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Newsroom SonicWall Turns 30: Cybersecurity Pioneer Marks Three Decades of Innovation

SonicWall Turns 30: Cybersecurity Pioneer Marks Three Decades of Innovation

Cybersecurity veteran reflects on the vision, people, technology, customers and partners who shaped the company across three decades

MILPITAS, Calif. — Aug. 10, 2021 — SonicWall today announces its 30th anniversary as a cybersecurity industry leader. Throughout August, the company will celebrate its heritage, product innovation, channel DNA and the many cybersecurity innovators who have helped support and transform it into the SonicWall it is today.

“Innovation and adaptability are key components to successfully evolving cybersecurity strategy through the ebb and flow of the fast-moving threat landscape,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bill Conner. “SonicWall has proven across three decades that its mission is securing the long-term success of its customers, partners and employees. While the last five years were important chapters in this journey, we have more goals to achieve, milestones to mark and history to be made. SonicWall is always forward-looking. And that’s how the company — and its people — has been a mainstay in the industry for more than 30 years.”

To commemorate this milestone achievement, the company will honor long-term employees and celebrate those who have deep tenure. Throughout the month of August, SonicWall will feature pictures from the company, people, products, partners and customers over the course of three decades via the #SonicWall30 social media campaign. Throwback Thursdays will be reserved for contests and stories depicting SonicWall’s past and future.

The SonicWall story
Founded in 1991 by brothers Sreekanth and Sudhakar Ravi as Sonic Systems, a provider of networking solutions for Apple computers, the company’s focus was to provide organizations of all sizes with firewall technology that was as affordable as it was effective. The first security appliance for small- to mid-sized businesses (SMB) — the Interpol –— was released in October 1997 and shortly thereafter renamed ‘SonicWALL’ in 1998. One year later, the company issued its initial public offering (IPO) and was rebranded SonicWALL.

After being held by private equity firm Thoma Bravo and sold to Dell in 2012, the company rebranded as ‘SonicWall’ in 2016 and now resides as part of Francisco Partners’ portfolio.

SonicWall milestones at a glance

  • 1991: Sonic Systems founded by brothers Sreekanth and Sudhakar Ravi
  • 1991: Company’s first product, an Ethernet card for the NuBus and SE expansion slots, shipped
  • 1992: Apple OEMs relied on Sonic System’s software for connecting LocalTalk to Ethernet
  • 1995: Sonic Systems released first internet appliance product, the QuickStream/3, a three-port multi-protocol remote access server
  • 1997: First security appliance ships; first named Interpol and later rebranded as ‘SonicWALL,’ the product delivered SMBs a secure, affordable and easy-to-administer firewall/NAT solution
  • 1999: Company renamed ‘SonicWALL,’ issued IPO under ‘SNWL’ symbol
  • 2002: Company shipped 250,000th unit
  • 2005: Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) program announced
  • 2007: First patent (SWUS-001 – U.S. Patent No. 7,158,986) granted
  • 2010: Company eclipses 1 million units shipped
  • 2016: Bill Conner named President and CEO after company acquired by Francisco Partners
  • 2016: SecureFirst partner program introduced
  • 2018: Capture Cloud Platform announced at the RSA Conference
  • 2018: Patented Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection (RTDMITM) technology unveiled
  • 2019: Company eclipses 3 million units shipped
  • 2019: Capture Security Center introduced
  • 2020: Boundless Cybersecurity unveiled, Generation 7 announced
  • 2021: SonicWall celebrates 30th anniversary

SonicWall’s channel heritage, customer loyalty
With roots planted firmly in the SMB market, the company’s growing customer base covers a vast range of industries, including education, healthcare, retail, infrastructure, federal government, state and local government, and more. Well known for its market-changing Boundless Cybersecurity vision, SonicWall now has more than 500,000 customers in 215 countries and territories.

“With cyber threats more prevalent and stronger than ever, it was imperative that we select a vendor that has been a consistent and driving force in navigating the threat landscape,” said Epicor IT Director of Hosting and Managed Services Harry Hartnup. “SonicWall’s innovative technology stays ahead of escalating threats while keeping pace with our evolving needs, helping us to scale, easily deploy and maintain visibility into growing networks.”

SonicWall, a 100% a channel company, relies on its expansive base of global partners to fuel its momentum and success. Today, the company has more than 17,000 channel partners worldwide and provides them with more training, tools and rewards than ever before.

“Our SonicWall journey started in 1996 and we have been retaining loyal partners who we’ve helped to scope, deliver, install and manage their customers’ security infrastructure ever since,” said Exertis UK and Europe Security Sales Director Jason Hill. “The relationships with the partner community stem right from the start and today we’re proud to still be working with the same fantastic partners whom without them, we wouldn’t be here today. This anniversary is a fantastic achievement all round and we sincerely look forward to the future of cybersecurity knowing we are backed by a vendor that puts security and education first.”

Through the award-winning SecureFirst partner program and SonicWall University, partners in every region have an opportunity to expand their education on today’s threat landscape, SonicWall offerings and earn accreditations that directly influence increased revenue attainment.

SonicWall technology evolution, growth
SonicWall’s product timeline moves at pace with the speed of technology developments. Just four years after its establishment, the company shipped its first internet appliance. By 2002, SonicWall had shipped 250,000 units and today has shipped more than 3.8 million appliances worldwide.

On January 2, 2007, SonicWall received its first patent (SWUS-001: U.S. Patent No. 7,158,986). Across the years, SonicWall employees have been granted more than 325 patents, including Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection™ in 2021.

“It’s incredible to stop and look back over numerous and successful product generations, the creation of new business models and the development of technology that impacted this company and the industry,” said SonicWall SVP, Chief Technology Officer John Gmuender. “While our past is impressive, I look forward to what lies ahead.”

About SonicWall
SonicWall delivers Boundless Cybersecurity for the hyper-distributed era in a work reality where everyone is remote, mobile and unsecure. SonicWall safeguards organizations mobilizing for their new business normal with seamless protection that stops the most evasive cyberattacks across boundless exposure points and increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled workforces. By knowing the unknown, providing real-time visibility and enabling breakthrough economics, SonicWall closes the cybersecurity business gap for enterprises, governments and SMBs worldwide. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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November 6, 2024

SonicWall Unveils TZ80: Empowering Service Providers to Deliver Comprehensive Security, Remote Access and Networking Solutions for Branch Offices and SOHO

More Than a Firewall: SonicWall Introduces Integrated Cybersecurity Platform with the TZ80 at the Core of the Market’s Next-Gen SOHO Solution, Featuring: Industry-First Warranties, Cloud Native VPN, Firewall Management and Flexible Pricing MILPITAS, Calif. — November 7, 2024 — SonicWall announced today the launch of the TZ80, a groundbreaking security solution designed specifically for branch offices and small office/home office (SOHO) environments. With its comprehensive, cost-effective package of networking, access, and security solutions, the TZ80 is a subscription-based device designed for service providers and value-added resellers (VARs) – and is set to revolutionize the way they deliver cybersecurity. The SonicWall TZ80 combines performance and price and provides industry leading networking and security capabilities, with advanced threat protection at a low total cost of ownership (TCO), making the TZ80 ideal for branch offices with remote workers, SOHO, IoT, and businesses with small form-factor requirements. This best-in-class firewall platform features built-in integration with cloud-native zero trust network access (ZTNA) and VPN as a service (VPNaaS) for hybrid environments and is backed by world-class technical support, available firewall management and network monitoring, and an industry-first cyber threat warranty. “The TZ80 is more than a firewall; it embodies the future of cybersecurity for managed service providers and their customers,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “With this launch, we’re transforming network security by integrating on-premise, hybrid, and cloud technologies into a cohesive solution. Our unified approach enhances security and performance while protecting customer data with modern cloud management and backed by expert services to keep our partners secure in today’s evolving threat landscape.” MSPs can complement their existing firewall monitoring and network operations center (NOC) to enhance their services with SonicWall’s managed security services, who work behind the scenes as a force multiplier for SonicWall partners. The Managed Protection Services Suite (MPSS) bundle provides management for TZ80 devices, with remote implementation, firmware and vulnerability management, and system health monitoring to help MSPs ensure that their customers employ best practices and stay up-to-date for the highest level of protection in today’s threat landscape. “We’ve been looking for a solution like the TZ80, and it’s exciting to see SonicWall deliver precisely what we need,” said President/CEO and SonicWall partner Brian A. Reed of Firewalls.com. “This opens up significant opportunities in the SOHO market for us, and the bundled cloud native VPN adds tremendous value, while the pay-as-you-go model makes it even more accessible. Additionally, the MPSS bundle enhances our offering and helps us stay focused on the core of our business, ensuring our clients stay secure.” To further enhance the value proposition, SonicWall will offer industry-first cybersecurity warranties for the TZ80 and other SonicWall front-line defense products certified by Cysurance. These warranties will help supplement insurance coverage by providing cash for covering deductibles or other out of pocket expenses before insurance kicks in. SonicWall will offer warranties for the TZ80 and other certified products as follows: $100K for a qualifying firewall $200K for a qualifying managed firewall Additionally, SonicWall is excited to introduce its latest and new "3 & Free" promotion. This promotion includes cloud native VPN licenses along with a free next-gen firewall. When purchasing a 3-year Advanced Protection Services Suite (APSS) or Essential Protection Services Suite (EPSS) customers get more than just free firewalls - they also gain comprehensive protection from latest cyber threats. SonicWall remains dedicated to equipping its partners with the tools they need to deliver security outcomes in a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. The TZ80 represents a significant leap forward in delivering scalable, and integrated security solutions via our MSPs for branch offices and SOHO environments. To learn more about SonicWall’s TZ80, the full offering, new warranties and promotions please visit https://www.sonicwall.com/products/firewalls/soho. About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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Infinigate and SonicWall Expand Partnership Across Eastern Europe

SonicWall and Infinigate extend their successful collaboration to cover the Eastern European region, including Balkan countries.   Rotkreuz, Switzerland – November 6, 2024: The Infinigate Group, the leading technology platform and trusted advisor in cybersecurity, cloud and network infrastructure, and SonicWall, a leading cybersecurity innovator and partner-first company, are extending their partnership across Eastern Europe. Infinigate will distribute SonicWall’s entire advanced portfolio of network and endpoint security, Cloud Secure Edge (CSE) and Managed Security Services (MSS) offering channel partners effective solutions to meet the ever-evolving requirements of a broad customer base – from SMB through to enterprise organisations. Spencer Starkey, Executive Vice President at SonicWall said: “The Eastern European market presents a strong opportunity for growth and Infinigate, in view of our long-standing successful collaboration and their reach and experience in this geographical area, is absolutely the right distribution partner for us. Being a channel-first organisation, we value Infinigate’s specialist focus and their technical and market knowledge.” Protecting your business from escalating cyber-attacks has become a priority, as illustrated in Sonic Wall’s 2024 Mid-Year Cyber-Threat Report. Ransomware is on the rise in the Americas, while EMEA is pulling the global numbers down, suggesting improved cybersecurity measures and law enforcement interventions are having a positive impact. “We are delighted to build on our long-standing success with SonicWall and leverage the full potential of this growing region, where cybersecurity is high on the agenda, as illustrated by the NIS2 readiness statistics,” said Denis Ferrand Ajchenbaum, Chief Growth Officer at Infinigate Group and Managing Director of Infinigate Cloud. “As a leading Managed Security Services Distributor, we value SonicWall’s range of managed security services that considerably strengthen our offering in the region,” he added. Doru Manea, RVP East at Infinigate commented: Doru Manea, RVP East at Infinigate, commented: “Bringing SonicWall into our regional portfolio strengthens our ability to support our channel partners across Eastern Europe. With SonicWall’s expertise in cybersecurity, we can better equip our partners to meet the security needs of businesses in this market. Our channel reach and the strong cybersecurity culture in the region are a solid basis for our shared success” About Infinigate The Infinigate Group, the leading technology platform and trusted advisor in Cybersecurity, Cloud & Network Infrastructure covers over 100 countries across EMEA, Australia and New Zealand. In the 2023-2024 financial year the Infinigate Group revenue reached 2.3B€. Our focus and deep technical expertise on cybersecurity, secure networks and secure cloud for SMB and enterprise set us apart. Our 1,250 employees provide locally tailored services complementing a robust central supply chain, sparking growth for our partners, MSSPs and vendors. In 2022, Starlink, Vuzion (now Infinigate Cloud) and Nuvias became part of the Infinigate Group. In 2024, Wavelink became an Infinigate Group company, adding coverage for the Australian and New Zealand (ANZ) market. For additional information please visit www.infinigate.com About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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October 31, 2024

Government Organizations Face Surge in Malware and DDoS Attacks, Raising Alarms Over Potential Election Disruption

Newest report highlights some escalating risks to critical infrastructure as election day approaches MILPITAS, Calif. — October 31, 2024 — SonicWall released its latest threat brief focused exclusively on governments, reporting a staggering 236% year-over-year increase in malware-related attacks against government organizations globally during the first quarter of 2024. This alarming trend coincides with a notable 27% rise in attacks in the month leading up to the upcoming election, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced security measures. SonicWall's comprehensive threat intelligence reveals a 33% increase in attacks related to the software supply chain since the start of the year. Additionally, DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks are on track to surpass last year's figures by 32% - underscoring the escalating risks to critical infrastructure as election day approaches. “As attackers continue to attack critical government services and election-related systems, the importance of multi-layered cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated,” said Executive Director of Threat Research Doug McKee. "In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, the stakes have never been higher. We must  embrace cross-industry collaboration and threat intelligence information sharing  to ensure the integrity of our electoral processes and protect our vital infrastructure from those seeking to exploit  these systems. "  Rising Threats to Election Security The recent Hezbollah pager supply chain attack serves as a stark reminder of how easily everyday devices can be exploited to launch significant cyberattacks. As attackers target seemingly innocuous devices lacking stringent security protocols, the risk extends to critical election infrastructure. For instance, compromised IP cameras, frequently utilized at polling locales, could be weaponized or compromised to disrupt essential operations. SonicWall data highlights the pressing need for vigilance, as the company has successfully thwarted over 12.9 million attacks targeting IP cameras this year alone. These devices, often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies, present an enticing entry point for cybercriminals aiming to undermine public trust in the electoral process.  The Vulnerability of IoT Devices The growing reliance on Internet of Things (IoT) devices within government operations raises significant concerns. Many of these devices, including security systems and smart sensors, lack robust defenses, making them attractive targets for malicious actors. SonicWall emphasizes the urgent need for organizations to implement rigorous security measures to protect against the exploitation of vulnerable devices. The potential consequences of these vulnerabilities extend far beyond traditional cybersecurity threats, threatening the integrity of national infrastructure and electoral security. Call to Action As the election approaches, SonicWall urges government organizations to prioritize cybersecurity by strengthening their defenses against malware and DDoS attacks. By implementing advanced security solutions and enhancing awareness of IoT vulnerabilities, organizations can better safeguard their operations against these escalating threats. For more information about SonicWall and see the Government Threat Brief, please visit https://www.sonicwall.com/resources/brief/2024-threat-brief-government. About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

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September 25, 2024

SonicWall Report Details 14 Million Victims of Malware Breaches in the U.S. Healthcare Sector

SonicWall discovers 91% of healthcare breaches involve ransomware in 2024 - underscoring the urgent need for improved cybersecurity and strong partnerships with MSPs/MSSPs MILPITAS, Calif. — September 26, 2024 — SonicWall today unveiled a 2024 SonicWall Threat Brief, focused exclusively on the healthcare industry and is based on extensive research from SonicWall Capture Labs. The report reveals that a minimum of 14 million patients in the U.S. have fallen victim to malware breaches in this sector. Despite SonicWall sensors successfully preventing over 26,000 attacks, the findings underscore that healthcare organizations, due to their essential operations and potential for financial gain, remain prime targets for ransomware. Many healthcare organizations operate with limited cybersecurity resources and often rely on outdated technology – making them susceptible to ransomware attacks. SonicWall also determined that an astounding 60% of vulnerabilities were leveraged against Microsoft Exchange. "Understanding the threat landscape is crucial for the healthcare industry to effectively defend against cyberattacks,” said Executive Director, Threat Research at SonicWall Doug McKee. “As ransomware evolves and targets sensitive patient data, organizations must stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. By equipping themselves with knowledge and robust security measures, healthcare providers can better protect their critical operations and ensure the safety of patient information." Disrupting access to patient data or medical systems can have life-threatening consequences. Because of this, healthcare organizations are more likely to pay ransoms to restore operations quickly. In 2024, ransomware was leveraged in 91% of malware-related data breaches in the healthcare sector, with Lockbit emerging as one of the most notorious ransomware groups targeting this industry. The increasing digitalization of health records and telehealth services further expands the attack surface, making it nearly impossible for healthcare organizations to go it alone. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) should play a vital role in the healthcare industry by delivering specialized expertise and resources that many organizations lack. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, MSPs/MSSPs can implement robust security measures, monitor systems in real-time, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Their proactive approach to cybersecurity helps healthcare providers defend sensitive patient data, minimize downtime, and focus on delivering quality care, ultimately enhancing the resilience of the entire healthcare ecosystem. To learn more about SonicWall’s finding in its 2024 SonicWall Threat Brief, please visit www.sonicwall.com/resources/brief/2024-threat-brief-healthcare. About SonicWall SonicWall is a cybersecurity forerunner with more than 30 years of expertise and is recognized as a leading partner-first company. With the ability to build, scale and manage security across the cloud, hybrid and traditional environments in real-time, SonicWall provides seamless protection against the most evasive cyberattacks across endless exposure points for increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled users. With its own threat research center, SonicWall can quickly and economically provide purpose-built security solutions to enable any organization—enterprise, government agencies and SMBs—around the world. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. About SonicWall Capture Labs SonicWall Capture Labs threat researchers gather, analyze and vet cross-vector threat information from the SonicWall Capture Threat network, consisting of global devices and resources, including more than 1 million security sensors in nearly 215 countries and territories. SonicWall Capture Labs, which pioneered the use of artificial intelligence for threat research and protection over a decade ago, performs rigorous testing and evaluation on this data, establishes reputation scores for email senders and content, and identifies new threats in real-time.

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