New ‘ASTORS’ Finalist Forcepoint to Acquire SSE Leader Bitglass

With the increasing shift to hybrid work environments, security teams are pivoting their focus from workplace security to a workforce security approach centered on securing employees’ access to information everywhere.
With the increasing shift to hybrid work environments, security teams are pivoting their focus from workplace security to a workforce security approach centered on securing employees’ access to information everywhere.

Forcepoint, a global leader in data-first security, recently named a Multiple Award Finalist in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Security Service Edge (SSE) leader Bitglass.

Bitglass delivers a truly integrated cloud-native SSE platform for securing access to and usage of information as organizations transform to the cloud.

It brings together best-in-class Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), combined with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) capabilities to enable uniform security policies for accessing the web, cloud, and private data centers managed through a single console.

Bitglass’s SSE platform complements Forcepoint’s Data-first SASE architecture and will accelerate Forcepoint’s efforts to make advanced data security and threat protection technologies easier for organizations to deploy and use.

(Bitglass’ Total Cloud Security Platform claims to be the only secure access service edge offering that combines a Gartner-MQ-Leading cloud access security broker, the world’s only on-device secure web gateway, and zero-trust network access to secure any interaction. Its Polyscale Architecture boasts an industry-leading uptime of 99.99% and delivers unrivaled performance and real-time scalability to any location in the world. Courtesy of Bitglass and YouTube.) 

Bitglass’s SSE platform is specifically designed to take full advantage of modern hyperscalers, which goes beyond simply being accessible on the internet, by dynamically scaling up to handle growing loads and provide the resilience customers need for ensuring always-on access to applications and data.

Over the past five years, Bitglass has continuously delivered 99.99% availability, ensuring users can reliably and securely access the resources they need to be productive.

With the return to the office, businesses are adapting to a hybrid work environment in which people work from home, in an office, or on the road all at the same time.

With this shift, security teams are pivoting their focus from workplace security to a workforce security approach centered on securing employees’ access to information everywhere.

Additionally, the acceleration of virtual workforces, digital-first selling, service, and customer experience in a perimeter-less enterprise is also driving the need for cloud-based security that can protect people anywhere, technology recognized by Gartner as SSE.

SSE represents the convergence of technologies for securing access to and usage of sensitive data and intellectual property in web and cloud traffic as well as private data center applications.

By unifying security functions, policies and operations that previously were spread across siloed products from different vendors, SSE reduces the complexity of enabling hybrid workforces to safely and efficiently get to and use the breadth of resources they need to be productive.

Manny Rivelo, Chief Executive Officer at Forcepoint
Manny Rivelo, Chief Executive Officer at Forcepoint

“Complexity is the enemy of security,” explains Manny Rivelo, Chief Executive Officer at Forcepoint.

“IT teams today are faced with the reality that securing a hybrid work environment is even more complex than the move to work-from-home was last year.

“With the acquisition of Bitglass, Forcepoint will be accelerating our ability to address customers’ widespread need for enabling hybrid workforces to safely access and use information everywhere—in the web, cloud and data center—more easily than ever before.”

Safeguarding critical systems, infrastructure, and data is of particular importance to federal agencies, but cybersecurity must always be balanced with the need to share data to complete important missions.

Government agencies require the hardware-based separation of data and transfer that diodes provide. Forcepoint’s Data Diode is a high-assurance security solution for one-directional data transfers, that ensures no data can flow from the other direction.

In the digital age, government agencies must be able to secure connections and isolate communications for multiple, sensitive networks.

Government organizations need to be able to move data from an unclassified network to a classified one with assurance that data never moves in the opposite direction.

U.S. federal “Raise the Bar” guidance mandates a move to hardware-based data separation when either the source or destination is a high-threat network, like the internet.

The Forcepoint Data Diode does more than just check the box, as it builds on Forcepoint’s decades of experience with cross-domain solutions in the government space.

This cost-effective solution integrates seamlessly with cross-domain technologies, ensuring one-way transfer traffic can also be deeply inspected at the content level.

(See how you can access and transfer sensitive data resident on multiple, separate networks to secure information sharing and mission success. Protect the human point with Forcepoint Cross Domain Solutions. Courtesy of Forcepoint and YouTube.)

With a diode, data is transmitted one way, much like an ATM offers one-way cash transfers. The customer doesn’t have access to the whole vault—just an authorized amount.

The Forcepoint Data Diode secures one-way transfer using a pitcher and catcher separated through a single strand of fiber. The air gap between networks ensures protocol break and protects the network from many protocol-level attacks.

It also ensures no data can travel back in the other direction. Forcepoint Data Diodes can also handle large amounts of data; support local log consolidation of standard operating syslog, binary auditing, and data transfer logging; and offer high throughput with minimal packet loss while transferring data across networks.

Put simply, it eliminates expensive and time-consuming manual data transfers while meeting stringent compliance and regulatory standards.

Data diodes are particularly useful for organizations that require data to be ingested into a higher sensitivity network while ensuring that there is minimal risk of data coming back out of that network.

For example, data can be securely transferred from an unclassified (e.g. NIPR) or High-Threat Network (HTN) to a Secret one, or from unclassified to Top Secret.

forcepoint SASE
Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) is a new approach to networking and security that reinvents these technologies as converged cloud services. It provides uniform connectivity and protection everywhere so that people can work anywhere.

Data can also be sent from a secured segment to external systems and users (e.g. the cloud, a remote monitoring facility, regulatory bodies) without any risk of creating an external threat vector.

This is a cybersecurity breakthrough for federal government agencies and system integrators, critical infrastructure, and regulated industries like oil and gas.

“When the average CISO is managing 50+ security products of loosely connected technologies, it’s clear the industry is challenged and needs to change,” added Rivelo.

“By uniting Bitglass and Forcepoint, we will be able to deliver the industry’s first integrated security platform that transforms and consolidates data security, network, web, and cloud security, threat protection, advanced monitoring, and zero trust control to make access to and usage of information more effective, more reliable and less complex.”

To Learn More about Forcepoint’s Data-first SASE, please visit https://www.forcepoint.com/use-case/sase-security.

forcepoint logo

Forcepoint’s behavior-based solutions adapt to risk in real-time and are delivered through a cloud-native SASE security platform that protects users, devices, and networks as people access the web and cloud.

Austin-based Forcepoint, prevents the theft or loss of sensitive data and intellectual property no matter where people are working, and eliminates breaches caused by insiders.

Forcepoint Named a Finalist in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards

In addition to your gourmet, plated meal, entree of choice, and signed copy of Bill Bratton’s New Book ‘The Profession’ - your 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon Registration includes Complimentary attendee access to ISC East, the leading event for the Northeast’s security and public safety community, the inaugural Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, and the ASIS NYC SECURITY CONFERENCE & EXPO on November 17th & 18th at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City.
In addition to your gourmet, plated meal, and your entree of choice, the first 100 registered attendees will receive a signed copy of Bill Bratton’s New Book ‘The Profession’. 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon Registration also includes Complimentary attendee access to ISC East, the leading event for the Northeast’s security and public safety community, the inaugural Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, and the ASIS NYC SECURITY CONFERENCE & EXPO on November 17th & 18th at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City.

Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1

American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administer, David Pekoske
David Pekoske, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Administer

American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator  David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 17, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.

“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.

“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”

The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions  and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI SystemsAttivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.

Additionally, the First 100 Registered Attendees to receive autographed copies of the Latest Book by Legendary Police Commissioner, Bill Bratton, who will be Live at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America’

The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon featured an impassioned and compelling keynote address by William (Bill) Bratton, former police commissioner of the NYPD twice, the BPD, and former chief of the LAPD, on the history of policing in America focused on the evolution of critical communication capabilities in our post 9/11 landscape.

The epic, transformative career of Bill Bratton, legendary police commissioner and police reformer, in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York When Bill Bratton became a Boston street cop after returning from serving in Vietnam, he was dismayed by the corrupt old guard, and it is fair to say the old guard was dismayed by him too.

The Profession presents not only a fascinating and colorful life at the heights of law enforcement leadership, but the vision for the future of American policing that we sorely need.

At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.

ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.

In collaboration with premier sponsor SIA (Security Industry Association) and in partnership with ASIS NYC, ISC East is proud to work with and be supported by various associations, trade publications, charities, and more.

Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.

The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators,  integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands. 

The 2019 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program surpassed expectations with a record number of nominations received from industry leaders and government agencies, and drew over 200 attendees to the ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Banquet – an exclusive gourmet luncheon and networking opportunity which filled to capacity, before having to turn away late registrants.

With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader’s wheelhouse!

With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader's wheelhouse! Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to both ISC East - and NDEM!
ISC East the leading event for the Northeast’s security and public safety community, and home of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Luncheon, is colocating with the inaugural Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo on November 17th & 18th at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City.

Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East, NDEM and the ASIS NYC Security Conference and Expo!

Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!

Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.

***Early Registration Discount Ends November 1. Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.

It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

  • For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

  • Provides named sources
  • Reported by more than one notable outlet
  • Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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