Cato Networks – The futuristic Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) and Cloud-based Network Security Solutions provider

Cato Networks – The futuristic Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) and Cloud-based Network Security Solutions provider

Cato Networks is rethinking networking and security from the ground up and into the Cloud. They have developed an innovative Network+Security as a Service (NSaaS) platform which is changing the way networking and security is delivered and managed for the Cloud-Centric and mobile-first enterprise. Cato Networks offers revolutionary SD-WAN solutions with integrated network security, deployed as a cloud service. Cato delivers an integrated networking and security platform that securely connects all enterprise locations, people and data.

Founded by Network Security Visionaries

Cato Networks was founded by cyber security pioneers Shlomo Kramer and Gur Shatz in Feb 2015 and is based out of Tel Aviv, Israel. Cato Networks provides managed SD-WAN services along with comprehensive network security solutions for the mobile, distributed and cloud-enabled enterprises. Shlomo Kramer is best known for introducing the first firewall to the market through Check Point Software which he co-founded in 1993. He also takes the pride of introducing the first Web Application Firewall (WAF) to the market as a co-founder and CEO of Imperva. Gur Shatz was the co-founder of cloud-based application delivery platform Incapsula which also offers DDoS protection services. He also engineered the Imperva SecureSphere platform. Since the founders have a strong background in both Cloud security and Networking, they have come up with a revolutionary idea of providing network security as a service to global enterprises.

Secure and Optimized Cloud-based SD-WAN

Software-defined wide area networks (SD-WANs) have significantly altered the way of providing network and security services to remote offices. Cato Networks offers organizations a global Software-Defined WAN with built-in network security stack and SLA-backed backbone. By using the SD-WAN solution offered by Cato, Enterprises can minimize MPLS connectivity costs and enjoy optimized and affordable WAN connectivity with strong security. Cato Networks offers SD-WAN services along with Advanced Threat protection, Firewall as a Service and Secure Web gateway. Cato SD-WAN enables organizations to supplement or replace MPLS with affordable last mile services (Fibre, Broadband, 4G/LTE) and dynamically direct traffic based on link quality and application bandwidth requirements.

Cato Networks also claims to be the first company integrating IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) to its SD-WAN services. Cato IPS-as-a-service is “context-aware” by offering unlimited inspection capacity and advanced signatures using rich application, user, geography and risk attributes across all traffic from branches and mobile users. Legacy SD-WAN solutions typically do not include these kind advanced security services. Cato IPS integrated with SD-WAN helps customers to identify suspicious traffic patterns using behavioural signatures and take corrective action immediately.  Other benefits of Cato IPS service include integration with Microsoft Active Directory, and the ability to apply policies to specific applications.

Hybrid Cloud Network Integration

The Cato Cloud connects all business resources including branch offices, data centres, mobile users and cloud infrastructure into a simple, secure and unified global network. Every location or mobile user gets a secure and optimized access to enterprise resources in both cloud and physical data centres. By making use of Cato Cloud, enterprises can get better visibility and control of their network and avoid appliance maintenance overhead and costly MPLS connectivity services.  Cato Cloud offers enterprise-grade network security for any remote location without the dependency of dedicated network security appliances in the branch offices or traffic backhauling.

Cato recognized for its innovative solution

The Tel Aviv based company has more than 60 employees as of now and is growing rapidly. Cato has its international offices in Atlanta and Singapore and has a significant global footprint for its cloud service. The company raised a total for $50 million from Greylock Partners US Venture Partners, Aspect Ventures, and Singtel Innov8.  Gartner has named Cato networks as a cool vendor in Security for midsize enterprises.