Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), today announced its Cortex® eXtended Managed Detection and Response (XMDR) Partner Specialization to help customers detect, investigate and respond to cyberthreats across endpoint, network and cloud assets. Building on the demand for Palo Alto Networks pioneering Cortex XDR 3.0 extended detection and response solution, the Cortex XMDR Specialization will enable MSSP partners to combine Cortex XDR with their managed services offerings — helping customers worldwide streamline security operations center (SOC) operations and quickly mitigate cyberthreats.
“Securing an enterprise is a massive undertaking. Organizations recognize the need for effective detection and response across the network, endpoint and cloud but often need help managing their deployment,” said Karl Soderlund, senior vice president, Worldwide Channel Sales at Palo Alto Networks. “The Cortex XMDR Specialization will give customers peace of mind that the services they are choosing will mitigate security gaps and alleviate churn to allow security teams to focus on the most critical threats.”
Cortex XDR — already delivering top performance in the MITRE ATT&CK® evaluation — expanded its pioneering XDR solution in the 3.0 release to cloud and identity-based threats, giving organizations holistic analytics to protect against sophisticated attacks. With certification and training now tightly integrated with the new benefits of XDR 3.0, more than 15 organizations have already achieved Cortex XMDR Specialization status and are benefiting from the deeper partnership — including CRITICALSTART, Orange Cyberdefense, PwC and Trustwave.
To achieve Specialization status, partner organizations must have Cortex XDR-certified SOC analysts/threat hunters on staff and available 24/7. Partners seeking this XMDR Specialization distinction must also complete both technical and sales enablement and specialization examinations. Cortex XMDR Specialization partners will combine experienced analysts, mature operational processes and proven customer support with Palo Alto Networks market-leading security products.
Cortex eXtended Managed Detection and Response (XMDR) Partner Specialization is the first specialization for the NextWave Managed Service Program (MSP), which includes nearly 300 partners around the world that use innovative security technology from Palo Alto Networks to provide superior managed security services. In recognition of the significant investment required to successfully build a managed security service, the MSP provides partners with the tools, training, incentives and resources to accelerate the adoption of Palo Alto Networks-based managed services. Members of the MSP are called MSSP Innovators and are required to meet specific performance, enablement and customer engagement requirements.
