Palo Alto Networks launches cybersecurity consulting group

Palo Alto Networks is setting up a new cybersecurity consulting group to help enterprises respond to emerging threats as they navigate an increase in costly, crippling cyber attacks.

“Our increasing reliance on technology has turned cybersecurity into an existential matter,” said Wendi Whitmore, Senior Vice President of Cyber Consulting and Threat Intelligence at Palo Alto Networks.

The newly expanded Unit 42 combines formerly Crypsis security consultants, who respond to 1300+ incidents a year, with the company’s Unit 42 threat research team, which has been fighting emerging cyber threats since 2014.

Together, they will help organisations tackle the most complex cyber threats — from ransomware to state-sponsored espionage.

The group will also expand incident response services to more countries in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

“The evolving threat landscape has made it imperative for organisations to have access to up-to-date threat intelligence on emerging threats, as well as support from experts with deep experience responding to breaches,” said Chris Kissel, Research Director, Security & Trust Products at IDC.

The newly expanded Unit 42 will continue to build on what is already one of the world's most respected brands in cybersecurity. Since it was founded in 2014, Unit 42 has produced more than 650 reports and regularly partners with governments around the globe to fight cybercrime. The group was named as a nod to the number 42 in comedic science-fiction novel The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy because it focuses on providing the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything — for cyber threats.

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