Cisco Layoffs and MSFT Election Hack: What You Need to Know
Happy Monday, everyone! It’s Jessica C. Davis here, and I’m filling in for Sharon Florentine on Channel Brief this week while she enjoys some well-deserved time off.
We start off with some more news of layoffs out of Silicon Valley. Last week we told you about some huge layoffs planned at Intel, and this week we are hearing that Cisco will be making a big layoff announcement, most likely timed to its Q4 earnings announcement mid-week. We’ll keep you updated.
Meanwhile, you may have also heard about a hack to the U.S. presidential campaign of former president Donald Trump. On Friday, Microsoft released a report fingering an Iranian group as the perpetrator of a spear phishing attack on a high-ranking official of a presidential campaign. We’re sure that this campaign hack is not the first nor will it be the only attempt.
Plus we’ve got a ton of industry news for you including partnerships and acquisitions. So grab your coffee and buckle in for the news MSPs need to know to start the day on Monday, August 12, 2024.
**Cisco Layoffs: Shifting Focus to Cybersecurity and AI**
Cisco will cut thousands of jobs in a second round of layoffs for 2024 as the networking equipment maker shifts its focus to higher-growth areas including cybersecurity and AI, according to a Reuters report citing sources. This round could be similar or higher than the 4000 layoffs in February and will be announced as early as Wednesday with the company’s Q4 results. This strategic shift reflects the evolving landscape of technology and the company’s efforts to stay competitive in the market.
**MSFT Election Hack: Increasing Attempts of Influence**
Microsoft researchers reported that Iran government-tied hackers attempted to break into the account of a “high ranking official” on the U.S. presidential campaign in June. This incident is part of Iranian groups’ increasing attempts to influence the U.S. presidential election, according to a Reuters report. The rise in cyber attacks targeting political campaigns highlights the importance of cybersecurity measures in safeguarding democratic processes.
**Partnerships and Acquisitions Fueling Industry Growth**
1. **SIEM Distribution Partnership**: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) provider Securonix, Inc. has forged a new partnership with global distributor TD Synnex to distribute Securonix’s AI-Reinforced SIEM platform to its solution provider network. This collaboration significantly expands the market reach of Securonix EON, introducing advanced AI capabilities to enhance security operations.
2. **Distribution Acquisition**: Value-added global IT distribution company Climb Global Solutions, Inc. is acquiring Douglas Stewart Software & Services, LLC (“DSS”), a leading specialty distributor focused on SaaS solutions for education customers in North America. This acquisition enhances Climb’s presence in the region and bolsters its product portfolio, reflecting the company’s commitment to growth and innovation.
3. **SOAR Provider Adds AI**: D3, a Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) specialist, has released Ace AI, a collection of new capabilities for D3’s Smart SOAR platform that applies AI to streamline security operations. Additionally, D3 introduced its Legacy SOAR Migration Program, enabling organizations to transition to their platform efficiently with minimal disruption.
**Phishing Intelligence and Security Awareness**
KnowBe4, a security awareness training and simulated phishing platform provider, released the results of its Q2 2024 phishing report. The findings revealed that HR business-related messages are still the top email subjects clicked on in phishing tests, emphasizing the need for continuous employee training to mitigate cybersecurity risks. This data underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and education in combating phishing attacks.
**Upcoming In-Person Events for MSPs and Channel Partners**
– **VMware Explore, August 26-29, The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada**
– **AppDirect Thrive! September 17-19, Chicago, Illinois**
– **MSSP Alert Live, October 14-16, Austin, Texas**
– **Canalys North America Forum, October 22-24, Miami, Florida**
– **Kaseya Dattocon, October 28-30, 2024, Fontainebleau, Miami Beach, Florida**
– **Ingram Micro One, November 6-8, Gaylord Resort, Washington DC**
– **IT Nation Connect, November 6-8, 2024, Rosen Shingle Creek, Orlando, Florida**
In conclusion, the tech industry continues to evolve with developments in cybersecurity, AI, and partnerships driving innovation and growth. Stay informed and proactive in navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology to ensure the security and success of your business. Thank you for joining us for today’s updates, and we look forward to bringing you more news and insights in the future.