In a strategic move that underscores the critical intersection of AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise networking, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE: HPE) has announced a significant expansion of its security-first, AI-powered networking portfolio. This development, centered around the HPE Aruba Networking Central platform, introduces advanced network detection and response (NDR) capabilities and extends zero trust network access (ZTNA) to campus-based local area networks. This is a smart move and a pivotal step in addressing the evolving challenges of enterprise network security.
AI-Powered Network Detection and Response
The cornerstone of this announcement is the introduction of behavioral analytics-based network detection and response (NDR)capabilities. NDR solutions, which monitor both north-south traffic as well as east-west traffic, are the key to detecting anomalies and/or intrusions both at the network perimeter (north-south), as well as lateral movement within the network (east-west). By leveraging the vast telemetry data available in HPE Aruba Networking Central’s data lake, HPE is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven security solutions. This approach is particularly crucial in the context of IoT devices, which are often vulnerable points in enterprise networks and AI assets throughout the enterprise, which are also becoming alluring attack targets.
The use of AI models to monitor and detect unusual activity in IoT devices is a game-changer. It allows for real-time threat detection and response, potentially mitigating risks before they escalate into full-blown security incidents. With the rapid proliferation of IoT devices, there are infinitely more endpoints than ever before, which presents a massive observability challenge for security teams.
These devices are a common entry point into networks for threat actors and in many cases, fairly easy to exploit. To illustrate the attractiveness of endpoints to threat actors, Zscaler ThreatLabz’ recently released 2024 Ransomware Report identified manufacturing and healthcare as two of the most highly targeted sectors for ransomware — which just happen to be two sectors rife with endpoints. The manufacturing sector is the most targeted sector overall, with more than double the attacks of any other industry. It’s no wonder these are attractive targets for cybercriminals.
This proactive stance is essential in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, where traditional, reactive security measures are often insufficient. Moreover, as IoT devices increasingly play a role in supporting mission-critical business processes and in training and activating Generative AI models, the need for robust security measures becomes even more critical.
HPE Extends Zero Trust to Campus Networks
HPE’s enhancement of its cloud-based universal ZTNA approach to include campus-based local area networks is a significant step toward comprehensive security coverage. This new local edge capability brings the same access control policies defined for the cloud directly to campuses and data centers, ensuring consistent security enforcement regardless of a user’s location or connection method.
This move reflects the reality of modern enterprise environments, where the boundaries between cloud and on-premises infrastructure are increasingly blurred. HPE’s goal here is to help reduce complexity and overlap by giving customers the ability to leverage a single access control policy for application resources, whether they are on-prem or off.
Enhanced Threat Response and Policy Management
To accelerate threat response, HPE Aruba Networking Central now combines attack detection with new policy recommendations. This feature aims to protect against threats by intercepting potential attacks. Importantly, teams can preview changes to their security policies before implementation, ensuring that new security measures won’t disrupt network operations.
This approach to policy management and enforcement demonstrates HPE’s understanding of the delicate balance between security and operational efficiency – a crucial consideration for enterprise IT teams.
HPE’s Focus on Cloud-Native Management and Automation
HPE’s focus on cloud-based solutions and automation is both strategic and timely, aligning nicely with the broader industry trend toward more agile, scalable, and easily manageable network infrastructures. The centralized management through HPE Aruba Networking Central suggests that HPE is working toward a more unified and streamlined management experience — which is sure to be a hit with customers seeking fewer silos and less complexity.
Market Implications and Future Outlook
HPE’s latest announcements position the company strongly in the competitive landscape of enterprise networking solutions. By focusing on AI-driven security, zero trust architectures, and comprehensive policy management, HPE is addressing some of the most pressing concerns of modern enterprises.
Conclusion
HPE’s latest additions to its networking portfolio represent a significant advancement in AI-powered network security and management. By combining advanced NDR capabilities, extended ZTNA, and intelligent policy management, HPE is offering a solution that addresses many of the key challenges facing enterprise networks today.
I see this as a strong move and one that could potentially reshape the competitive landscape in enterprise networking. It’s also worth noting that HPE Aruba Networking was recently recognized at the RSA Conference 2024 as one of the “Coolest Cybersecurity Products,” further validating HPE’s innovative approach.
However, the true test will be in the implementation and real-world performance of these solutions. If HPE can deliver on the promise of these technologies, it could significantly strengthen its position in the enterprise networking market, particularly as organizations grapple with the security implications of widespread AI adoption and IoT proliferation.
Other HPE related coverage:
HPE and Juniper Networks and a $14B Price Tag: Smart Move or Not So Much?
HPE Juniper Highlights the Trend of Network Vendor Consolidation
