As we celebrate the start of a new year, I want to reflect a bit on 2021. It was an extraordinary time for all of us: it seemed like every day brought an unexpected news item, an unanticipated challenge, or a new warning that defenses were waning against evolving threats.
And while I could just as easily be referring to COVID-19, I’m actually talking about last year’s other pandemic: cyber attacks. Over the past year we’ve seen the rise of third-party exposures, multi-stage ransomware infections, and a host of other advanced persistent threats from shadowy adversaries around the world.
But we also saw some incredible advances in the fight against cybercrime, and people came together like never before. At ISA Cybersecurity, our outstanding team faced the challenges of the past year head on – I could not be more proud of the way our people have worked together to support, defend, educate, and connect with our customers. Here are just a few of our key achievements over the past year:
1. Security AI & Machine Learning Breakthrough Innovation
We brought in top-tier researchers to work on a groundbreaking AI and machine learning project. As a result, we enhanced our SIEM service technology to keep our customers even safer. Supported by our growing team and dedicated in-house R&D talent, this new tech will also contribute to threat intelligence and insight to the global fight against cybercrime.
2. New Cyber Management Consulting Practice (CMC)
We’ve assembled a team of world-renowned experts who bring decades of experience from working in some of the most complex environments in the private and public sectors, to provide solutions to your security, privacy, and data management challenges in today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape. This exciting new addition to our business has given us the versatility and depth to meet the needs of even the biggest and most complex enterprises.
3. Outstanding Customer Service
Our Cybersecurity Intelligence & Operations Centre (CIOC) team processed over half a trillion events for our customers through our SIEM SaaS solution. To manage this massive volume of information efficiently, we introduced nearly 80 new detection rules and support for over 20 new types of log sources to our already robust platform, giving our team unparalleled insight and fast response to potential threats to our customers.
4. Partnership Growth
Security is a team sport. We continuously collaborate with the security ecosystem and accelerate partnerships with best-of-breed providers to meet our customers’ needs and master emerging technology trends. A few examples include reaching Gold Partnership Levels in record time with IBM Security and SentinelOne, and co-developing Canada’s first email-security-as-a-service offering with Proofpoint. Furthermore, our Infinity Services community partnerships like Ingram Micro’s Trust X Alliance have scaled and brought our cybersecurity expertise within reach of small businesses.
5. Our Biggest Charity Contribution Ever!
In 2021, we raised $25,000 for Diabetes Canada at our annual Charity Golf Tournament. That’s 67% more than in 2020 – despite having a smaller event to ensure COVID-19 safety measures were followed. This money will help fund critical research and send kids with Diabetes to D-Camps. A very special thank you to our partner sponsors and customers – we couldn’t have done it without you!
I am sure 2022 will bring more challenges, but I am even more certain that we will be here to face them with you every step of the way. ISA Cybersecurity and our partners are here to help. We bring stability and predictability to you in these remarkable times.
I look forward to connecting with you as the new year unfolds. All the best for 2022!
Kevin Dawson, President & CEO of ISA Cybersecurity