Polish telco Netia protects web apps, while Marlink acquires Croatian firm Diverto
In the face of unprecedented cyber-attacks and scams, telcos are continuing to strengthen their cybersecurity offerings, particularly across managed services.
Polish operator Netia has introduced another cybersecurity cloud solution to its portfolio of ICT solutions for the B2B segment NetiaNext – called Netia Managed WAF. This solution is designed to protect web applications and their integrated APIs from data leaks and undesirable traffic generated by bots, among other threats.
The Netia Managed WAF solution operates based on Fortinet’s FortiWeb, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machine learning mechanisms with static rules and reputation mechanisms.
Web applications, especially forms and APIs that facilitate data exchange, are often targeted by cybercriminals due to frequent coding errors. These vulnerabilities allow for content alteration or the theft of sensitive data, including personal information.
Traditional firewalls and anti-DDoS solutions, due to their different operational characteristics and tasks, typically do not “see” targeted application-level attacks and therefore cannot provide adequate protection for web applications and interfaces. Therefore, a specialised tool like a WAF (Web Application Firewall) is recommended for protecting web applications, according to Netia. Its main functions include preventing the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications by isolating them from the internet, blocking malicious queries, and stopping artificial traffic generated by bots.
“Netia Managed WAF is an excellent addition to our portfolio of managed, cloud-based cybersecurity services from the NetiaNext line, which we offer in collaboration with one of the global leaders in the cybersecurity market – Fortinet,” said Tomasz Łużak, responsible for developing the security service offer for business clients at Netia. “Alongside Netia Managed UTM, Cloud Firewall, and Netia DDoS Protection, Netia Managed WAF forms the first line of defence for various layers of the client’s network interface with the global network.”
Netia claims it is one of the few entities that provide the service in a managed service model, offering customers comprehensive support in the form of an affordable subscription.
The Netia Web Application Firewall service is available in two models – local (dedicated instance for the client’s needs) and shared (from the Netia Group’s cloud, based on a high-performance, fully georedundant platform located in two Netia Data Centre locations). At the client’s request, for an additional fee, the service can be monitored 24/7 by experts from the Netia Security Operations Centre.
“Netia Web Application Firewall will first interest Netia customers who use our cloud services (Netia Compute) and colocation services, on which private clouds are built,” said Łużak. “For such entities, we can quickly secure the application servers hosted with us. Of course, the service is also directed at all other clients with web applications, not necessarily using Netia Group services.”
Marlink steps up cybersecurity game
Maritime and enterprise satellite communications company Marlink has acquired Zagreb-based IT and OT security specialist Diverto to bolster its cybersecurity portfolio and capabilities.
Based in Zagreb, Croatia, Diverto’s portfolio covers professional services including penetration testing, red and purple teaming, security audit, risk management, compliance and other cybersecurity services. Agnostic to the technologies deployed by its customers, Diverto’s advanced Security Operations Centre (SOC), including incident management and forensics, can protect both IT and OT customers.
Diverto employs more than 50 highly experienced security professionals with more than 150 security certifications. Marlink said the service offerings are complementary to its own (SOC) managed services for remote operations.
“We welcome very much Diverto and its expert staff in Marlink Group. Demand for expertise and resources to meet the increasing needs of our customers in both IT and OT security is growing fast and this acquisition is an important step in strengthening our capabilities and expanding our reach in cybersecurity,” said Marlink digital director Nicolas Furgé. “The integration of Diverto will enable Marlink to capture growing market opportunities in IT and OT security and to build together a cybersecurity powerhouse for remote operations and critical infrastructure”.
“Diverto will contribute considerable cybersecurity expertise and engineering capability that will enable the creation of a complete and unique portfolio of best-in-class cybersecurity solutions to meet to increasing needs of Marlink customers,” said Diverto CEO Boze Saric.
