The CrowdStrike outage in 2024 demonstrated how even the most carefully tested updates can cause widespread disruptions, leaving industries vulnerable to failures. This incident underscored the importance of resilient, adaptable security infrastructures as the threat landscape becomes more complex. While this is just one recent example, Cisco has been continuously innovating and developing new architectures to meet evolving cybersecurity challenges. As Tom Gillis, SVP and General Manager of Cisco’s Security, Data Center, Internet & Cloud Infrastructure Group, explained, “We’re building a different architecture that allows infrastructure to be more resilient and more self-defending.” This statement refers to the design of Cisco’s N9300 Series Smart Switches, which were unveiled at Cisco Live! 2025.
This commitment to resilience extends beyond the Smart Switch with Cisco’s Cloud Protection Suite that provides a comprehensive defense strategy for securing cloud environments as well as Cisco AI Defense that addresses unique security challenges posed by the rapid evolution of AI. Cisco uses these innovations to help partners strengthen their defenses and reduce the risk of outages.
Breaking Down AI Security Barriers with Cisco AI Defense
Cisco AI Defense is a comprehensive security solution that addresses the growing security risks associated with AI adoption in businesses. This solution helps partners securely develop, deploy, and use AI technologies by addressing two major risks: sensitive data exposure via third-party AI tools and vulnerabilities in AI application development and deployment.
Key features include AI Access, which controls third-party AI applications to prevent unauthorized data sharing, AI Cloud Visibility, which provides detailed insights into AI traffic across multiple cloud environments. Additionally, AI Model & Application Validation ensures that AI applications are thoroughly tested for vulnerabilities, while AI Runtime Protection delivers real time monitoring and automated threat detection for AI systems.
Comprehensive Cloud Protection with Cisco’s Suite
Meanwhile, the Cloud Protection Suite is a solution designed to address the growing security challenges of hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Offering robust protection for NetOps, SecOps, and IT leadership, this solution uses Multi-Cloud Defense to safeguard all communications between private and public clouds. It also improves Vulnerability Management by providing visibility into assets, networks, and applications, allowing partners to validate and prioritize risks effectively.
This solution also integrates seamlessly with a variety of cloud environments including AWS, Google, Oracle, and private clouds, ensuring flexibility as security requirements change. Furthermore, the suite streamlines security management with automation, allowing security teams to address emerging threats efficiently. It also improves the IT experience by lowering operational complexity, enabling partners to grow while maintaining strong security in hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Why Partnering with TD SYNNEX and Cisco Matters
Having the right security solutions and the right partner is essential to staying ahead as the threat landscape evolves and complexifies. The CrowdStrike outage highlighted that even the most tested systems can be vulnerable, making it clear that partners need resilient and adaptable solutions to protect themselves. With Cisco’s comprehensive security offerings, TD SYNNEX partners are well-positioned to help customers in not only navigating, but also thriving in an environment where strong, scalable security is the foundation of growth and innovation. For more on Cisco’s Cloud Protection Suite, contact James McGregor, U.S. GTM Strategist – Cisco, at James.McGregor@tdsynnex.com. To learn how Cisco AI Defense can support your business, visit the website.
