NEC NZ elevated to gold status in Palo Alto Networks channel program

NEC New Zealand's move into emerging practices including cybersecurity has seen it garner Palo Alto Networks NextWave gold partner status.

David Tse, NEC New Zealand director of sales and marketing, says while the company is known locally for its work in telecommunications, it has been investing in new partnerships and expertise in a push into new markets.

"It's fantastic to see our investment in security engineering pay quick dividends with our elevation to gold status in the Palo Alto Networks NextWave channel partner program," Tse says.

As a gold partner, NEC New Zealand has access to additional technology, tools and training and resources to help customers prevent successful cyberattacks.

The elevated status comes on the back of continued investment in NEC's local ICT practice alongside growing involvement in smart cities and public safety.

However, Tse says the battle against cyber crime hasn't progressed as many had hoped.

"Like drugs in sport, the bad guys always seem to be one or two steps ahead," he says.

"For all the technology and progress, already in 2017 we've witnessed the largest and fastest growing malware in history – the WannaCry ransom attack.

He says the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Security Platform re-postures security formations automatically, 'outflanking' the bad guys with a brain and machine learning 'far beyond the comprehension of most humans'.

Dave Rosenberg, managing director at Palo Alto Networks' distributor Westcon-Comstor New Zealand, says "We are really pleased to see NEC elevated to gold partner status in the Palo Alt Networks NextWave Program, a result of continued investment and focus.