Global cybersecurity company Acronis continues innovating, launching a new EDR solution for MSPs and the businesses they service to deploy and achieve the mass adoption of advanced security capabilities, while the new SOC Amplify programs aims to address the cybersecurity talent gap.
Acronis has announced the general availability of a new Acronis Advanced Security + Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) capability for its Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud solution.
Here is the official explainer video, the longer launch video is a little below:
Pointing to new capabilities such as AI-based attack analysis, Acronis says its new EDR solution “reduces complexity and simplifies workflows for a more streamlined operation, making it easier than ever for MSPs and the businesses they serve to deploy comprehensive security and data protection.”
Acronis has a strong business partnership with MSPs (managed service providers), and with more organisations turning to MSPs for their backup and security needs, and with a greater need for simplicity and efficiency, Acronis naturally aims to expand the adoption of advanced security capabilities, helping organisations of all sizes better protect themselves with the new Acronis EDR capabilities.
Here’s the full launch video – the article continues below, please read on!
Michael Suby, the Research VP of Security and Trust at IDC https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=PRF005300 gave his viewpoint, stating: “With the proliferation of endpoints and increasing frequency of cyber threats, EDR has become a mission-critical tool in incident response and the fight for data protection. But solutions that are difficult to deploy and maintain are an obstacle.
“The best solutions deliver the advanced security of EDR and meet the needs of the IT professionals who use it. That means easy deployments and rapid detection, response, and recovery with AI and automation on board.”
Acronis explains the benefits of its EDR solution, stating it offers “the broadest number of out-of-the-box recovery options that take advantage of the integration with Acronis Cyber Protect’ backup and recovery, endpoint management, and endpoint security capabilities. Designed for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), it allows them to quickly and easily analyse and prioritise security incidents, minimise downtime, and maintain business continuity while keeping their clients safe and protected.”
Candid Wüest, VP of Research at Acronis added: “Other EDR tools can be over-complicated and force MSPs into expensive, time-consuming processes to implement and understand. Acronis EDR delivers a robust EDR solution that is easy to deploy and use while following industry-established standards like the NIST cybersecurity framework and mapping to the MITRE ATT&CK® framework.
“By rapidly understanding attack analysis and impact, Acronis EDR users can quickly evaluate a potential threat, gain insight into how an attacker gained access, what damage was caused, and how the attack might spread.”
So, hwo does Acronis encapsulate what its EDR solution delivers? Here we go:
- Optimised Incident Analysis to quickly and easily analyse and prioritise security incidents and potential attacks without relying on costly security expertise or time-consuming processes.
- Integrated Security with Backup & Recovery, for comprehensive protection critical to minimising downtime and maintaining business continuity in the event of an attack.
- A Complete Cyber Protection Solution in a single agent — simple for MSPs to deploy, manage, and scale — that eliminates the cost, complexity, and security gaps inherent in multiple-point solutions.
Eric O’Neill, former FBI counterintelligence operative said: “As a cybersecurity expert, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of EDR and how it has revolutionized the way we approach security.
“EDR allows security personnel to efficiently investigate, remediate, and recover from potential incidents while also reducing the attack surface and threat actor dwell time. The latest advances in EDR technology allow for rapid analysis of attack changes, shortened time to respond to incidents, and better business continuity for all organisations.”
Acronis EDR is available through the Acronis Advanced Security + EDR Advanced Pack, with Acronis advising MSPs that require more detailed information or a one-on-one service provider demo can find those resources here.
Acronis SOC Amplify
This news was also followed by the announced of Acronis SOC Amplify, a 100-hour training program designed to address the cybersecurity talent gap in Singapore, specifically tailored to those without any cybersecurity backgrounds, introducing them to the prosperous and profitable industry while helping secure the country’s digital future.
When this pilot program will be expanded to cover other countries has not yet been disclosed, but in Singapore at least, this comprehensive program commenced on June 1, 2023, and is “specifically designed to equip individuals without any background in cybersecurity to become skilled SOC (Security Operations Center) professionals.”
Acronis advises SOC Amplify will provide hands-on training in cybersecurity tools and techniques, along with a solid understanding of cybersecurity concepts and best practices.
The company points to Statista numbers showing the globally cybersecurity industry has 4.6 million professionals in 2022 holding two of the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in Singapore, yet, like many countries, Singapore faces an urgent cybersecurity talent gap, a challenge affecting IT businesses worldwide.
As cyberattacks continue to rise, Acronis notes “it is crucial for Singapore to bridge this talent gap and fulfil the numerous vacant cybersecurity positions scattered across the nation. Without a robust workforce to defend large enterprises, Singapore faces an increased risk of being targeted by cyberterrorists. According to a recent ISC2 study, there is a global shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals, with 2.1 million positions unfilled in the Asia-Pacific region alone.”
Kevin Reed, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Acronis, emphasised the significance of closing the cybersecurity talent gap, stating: “The cybersecurity gap is widening globally, and filling these positions is even more challenging when most people lack any cybersecurity background. As a leader in innovative technology, it is more important than ever for Singapore to address the cybersecurity talent shortage.
“SOC Amplify will train the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to fill these gaps and secure our future. I am confident that this initiative will drive positive changes towards a safer digital environment,” continued Reed, who is imparting 20+ years of experience to participants as the lecturer of the course.
As noted above, this is a pilot program, and this first run of SOC Amplify is offered complimentary under the Acronis Cyber Foundation Program.
Trish Ng, Project Manager at Acronis Cyber Foundation Program, acknowledges the challenge of filling cybersecurity positions due to the lack of prior experience and believes the program is making significant progress in closing this gap.
Ng added: “The Acronis Cyber Foundation Program has successfully trained various groups in Singapore, including ex-offenders, seniors, and youth. By extending its training efforts to individuals without prior exposure to cybersecurity, Acronis aims to contribute to a safer and more innovative future for Singapore and Asia. This program underscores Acronis’ commitment to bridging the cybersecurity gap and solidifies its position in the field of cyber protection.”
Acronis advises interested individuals can participate in the program in various ways: cybersecurity professionals can contribute as mentors, guiding and supporting trainees throughout their journey. Those with expertise in cybersecurity can join as lecturers and contribute to course materials, sharing their insights and experiences.
Additionally, the program welcomes partners to sponsor the compulsory reading materials for students who require financial support, with more details here.
