Lumen Technologies has expanded its partnership with Versa Networks to deliver a Sovereign SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) solution that integrates AI-powered in-line security for Zero Trust at the network edge. This solution leverages Lumen's global network, as well as Versa's leading Secure SD-WAN and Unified SASE capabilities, to provide real-time threat detection and remediation for customers.

The Sovereign SASE solution is deployed on dedicated SASE gateways in Lumen's global points of presence (PoPs) or on customer premises, based on the customer's preference and needs. It can integrate Dedicated Internet Access (DIA), Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), SD-WAN, and other technologies into a hybrid network that connects users, devices, and sites seamlessly and securely. Lumen will also deploy Versa SD-WAN at customer premises as part of the Versa Unified SASE offering. Additionally, the solution utilizes Lumen SASE with Versa to deliver advanced security services such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Security Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) services for remote and hybrid workforces.

"The Lumen and Versa partnership just got stronger. Together, we are now offering a Sovereign SASE option that will provide customers with more control, flexibility, and security," said Sharada Achanta, Lumen VP of Product, Cybersecurity and AI. “With this solution, our customers can take advantage of Lumen's new AI-enabled threat defense product, Lumen Defender, for real-time threat detection and remediation.”

Lumen’s new threat defense product

Lumen Defender is a patented product that proactively blocks evolving threats at the network edge before they can compromise a business’s network perimeter. Black Lotus Labs, Lumen’s threat research team, leverages its unique visibility into Lumen’s global internet backbone using ML algorithms to generate threat intelligence that detects malicious infrastructure being used by cybercriminals and nation state actors.

“Lumen SASE powered by Versa technology leverages the best of both worlds: Lumen's global network and security expertise, and a dedicated, network-based SASE solution that gives customers more choices and customization,” said Hemen Mehta, VP of Managed Service Providers, NA of Versa Networks “Versa SASE combines Versa Secure SD-WAN and Versa SSE to uniquely deliver a unified SASE architecture that can be consumed as a service from the cloud along with on-premises deployment.”

"The Lumen and Versa Networks partnership to offer SASE as an integrated solution promises to mitigate deployment and operational challenges of managing a multi-vendor solution,” said Ghassan Abdo, Research VP, Worldwide Telecom at IDC.” Enterprises will benefit from reduced operational cost and simplified solution management."

Virtual cybersecurity discussion

Join cybersecurity analyst and author, Keren Elazari, and Lumen Vice-President, Product, Cybersecurity & AI, Sharada Achanta for a virtual discussion on “What to Do When You Get Hacked” Wed., May 8 at 10 a.m. PDT. This discussion will include expert insights and advice on how businesses can protect themselves from the latest trends in cyberattacks, as well as the role of AI, prevention, and recovery.

Register ahead or tune in on Wed., May 8 at 10 a.m. PDT on Lumen Technologies’ LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, or X.

Businesses can check their SASE readiness with the Lumen SASE Assessment, then visit the Lumen® SASE Solutions with Versa website for product details.

About Lumen Technologies:

Lumen connects the world. We are igniting business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. Everything we do at Lumen takes advantage of our network strength. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, and managed service capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow. For news and insights visit news.lumen.com, LinkedIn: /lumentechnologies, Twitter: @lumentechco, Facebook: /lumentechnologies, Instagram: @lumentechnologies, and YouTube: /lumentechnologies. 

About Versa Networks

Versa, the leader in single-vendor Unified SASE platforms, delivers AI/ML-powered SSE and SD-WAN solutions. The platform provides networking and security with true multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both to meet SASE requirements for small to extremely large enterprises and service providers. Thousands of customers globally, with hundreds of thousands of sites and millions of users, trust Versa with their mission critical networks and security. Versa is privately held and funded by Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, Artis Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Comcast Ventures, BlackRock, Liberty Global Ventures, Princeville Capital, RPS Ventures, and Triangle Peak Partners. For more information, visit https://www.versa-networks.com or follow Versa on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) @versanetworks.