Each morning MSSP Alert broadcasts a quick lineup of news, analysis and chatter from across the global managed security services provider, SOC (security operations center) and IT outsourcing ecosystem.
Here’s the lineup for Monday, February 5, 2018:
13. Crypto Pushback: India is planning steps to ensure cryptocurrencies are illegal within its payments system, while at the same time appointing a regulator to oversee unregulated exchanges that trade in “crypto assets,” Reuters says.
12. Cybersecurity Regulations - Singapore: A bill aimed at strengthening the protection of computer systems providing essential services against cyberattacks passed in Parliament on Monday, Channel News Asia notes. Under the Cybersecurity Bill, owners of computer systems directly involved in the provision of essential services for national security, defense, foreign relations, economy, public health, public safety or public order will have to report cybersecurity incidents related to these systems, and comply with other statutory obligations.
11. Federal Security: The chairman of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee Chairman has threatened to subpoena the Department of Homeland Security for documents related to the federal government's purge of products made by Kaspersky Lab, The Washington Times reports. The federal government recently banned Kaspersky products from government networks, alleging the security company may have ties to Russia's government. Kaspersky denies the claims, and there's no smoking gun evidence that proves any organized link to Russia's government teams.
10. Talent - NSA : The search is on for a replacement for Adm. Mike Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency and the last Obama intelligence appointee remaining in the Trump administration, USNI says. Rogers is expected to retire this spring after an eventful – and often controversial – four years, the report says.
9. Talent - Intel: The chip giant has named Michael Mayberry as its new CTO. Also, Leslie Culbertson leads a new Product Assurance and Security Group -- a timely move, considering the ongoing Meltdown and Spectre vulnerability challenges.
8. Cloud Compliance, Privacy: CoSo Cloud, a private cloud managed services provider for secure virtual classroom training and web conferencing, has been added to the Department of Commerce's list of self-certified Privacy Shield participants effective January 23, 2018.
7. M&A - Physical Security: Ares Management has acquired Convergint Technologies from KRG. Financial terms were not disclosed. Convergint designs, installs, and services integrated building systems, including electronic security, fire alarm, and life safety systems. www.convergint.com.
6. Contract Win: Booz Allen Hamilton, a Top 100 MSSP for 2017, has won a $621 million, six-year contract to implement a Department of Homeland Security program aimed at securing federal networks from cyberthreats, The Hill reports.
5. Cyber Insurance Discounts: Apple and Cisco Systems have teamed up with insurer Allianz SE to offer discounts on cyber insurance to businesses that primarily use equipment from both technology companies, Reuters notes. We'll share more details soon.
4. Funding: RSE Ventures, backed by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has invested $30 million in Skout Secure Intelligence -- which sees to demystify cyber security for small and midsized businesses.
3. Earnings: Qualys, the security solutions provider, is expected to announce earnings on Tuesday.
2. Reality Check: Checkpoint Software reported slowing growth ahead of the company's partner and customer conference this week in Las Vegas. Still, we'll be poking around the event to see where partners are working most closely with the security company.
1. See You In Vegas: If you'd like to potentially meet MSSP Alert on Tuesday at the CPX 360 conference in Las Vegas, please email me. We have a couple of afternoon meeting slots remaining.
