Today we are excited to announce that Netskope has once again been named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE). This is the third time in a row Netskope has been recognized as a Leader—and we have been recognized as a Leader every time since the inaugural Magic Quadrant for SSE. We’ve also placed highest in vision and furthest in ability to execute for the second time in a row.

There has been widespread discussion about the potential impact of AI on society. While the UK Government has played an active role in shaping the conversation around the security and safety of AI, it has also demonstrated its intention to embrace AI where productivity and efficiency benefits may be found.

Netskope Threat Labs recently analyzed a new ransomware strain named Evil Ant. Evil Ant ransomware is a Python-based malware compiled using PyInstaller that looks to encrypt all files stored on the victim’s personal folders and external drives. This ransomware strain requires process continuity from encryption until file recovery. Rebooting, shutting down, or ending the ransomware process will make affected files unrecoverable.

Today, in the heart of London, I caught sight of a screen on platform four at Vauxhall train station. On it was displayed a busy illustration of the marvels of modern transportation: trains moving seamlessly across multiple lines; their positions, destinations, and tracks all displaying tightly orchestrated precision in real-time. It was a compelling depiction of the complexity of a public rail system on a small island–a tightly woven network where data integrity is paramount.

The European Union’s Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) is a big deal for improving the EU’s cybersecurity stance. Kicked off in January 2023—with a compliance deadline of October 18, 2024—the Directive is designed to beef up cyber defences across key sectors.

It feels like sub-sea cable disruptions are becoming ever more common, with recent reports of major outages caused by severed cables in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the North Sea, and—most recently—off the coast of Africa.

ISO standards may not always jump out as the most exciting of topics for dinner party conversation, but their growing importance in business cannot be denied. And this year it is well worth us talking about ISO 27001:2022 specifically (though perhaps not over dinner). It is expected that as many as 90,000* organisations might renew their certification or gain it for the very first time this year. The auditors will be busy!

Over the past year, AI innovation has swept through the workplace. Across industries and all team functions, we are seeing employees using AI assistants to streamline various tasks, including taking minutes, writing emails, developing code, crafting marketing strategies and even helping with managing company finances.