Enterprise network-as-a-service startup Nile Global Inc. today announced a new integration with Palo Alto Networks Inc. that allows joint customers to benefit from Nile Access Service for enterprise campuses and Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls.

The integration between Nile and Palo Alto Networks is said to offer several crucial benefits to businesses and institutions. Leading the list is enhanced visibility into network traffic, with Palo Alto’s NGFWs able to inspect all traffic originating from the Nile Access Service.

The monitoring capability helps detect potential cyberattacks that may originate from within local area network or wireless local area network, considered blind spots for many organizations. The elevated level of visibility is claimed to bolster security infrastructure, enabling the rapid detection and effective management of possible threats.

The integration also augments identity recognition and facilitates centralized policy management. With the integration, Palo Alto Networks’ NGFWs can leverage their User-ID technology and Nile’s authentication process to make informed policy enforcement decisions.

The combination allows for greater visibility into users and devices operating within the Nile Access Service, strengthening security mechanisms. NGFWs can now apply dynamic policies for traffic segmentation within Nile’s service, creating a centralized hub for more simplified policy management and enforcement. The enhanced control over policies minimizes the potential for lateral movement of cyberattacks initiated within LAN and WLAN.

“Our technical integration with Nile brings greater visibility and control to our customers while easing security operations and improving an organization’s defense against cyber attacks,” Anand Oswal, senior vice president and general manager of Palo Alto Networks, said ahead of the announcement.

Nile, co-founded by former Cisco Systems Inc. executives John Chambers and Pankaj Patel, launched out of stealth in September with an enterprise networking platform that can be used to provide wired and wireless connectivity at corporate locations. The platform includes networking hardware and a suite of software tools for managing the hardware.

Image: Nile