Tech News

Cisco Reimagines Security for Data Centers and Clouds in Era of AI

Published

1 year ago

April 18, 2024

News Summary:
Cisco powers and secures AI-scale data centers and clouds, safeguarding every application and device regardless of distribution or connectivity.

In today’s highly distributed landscape, the window from vulnerability to exploitation is shrinking rapidly.
Defending against this complex threat environment is beyond human scale.
Cisco Hypershield enables customers to deploy security wherever needed: in the cloud, data center, factory floor, or hospital imaging room.
With AI-native security, customers can autonomously segment networks, enjoy distributed and instant exploit protection without patches, and experience self-qualifying software upgrades with zero downtime.

News in Detail:
Cisco, the leader in security and networking, today unveiled a radically new approach to securing data centers and clouds in response to the increasing demands the AI revolution has put on IT infrastructure. Cisco is rearchitecting how we harness and protect AI and other modern workloads with industry-first, Cisco Hypershield. With this unprecedented innovation, Cisco is tipping the scales in favor of defenders, building on its recent announcements to accelerate AI infrastructure with Cisco’s ethernet switching, silicon and compute portfolio.

Cisco Hypershield protects applications, devices and data across public and private data centers, clouds and physical locations – anywhere customers need it. Designed and built with AI in mind from the start, Hypershield enables organizations to achieve security outcomes beyond what has been possible with humans alone.

“Cisco Hypershield is one of the most significant security innovations in our history,” said Chuck Robbins, Cisco Chair and CEO. “With our data advantage and strength in security, infrastructure and observability platforms, Cisco is uniquely positioned to help our customers harness the power of AI.”

Hypershield is a revolutionary new security architecture. It’s built with technology originally developed for hyperscale public clouds and is now available for enterprise IT teams of all sizes. More a fabric than a fence, Hypershield enables security enforcement to be placed everywhere it needs to be. Every application service in the datacenter. Every Kubernetes cluster in the public cloud. Every container and virtual machine (VM). It can even turn every network port into a high-performance security enforcement point, bringing completely new security capabilities not just to clouds, but to the data center, on a factory floor, or a hospital imaging room. This new technology blocks application exploits in minutes and stops lateral movement in its tracks.

“AI has the potential to empower the world’s 8 billion people to have the same impact as 80 billion. With this abundance, we must reimagine the role of the data center – how data centers are connected, secured, operated and scaled,” said Jeetu Patel, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Security and Collaboration at Cisco.

“The power of Cisco Hypershield is that it can put security anywhere you need it – in software, in a server, or in the future even in a network switch. When you have a distributed system that could include hundreds of thousands of enforcement points, simplified management is mission critical. And we need to be orders-of-magnitude more autonomous, at an orders-of-magnitude lower cost.”

Security enforcement with Hypershield happens at three different layers: in software, in virtual machines, and in network and compute servers and appliances, leveraging the same powerful hardware accelerators that are used extensively in high-performance computing and hyperscale public clouds.

Hypershield was built on three key pillars:

• AI-Native: Built and designed from the start to be autonomous and predictive, Hypershield manages itself once it earns trust, making a hyper-distributed approach at scale possible.
• Cloud-Native: Hypershield is built on open source eBPF, the default mechanism for connecting and protecting cloud-native workloads in the hyperscale cloud. Cisco acquired the leading provider of eBPF for enterprises, Isovalent, earlier this month.
• Hyper-Distributed: Cisco is completely reimagining how traditional network security works by embedding advanced security controls into servers and the network fabric itself. Hypershield spans all clouds and leverages hardware acceleration like Data Processing Units (DPU) to analyze and respond to anomalies in application and network behavior. It shifts security closer to the workloads that need protection.

Cisco, with its industry-leading expertise in networking, security and extensive partner ecosystem, together with NVIDIA, is committed to building and optimizing AI-native security solutions to protect and scale the data centers of tomorrow. This collaboration includes leveraging the NVIDIA Morpheus cybersecurity AI framework for accelerated network anomaly detection, as well as NVIDIA NIM microservices for powering custom security AI assistants for the enterprise. NVIDIA’s class of converged accelerators combine the power of GPU and DPU computing, to augment Cisco Hypershield with robust security from cloud to edge.

“Enterprises across all industries are seeking the security that can protect them against ever expanding cyber threats,” said Kevin Deierling, Senior Vice President of Networking at NVIDIA. “Together, Cisco and NVIDIA are leveraging the power of AI to deliver powerful, incredibly secure data center infrastructure that will enable enterprises to transform their businesses and benefit customers everywhere.”

As a revolutionary new security architecture, Hypershield is solving three key customer challenges in defending against today’s sophisticated threat landscape:

• Distributed Exploit Protection: Attackers are adept at weaponizing newly published vulnerabilities faster than defenders can patch. With defenders seeing nearly 100 new vulnerabilities every day, according to Cisco Talos Threat Intelligence, this can lead to catastrophic results. Hypershield delivers protection in minutes by automatically testing and deploying compensating controls into the distributed fabric of enforcement points.
• Autonomous Segmentation: Once an attacker is in the network, segmentation is key to stopping their lateral movement. Hypershield perpetually observes, auto-reasons and re-evaluates existing policies to autonomously segment the network, solving this in large and complex environments.
• Self-qualifying Upgrades: Hypershield automates the incredibly laborious and time-consuming process of testing and deploying upgrades once they are ready, leveraging a dual data plane. This completely new software architecture allows software upgrades and policy changes to be placed in a digital twin that tests updates using the customer’s unique combination of traffic, policies and features, then applying those updates with zero downtime.

Built into the Security Cloud, Cisco’s unified, AI-driven, cross-domain security platform, Cisco Hypershield is expected to be Generally Available in August 2024. With Cisco’s recent acquisition of Splunk, customers will gain unparalleled visibility and insights across their entire digital footprint for unprecedented security protection.

“AI is not just a force for good but also a tool used for nefarious purposes, allowing hackers to reverse engineer patches and create exploits in record time. Cisco looks to address an AI enabled problem with an AI solution as Cisco Hypershield aims to tip the scales back in favor of the defender by shielding new vulnerabilities against exploit in minutes – rather than the days, weeks or even months as we wait for patches to actually get deployed,” said Frank Dickson, Group Vice President, Security & Trust at IDC. “With the number of vulnerabilities ever increasing and the time for attackers to exploit them at scale ever decreasing, it’s clear that patching alone can’t keep up. Tools like Hypershield are necessary to combat an increasingly clever malicious cyber adversary.”

“Cisco Hypershield takes aim at the complex security challenges of modern, AI-scale data centers. Cisco’s vision of a self-managing fabric that seamlessly integrates from the network to the endpoint will help redefine what’s possible for security at scale,” said Zeus Kerravala, Founder and Principal Analyst of ZK Research. “For instance, this level of visibility and control across a hyper-distributed environment prevents lateral movement of attackers, enabled through a unique approach to segmentation that’s autonomous and highly effective. While this may seem fantastical, the time is right given recent AI advances combined with the maturity of cloud-native technologies like eBPF.”

“At AHEAD we believe cybersecurity should be integrated into everything we do. Bolted-on security is more expensive and less effective,” said Steven Aiello, Field Chief Information Security Officer at AHEAD. “Cisco Hypershield ensures that cyber protections are included into the fabric of the enterprise. Distributed Exploit Protection will be a massive win for blue teams – legacy synthetic patching was primarily limited to edge devices, allowing lateral movement once an attacker breached the perimeter. It’s a great day for cyber-defenders!”

Tech News

Lexar MEA expansion: 5,000+ retail stores

Published

3 days ago

September 9, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Lexar MEA expansion has hit a major milestone: the brand’s products are now available in over 5,000 retail stores across the Middle East and Africa. Moreover, the footprint reflects a fivefold increase in outlets carrying Lexar-branded solutions. With GITEX Global 2025 approaching, Lexar will showcase its latest memory and storage innovations for photographers, gamers, and content creators.

Lexar MEA expansion: momentum built with partners

At the core, growth comes from “The Lexar Way.” Specifically, the company co-builds the channel through training, consumer engagement, and incentive programs—so partners can move faster and serve customers better. Consequently, retailers gain the resources and product knowledge to match users with the right cards, readers, SSDs, and DRAM. In turn, this partner-first model has underpinned demand over the past three years.

“For nearly 30 years, Lexar has been empowering the world with memory innovations,” said Fissal Oubida, General Manager – Middle East, Africa & India. “Ultimately, our rapid growth in the region reflects rising demand for reliable memory solutions and the strength of our retail partnerships. Therefore, expanding our footprint demonstrates a long-term commitment to a market that’s become a hub for imaging innovation and creativity.”

Lexar MEA expansion at GITEX: what creators and gamers will see

At GITEX Global 2025 (Hall 1, Stand H1-25), Lexar plans to spotlight professional-grade memory cards, high-speed card readers, portable SSDs, and performance DRAM—solutions tuned for regional workflows. For creators, that means faster offloads, smoother edits, and simpler backup routines. For gamers, it means quicker load times and more responsive systems with NVMe upgrades and reliable storage tiers. Additionally, visitors can expect hands-on demos and guidance on selecting media for mirrorless bodies, cinema cameras, and gaming rigs. Notably, the team will translate specs into practical choices for real-world use.

Partner enablement that scales across MEA

To keep pace with demand, Lexar runs channel seminars and roadshows across the region. During these sessions, product details become clear use cases—from 4K/8K capture on CFexpress to hybrid creator–gamer setups. Furthermore, the company invests in localized education so floor staff can explain speed classes, endurance ratings, thermal behavior, and backup best practices. As a result, customers leave with the right media for their device and workload.

“Going forward, Lexar will continue to consolidate its regional presence,” added Oubida. “In fact, GITEX is an ideal platform to extend collaborations, strengthen local partnerships, and introduce new offerings tailored to MEA consumers.”

Why the Lexar MEA expansion footprint matters for end users

Availability matters. Because the retail network is broader, buyers can compare products in person, ask questions, and walk out with the right kit the same day. Moreover, consistent access improves creator and gamer confidence—especially when tight deadlines depend on fast cards and dependable SSDs. In practical terms, the 5,000-store milestone shortens the path from idea to delivery. Likewise, it supports regional growth in content creation, esports, and professional imaging.

Looking ahead

Expect continued product rollouts and deeper collaboration with resellers. Next, the roadmap includes more education-first initiatives, clearer in-store guidance, and expanded after-sales support. Ultimately, photographers, videographers, streamers, and gamers will gain a simpler, more reliable way to upgrade daily tools. In summary, Lexar’s partner model and retail reach position the brand to scale with MEA’s demand.

Bottom line

The Lexar MEA expansion is about reach, relevance, and reliability. With 5,000+ stores and a strong showing planned for GITEX Global 2025, the company is doubling down on creators and gamers across the Middle East and Africa—therefore bringing pro-grade memory and storage closer to where people work and play.

Check Out Our Previous Post on RTX 50 student laptops: AI tools for school

Tech News

GeForce RTX 50 laptops: AI tools for students

Published

3 days ago

September 9, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Back-to-school shopping just got easier. RTX 50 student laptops bring AI acceleration, cutting-edge graphics, and efficient mobility together in one device—so students can learn, create, and unwind without compromise. With RTX 50 student laptops, you cover lectures, labs, content projects, and gaming in a single, reliable setup.

RTX 50 student laptops built for class, labs, and late nights

Performance is the starting point. The latest RTX 50 Series pairs fast CPUs with next-gen GeForce RTX GPUs, so multitasking feels snappy even with dozens of tabs, a video call, and a code compile running. Moreover, power efficiency matters. Designs are slimmer and lighter, with up to 40% longer battery life versus prior generations, which helps you move from lecture to library without the charger hunt.

AI tools that actually save time

Students don’t just need raw speed; they need smart speed. Out of the box, RTX 50 laptops tap a suite of AI-powered tools that accelerate common tasks:

NVIDIA Broadcast cleans background noise and improves webcam presence for remote classes.
RTX Video enhances streamed lectures and tutorials.
NVIDIA NIM and ChatRTX help with local, private AI experiments and quick research summaries.

Additionally, NVIDIA Studio Drivers prioritize stability in creative apps. That means fewer crashes and faster renders when you’re editing 4K video, polishing photos, or building motion graphics for class.

Create by day, game by night

When the homework is done, gaming can finally begin. DLSS 4 boosts frame rates while keeping visuals crisp, and NVIDIA Reflex lowers system latency for faster reactions in competitive titles. Meanwhile, Game Ready Drivers tune performance for new releases on day one. In practice, you get a smooth, consistent experience without manual tweaking.

Study setup that travels well

Because students bounce between classrooms, dorms, and cafés, portability counts. RTX 50 systems ship in slim, lightweight designs with bright displays and comfortable keyboards. Bluetooth calling and headset support make group work easy, while modern Wi-Fi keeps collaboration tools responsive. Crucially, battery life remains strong even when you split time between note-taking, editing, and light gaming.

Why it’s the right platform for students

Choosing one laptop to do it all can feel risky. However, this platform covers the key use cases:

STEM and design: GPU acceleration speeds simulations, CAD previews, and data-viz.
Content creation: AI features shorten edit time, so projects hit deadlines.
Hybrid learning: noise removal, video enhancement, and stable drivers improve remote sessions.
Leisure: DLSS 4 and Reflex keep games fluid without sacrificing study time.

As Chantelle Tavid, Head of Marketing for MENAT and CIS at NVIDIA, notes, students need more than specs; they need devices that support creativity, collaboration, and play—in one reliable package.

Availability

GeForce RTX 50 laptops are available now at leading retailers across the region. Configurations vary by brand and model, so students can match performance, portability, and budget to their course load.

Bottom line

For campus life in 2025, one device should be enough. GeForce RTX 50 laptops blend AI tools, efficient performance, and great graphics to handle school, projects, and downtime—without juggling multiple machines. Pick the form factor you like, install your study stack, and get moving.

Check Out Our Previous Post on CMF Watch 3 Pro: a smarter, bolder everyday smartwatch

Tech News

CMF Watch 3 Pro: a smarter, bolder everyday smartwatch

Published

1 week ago

September 3, 2025

Integrator Web-Editor

Meet the CMF Watch 3 Pro: a cheerful shot of motivation with smart coaching, sharper tracking, and a look that pops. Built for everyday movers and casual fitness explorers, it helps you train, recover, and express your style—without the price or complexity that slows people down.

Why CMF Watch 3 Pro stands out

First, it tracks your world with a new dual-band five-system GPS for faster lock-on and improved route accuracy compared to the Watch Pro 2. You’ll feel the upgrade on busy streets and open trails alike. Plus, 131 sports modes keep variety fresh, while a personalized running coach builds and adapts plans to your level. Then, a four-channel heart-rate sensor enhances accuracy across various skin tones and intensities, making the data more trustworthy. With Active Score (powered by MET data), you get a simple weekly snapshot that nudges you to keep moving.

Deeper insight, smarter recovery

After each session, AI-powered summaries break down training load, recovery time, and even 5K/10K predictions. Forgot to press start? No drama. The watch auto-detects seven core activities to capture effort anyway. Meanwhile, day-to-day wellness stays front and center: SpO₂, stress tracking, guided breathing, hydration nudges, inactivity reminders, sleep, and women’s health support round out a fuller picture of you.

Your on-wrist assistant

Because life doesn’t pause, Watch 3 Pro brings ChatGPT integration for quick answers, reminders, and ideas via natural-language voice prompts. You also get a voice recorder with auto-transcription for notes on the move and an Essential News digest tailored to your interests. And yes, Bluetooth calling, gesture shortcuts, and 140-character quick replies keep things effortless. An additional microphone improves call pickup, so conversations sound clearer.

Design that says “you”

Style still matters. The precision-milled metal body pairs with soft-touch silicone straps in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange. A vibrant 1.43-inch AMOLED with ultra-thin bezels delivers an Always-On Display and a 10% higher screen-to-body ratio than Watch Pro 2. Moreover, 120+ watch faces—including video, photo, and AI-generated options via Watch Face Studio—let you switch moods in seconds. Add full-screen or mini widgets for fitness, weather, music, or reminders, and make it truly yours.

Built for real life

The watch is IP68-rated for dust and water resistance, so it handles sweat, rain, and everyday spills. Battery life shines too: expect up to 13 days with typical use, around 11 days with heavier tracking, and about 4.5 days with Always-On enabled. A full charge takes ~99 minutes. Meanwhile, improved motion monitoring and a 6-axis accelerometer (a 50% boost over Watch Pro 2) make indoor workouts feel just as precise as outdoor ones.

Nothing X: one app to rule them all

All CMF watches are transitioning to the Nothing X app, which adds a cleaner UI, steadier syncing, and smarter health tools. Even better, you can connect activity data to Strava, Apple Health, and Google Health Connect. Manage your watch and audio in one place and keep the routine simple.

Price and availability

CMF Watch 3 Pro arrives in the UAE and KSA at AED/SAR 369. You’ll find it at key retail partners across both markets, including leading e-commerce sites, electronics chains, and carrier stores. Open sales begin soon; final dates are TBC.

Bottom line

CMF Watch 3 Pro makes moving feel easy—and fun. You get AI coaching, accurate tracking, and playful personalization at a friendly price. Choose a color, set a goal, and let tiny wins add up. Then go again tomorrow.

Check out our previous post, Ai Everything MEA 2026 debuts in Cairo