Comcast Business Enhances Security, Taps Palo Alto for SASE VNF

Comcast Business is giving partners additional security functions through its partnership with Palo Alto Networks.

Channel partners can deliver Palo Alto’s Prisma Access security platform as a virtual network function (VNF). Comcast already offers a software-defined networking (SDN) platform called ActiveCore, which includes VNFs like SD-WAN and managed router. As a result of adding the cloud-based Prisma Access, Comcast can better secure distributed employees.

The partnership improves Comcast’s ability to enable the secure access service edge (SASE) in a world of remote and mobile workers. For example, Gartner reports that 45% of knowledge workers will work remotely in 2022, compared to 27% in 2019.

Comcast Business’ Bob Victor

“In today’s hyperconnected and increasingly distributed world, cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. Organizations are seeking integrated security and network management solutions focused on protecting their remote workers, cloud, and on-premises systems,” said Bob Victor, senior vice president of Comcast Business. “This strategic collaboration will drive increased cybersecurity innovation for our customers.”

Craig Schlagbaum, Comcast Business channel chief, said the new VNF creates a “compelling offer” for channel partners.

“Very compelling offer for our partners and for #TheNetworkCrew at Comcast Business and the Comcast Business Solutions Provider Program,” Schlagbaum wrote on LinkedIn.

Source: LinkedIn

Don Jones, Palo Alto’s senior vice president of ecosystems, said the companies serve an increasingly cloud-based workforce.

“Bringing together Comcast Business’ … network platform with Prisma Access … will help businesses large and small secure the users, applications and data that are now everywhere, without compromising on speed or performance,” Jones said.

Palo Alto Networks’ Don Jones

Palo Alto last month updated Prisma Access to the “2.0” version. The updates include autonomous digital experience management, inline machine learning and an explicit proxy for its secure web gateway.

Growing Portfolio

Comcast Business has rolled out several new offerings to meet pandemic-related challenges. For example, the company launched a home-based business connectivity solution and a teleworker VPN solution.

Comcast Business’ Shena Seneca Tharnish

“Comcast Business is committed to leveraging the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) framework to bring compelling network and security solutions to our business customers, and this relationship expands our capabilities to do so,” said Shena Seneca Tharnish, Comcast Business’ vice president of cybersecurity products. “By providing a cloud-delivered security platform, Comcast Business will be able to protect businesses applications from the branch office and extend that protection to users working from anywhere.”

In addition, Comcast recently conducted a webinar on the current state of the network.