November 16, 2023
5m read
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the line between the defenders and attackers often blurs, with skills transferable across both arenas. It’s a narrative not...
November 16, 2023
5m read
From Shadow to Guardian: The Journey of a Hacker-Turned Hero In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, the line between the defenders and attackers often blurs, with skills transferable across both arenas. It’s a narrative not unfamiliar to many in the cybersecurity community: the journey from black hat to white hat, from outlaw to protector.
In the 15th episode of Cato Networks’ Cyber Security Master Class, hosted by Etay Maor, Senior Director of Security Strategy, we had the privilege of witnessing such a transformative story unfold.
Hector Monsegur, once known in the darker corners of the internet, shared his gripping journey of becoming one of the good guys – a white hat hacker. Monsegur is a former Lulzsec hacker group leader Sabu and currently serves as director of research at Alacrinet.
His story is not just one of redemption but is a beacon of invaluable insights into the complex cybersecurity landscape.
The Allure of the Abyss
Monsegur’s tale began in the abyss, the place where many black hat hackers find a home. Drawn by the allure of challenge and the thrill of breaking into seemingly impregnable systems, Monsegur recounted his early days of cyber mischief. Like many others in his position, it wasn’t greed or malice that fueled his journey; it was curiosity and the quest for recognition in a community that celebrates technical prowess.
However, as he emphasized in his conversation with Maor, the actions of black hat hackers have real-world consequences. They affect lives, destroy businesses, and even threaten national security. It was this realization, alongside consequential run-ins with the law, that marked the turning point in Monsegur’s life.
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Crossing the Chasm
The transition from black hat to white hat is more than just a title change – it’s a complete ideological shift. For Monsegur, the journey was fraught with challenges. Rebuilding trust was one of the significant hurdles he had to overcome. He had to prove his skills could be used for good, to defend and protect, rather than to disrupt and damage.
It was through this difficult transition that Monsegur highlighted the importance of opportunity. Many black hats lack the channel to pivot their skills into a legal and more constructive cybersecurity career. Monsegur’s case was different. He was presented with a chance to help government agencies fend off the kind of attacks he once might have initiated, turning his life around and setting a precedent for other reformed hackers.
A Valuable Perspective
One of the most compelling takeaways from the interview was the unique perspective that former black hats bring to the table. Having been on the other side, Monsegur understands the mindsets and tactics of cyber attackers intrinsically. This insider knowledge is invaluable in anticipating and mitigating attacks before they happen.
In his white hat role, Monsegur has been instrumental in helping organizations understand and fortify their cyber defenses. His approach goes beyond traditional methods – it’s proactive, driven by an intimate knowledge of how black hat hackers operate.
The White Hat Ethos
Becoming a white hat hacker is not merely a career change; it is an ethos, a commitment to using one’s skills for the greater good. Monsegur emphasized the satisfaction derived from protecting people and institutions from the threats he once posed. This fulfillment, according to him, surpasses any thrill that black hat hacking ever offered.
In his dialogue with Maor, Monsegur didn’t shy away from addressing the controversial aspects of his past. Instead, he leveraged his experiences to educate and warn of the dangers lurking in the cyber shadows. He expressed a desire to guide those walking a similar path to his past, steering them towards using their talents constructively.
Fostering Redemption in Cybersecurity
The cybersecurity community, Monsegur believes, has a role to play in fostering redemption. He advocates for the creation of paths for black hats to reform and join the ranks of cybersecurity professionals. By providing education, mentorship, and employment opportunities, the community cannot only help rehabilitate individuals but also strengthen its defenses with their unique skill sets.
Monsegur’s story serves as a powerful reminder that the road to redemption is possible. It emphasizes that when directed positively, the skills that once challenged the system can become its greatest shield.
Closing Thoughts
As the interview ended, the overarching message was clear: transformation is possible, and it can lead to powerful outcomes for both the individual and the broader cybersecurity ecosystem. Hector Monsegur’s journey from black hat to white hat hacker is not just a personal victory but a collective gain for the community seeking to safeguard our digital world.
Through stories like Monsegur’s, we find hope and a reminder that within every challenge lies the potential for growth and change. It is up to us, the cybersecurity community, to embrace this potential and transform it into a force for good.
January 2023, Frank Rauch took on the pivotal role of Global Channel Chief at Cato Networks. This appointment marked a significant moment in Cato’s ongoing...
Frank Rauch Discusses the Impact Partners Have on Cato’s Success January 2023, Frank Rauch took on the pivotal role of Global Channel Chief at Cato Networks. This appointment marked a significant moment in Cato’s ongoing commitment to its global channel partner program. To shed light on the program’s value and its role in Cato’s success, we sat down with Frank and asked him to share his assessment after nine months on the job.
Q. Frank, can you explain how Cato Networks’ channel partner program aligns with Cato’s “Channel-First Company”, and how does this benefit Cato’s bottom line?
A. Our commitment to being a “Channel-First Company” means that our channel partners are at the forefront of our growth strategy. Our partner program is designed to empower our partners with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed. This alignment not only strengthens our relationships with partners but also ensures that they have the necessary resources to drive customer success. By fostering a robust partner ecosystem, we expand our market research and, in turn, boost our Partner’s profitability and Cato’s growth.
Q2. In a recent CRN story, Cato Networks was praised for its unique approach to SASE. How does the channel partner program contribute to this distinctiveness, and what advantages does it provide to partners?
A2. Cato’s unique approach to SASE is underpinned by our commitment to simplicity, security, and agility. Our channel partner program plays a vital role in this by equipping partners with our groundbreaking technology and enabling them to deliver exceptional value to their customers. Partners benefit from differentiated offerings, streamlined sales processes, and competitive incentives and unprecedented customer value allowing them to stand out in the market.
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Q3. Cato Networks has been recognized for its innovative Cato SASE Cloud platform. How does the channel partner program support partners in selling SASE Cloud solutions and ensuring their customers’ network security?
A3. SASE is the future of networking and security, and our channel partners are at the forefront of this transformation, enjoying an early adopter advantage. Our program offers extensive training, certification, and access to our SASE platform, enabling partners to deliver comprehensive security and networking solutions to their customers. This approach not only ensures our partners’ success but also reinforces Cato’s position as a leader in the SASE market.
Q4. In a Channel Futures story, you mentioned the importance of partner enablement. Can you elaborate on how Cato Networks empowers its channel partners to succeed and the impact it has on Cato’s global growth?
A4. Partner enablement is at the core of our strategy. We provide partners with continuous training, technical resources, and marketing support focused on the buyer's journey and customer success. This enables them to serve as trusted advisors to their customers and positions Cato Networks as the go-to provider for secure, global SASE Cloud solutions. As our partners succeed, so does Cato, driving our global growth.
Q5. Cato Networks has established partnerships with some of the highest growth-managed service providers. How does the channel partner program facilitate collaboration with these key partners, and what advantages does it bring to both Cato and its MSP partners?
A5. Partnering with managed service providers is a strategic move for Cato Networks. Our channel partner program is designed to foster strong collaboration with MSPs, providing them with the tools and resources to seamlessly integrate our secure, global Cato SASE Cloud solutions. This collaboration enables us to reach a wider audience and deliver businesses comprehensive networking and security services. For Cato, it strengthens our position in the market as a trusted technology partner, while MSPs benefit from a powerful platform to offer enhanced services to their customers, ultimately driving mutual growth and success. The timing could not be better with customers focusing on security, networking, and resilience in an extremely complex market with more than four million security jobs open worldwide.
Q6. Lastly, Frank, can you provide some insights into what the future holds for Cato Networks’ channel partner program and its role in Cato’s ongoing success?
A6. The future is bright for our channel partner program. We will continue to invest in our partners’ success, expanding our portfolio and refining our support mechanisms. We see our partners as an extension of the Cato family, and their profitable growth is inherently tied to ours. Together, we will continue to redefine networking and security through SASE while reinforcing Cato’s position as a “Channel-First Company” dedicated to empowering partners and delivering exceptional results.
In conclusion, Frank’s perspective on Cato Networks’ global channel partner program highlights its critical role in Cato’s success as a “Channel-First Company.” By equipping partners with the tools they need to excel, Cato not only strengthens its relationships with partners but also expands its market research and continues to innovate in the SASE market. Cato Networks’ commitment to its channel partners is a testament to its dedication to providing top-tier networking and security solutions via SASE to businesses worldwide.
In the fast-paced world of auto racing, where technology and precision come together in a symphony of speed, Cato Networks made its mark as the...
Cato Networks Powers Ahead: Fuels Innovation with TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team In the fast-paced world of auto racing, where technology and precision come together in a symphony of speed, Cato Networks made its mark as the official SASE sponsor of the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team. As the engines quietly ran and tires screeched at the 2023 Southwire Portland E-Prix, held at the iconic Portland International Raceway in June, Cato Networks proudly stood alongside the cutting-edge world of electric racing, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration.
Formula E racing isn’t just about speed; it’s a captivating blend of advanced technology, sustainable energy, and thrilling competition that resonates with racing enthusiasts worldwide including myself and more than 20 Catonians as we hosted our customers, partners, and journalists in Portland, Oregon. Maury Brown of Forbes eloquently captures its essence stating, “Formula E racing represents the marriage of high-performance motorsports and sustainable energy solutions, all on a global stage.” It’s a spectacle that goes beyond the racetrack, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.” It’s a spectacle that goes beyond the racetrack, showcasing the potential of electric vehicles and their role in shaping a more sustainable future.
Writing for Axios Portland, Meira Gebel emphasizes the profound impact of Formula E racing on the local communities that host these events. Her story highlights how the racing series sparks innovation and inspires environmental consciousness. The 2023 Southwire E-Prix in Portland, Oregon, perfectly encapsulates these ideals, with its picturesque backdrop and its commitment to showcasing the potential of electric racing in a city known for its green initiatives.
At the heart of this electrifying journey is Cato Networks, a company that is redefining networking and security with its Cato SASE Cloud platform. Just as Formula E racing pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, Cato Networks is revolutionizing the way businesses approach networking and security. By partnering with the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, Cato Networks is aligning its commitment to innovation and performance with the excitement and dynamism of Formula E racing.
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Florian Modlinger, Director of Factory Motorsport Formula E at Porsche, underscores the significance of Cato Networks’ involvement: “We are thrilled to have Cato Networks as our official SAES sponsor. Just as our team constantly strives for excellence on the racetrack, Cato Networks is dedicated to delivering exceptional networking and security solutions. Together, we embody the spirit of forward-thinking, high-performance teamwork.”
The 2023 Southwire Portland E-Prix was a true testament to this partnership, where TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team, powered by the Cato SASE Cloud, demonstrated their prowess on the racetrack. As electric cars whizzed by, fueled by renewable energy, they visually represented the fusion between technology, speed, and sustainability.
For Cato Networks, the sponsorship of TAG Heuer Porsche Motorsport Formula ETeam goes beyond just the racetrack. It symbolizes the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and fostering a collaborative spirit. As the race cars accelerated down the Portland International Raceway, Cato Networks’ presence was a reminder that the world of business networking and security is also hurtling into a future defined by agility, efficiency, and adaptability.
In an era where sustainability and technological advancement are at the forefront of global conversations, Cato Networks’ role as the official SASE sponsor for the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E team is a testimony to the company’s vision. Just as Formula E racing fans cheer for their favorite teams, supporters of Cato Networks can celebrate a partnership that embodies progress and transformation.
As the engines quieted down after the exhilarating 2023 Southwire Portland E-Prix, the echoes of innovation and collaboration lingered in the air. Cato Networks’ TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team sponsorship left an indelible mark on the racing world and beyond. In the words of Maury Brown, “Formula E isn’t just a motorsport series; it’s a showcase for a more sustainable and connected future.” With Cato Networks driving change on and off the racetrack, the journey toward that future is more electrifying than ever.
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, enterprises are constantly seeking the most effective solutions to secure their networks and data. GigaOm’s Radar Report for Secure...
Cato SASE Cloud: A Two-Time Leader and Outperformer in GigaOm’s Radar Report for Secure Service Access In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, enterprises are constantly seeking the most effective solutions to secure their networks and data. GigaOm’s Radar Report for Secure Service Access, GigaOm’s term for SASE, provides a comprehensive look at the industry, and for the second consecutive year, names Cato Networks a “Leader” and “Outperformer.” The recognition points to Cato’s continuous commitment to innovation and improvement.
Cato’s Continued Success and Improvements
GigaOm Radar report is a forward look at the technology of a product looking. Vendor offerings are plotted on multiple axes based on strategy (Feature Play vs. Platform Play) and execution (Maturity vs. Innovation). The ideal solution would be in the middle of the radar.
This year, Cato’s ranking in GigaOm’s Radar came closest to that ideal position among 22 other companies. This placement stemmed from improvements in many areas. We improved our ranking in three deployment models from a year ago: multicloud, edge cloud, and hybrid cloud.
In emerging technologies, Cato upgraded our ranking in the edge and open platforms and vendor support. We elevated our ranking for digital experience monitoring and management in the key criteria category. We also improved our security capabilities rating for detection and response from a year ago.
Finally, we also expanded our global PoP presence, strengthening our ability to deliver our security stack and optimized, low-latency network performance to users across the world. This expansion ensures that enterprises can enjoy a seamless and secure network experience regardless of their users’ locations.
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GigaOm Sees Cato as an “Exceptional” “Leader”
The GigaOm Radar report found Cato SASE Cloud to be one of the few SSA platforms capable of addressing the networking and security needs of the complete market -- large enterprises, MSPs, NSPs, and SMBs.
Cato SASE Cloud was also the only “Leader” ranked "Exceptional" across all evaluation metrics. These are measurements that provide insight into the impact of each product’s features and capabilities on the organization, reflecting fundamental aspects including client support, ecosystem support, and total cost of ownership. More specifically, Cato SASE Cloud was ranked “Exceptional” in its:
Flexibility
Interoperability
Performance
Redundancy
Visibility, Monitoring, and Auditing
Vendor Support
Pricing and TCO
Vision and Roadmap
GigaOm also cited Cato for a near-perfect score in nine core networking and network-based security capabilities comprising SSA solutions: CASB, DNS Security, SWG, SD-WAN, ZTNA, NDR, XDR, FWaaS, and SSAaaS. As the report put it,
“Developed in-house from the ground up, Cato SASE cloud connects all enterprise network resources—including branch locations, cloud, physical data centers, and the hybrid workforce—within a secure, cloud-native service. Delivering low latency and predictable performance via a global private backbone, Cato SASE cloud optimizes on-premises and cloud connectivity, enabling secure remote access via client and clientless options. In addition, Cato SASE cloud's single-pass, cloud-native security engine enforces granular corporate access policies across all on-premises and cloud-based applications, protecting users again security breaches and threats."
For detailed summaries and in-depth analysis of the SSA/SASE market players, download and read the GigaOm SSA report from here.
