2023 figures for rice imports across Africa reveal a significant disparity in import volumes among countries, with Cote D’Ivoire emerging as the continent’s largest importer. According to data from Trade Map, the top 10 African rice importers collectively represent billions of dollars in imports, highlighting the growing demand for the staple crop in the region.

Top 10 African Rice Importers in 2023:

1. Cote D’Ivoire – $722.1 million

2. Benin – $653.4 million

3. South Africa – $634.7 million

4. Senegal – $498.0 million

5. Kenya – $392.4 million

6. Mozambique – $349.5 million

7. Guinea – $335.8 million

8. Niger – $307.0 million

9. Ghana – $286.3 million

10. Djibouti – $273.6 million

 

Cote D’Ivoire leads with an import value of $722.1 million, closely followed by Benin and South Africa, whose imports were valued at $653.4 million and $634.7 million, respectively. These figures underscore the critical role rice plays in these economies as a dietary staple and its contribution…

Read More