The upcoming cloud system will provide an added layer of network and data handling security for companies working on national security and defense projects and collaborating through the Webex app. Credit: Cisco Building on its Webex product line, Cisco plans to deliver an air-gapped, cloud-based collaboration system for companies involved in US national security and defense work, extending the secure offerings the company already provides to industries that require collaboration tools with strong security measures to meet US government requirements. Beginning in 2024, the new Webex system — Air-Gapped Trusted Cloud — will provide an added layer of security for teams collaborating through the Webex App, Cisco said. An air gap is a security measure that involves isolating a computer or network and preventing it from establishing an external connection. For example, an air-gapped computer is unable to connect to the internet or any other communications networks so as to have complete security with the information that resides within it. Currently, the US government has an established approach to security assessment and authorization for cloud products and services for national security and defense. This includes air-gapped cloud deployments, which are isolated from public networks and operated on US soil by local staff with specific security clearances to handle sensitive data. With the upcoming system for air-gapped cloud deployments, Cisco says that the new Webex tools will meet the security standards required by US agencies involved in national security and defense without compromising user experience. “We have augmented our Webex collaboration solution with additional government-required security controls and operational capabilities so it can be deployed in a disconnected environment,” said Jeetu Patel, executive vice president and general manager for security and collaboration at Cisco. “This approach allows us to offer the modern experience to the National Security and Defense community.” Cisco commits to FedRAMP requirements In addition, Cisco has reaffirmed its commitment to providing on-premises solutions for top-secret collaboration — including calling, messaging, meetings, and file sharing — by bringing its enterprise-grade security in line with requirements set out by FedRAMP, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, which provides a standardized approach to security authorizations for cloud service offerings. The company also said that all fully compliant collaboration systems for government will take into account local regulations, compliance requirements and security controls for individual government communities. This product is built specifically for companies working on national security and defense projects to address their specific network and data handling requirements and therefore will not be available to customers outside this sector, Patel said, adding that defense contractors can choose to use it when working on government contracts that require the level of security provided by the product. “While this announcement is specific to national security and sefense, we’ll continue to innovate in developing fully compliant, customized collaboration solutions across all facets of government” a blog post announcing the news said. Related content news analysis AI chip shortages continue, but there may be an end in sight While GPUs are in high demand, they still need high-performance memory chips for AI apps. The market is tight for both — for now. By Lucas Mearian May 07, 2024 7 mins CPUs and Processors Generative AI Technology Industry feature Windows 11 Insider Previews: What’s in the latest build? Get the latest info on new preview builds of Windows 11 as they roll out to Windows Insiders. Now updated for Build 22635.3570 for the Beta Channel and Build 26120.461 for the Dev channel, both released on May 3, 2024. By Preston Gralla May 07, 2024 252 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Windows 11 news analysis 3+ reasons Apple might want to make its own server chips Apple reportedly has a top secret plan to make AI chips for servers to provide generative AI services. By Jonny Evans May 07, 2024 5 mins Apple CPUs and Processors Generative AI opinion GenAI is to data visibility what absolute zero is to a hot summer day Given the plethora of privacy rules already in place in Europe, how are companies with shiny, new, not-understood genAI tools supposed to comply? (Hint: they can’t.) By Evan Schuman May 06, 2024 6 mins Data Privacy GDPR Generative AI Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe