INTERPOL signs data exchange agreement with Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is the first cybersecurity company to sign a Data Exchange Agreement with INTERPOL to combat cyber crimes globally.

Unit 42, a threat intelligence department has been formulated by the company, with its main aim is to be involved in the operational briefings at INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation (IGCI), providing the law enforcement agency with a clearer understanding of the cyberspace.

“Tackling cybercrime is not something that law enforcement can do in isolation. Cooperation with the private sector is essential if we are to effectively combat this global phenomenon,” reported Noboru Nakatani, Executive Director at IGCI.

While the agreement formalizes the cooperation, Palo Alto had already been cooperation with the INTERPOL in the past in efforts that helped identify 9,000 command-and-control servers, along with compromised servers, of which were government portals.

“INTERPOL’s agreement with Palo Alto Networks is an important step in our ongoing efforts to ensure law enforcement worldwide has access to the information they need to combat cyberthreats which are a significant issue for both the public and private sectors,” added Nakatani.

In a recent survey by the company, the study reveals that information sharing with fellow companies in the same industry had already been an existing trend. Forty-four per cent of organisations across Asia-Pacific have been found participating in sharing information across the industry platform.

The data exchange agreement aims to enrich the information being shared among enterprises, including governmental organizations, bridging the gap between network defenders and data generators.

“Cybercrime represents a significant amount of risk for businesses and organisations today. This collaboration marks a mutual commitment to information sharing, which is necessary in preventing successful cyberattacks. Together with INTERPOL, we can continue to raise awareness and educate business leaders and reduce the collective cybersecurity risk over time,” said Sean Duca, vice president and regional chief security officer for Asia-Pacific, Palo Alto Networks.

Palo Alto has over 39,500 customers, increasing by 1,000+ each quarter, including 85 of the Fortune 100 companies and half of the Global 2000 enterprises.

Besides being ranked the best place to work in the Bay Area by SF Business Times in 2016, the 4,300+ employee strong company has partnerships with tech giants, like Microsoft, PwC and Amazon Web service.