Check Point launches local cloud security for Aussie compliance

Check Point Software Technologies has implemented an Australia-based data residency instance for its Harmony SASE and CloudGuard Web Application Firewall (WAF) offerings, aimed at meeting local data privacy, security, and compliance requirements.

This new capability is designed to support Australian legislation and guidelines, including the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act, Privacy Act, My Health Records Act, APRA CPS 234, and the ASD Essential Eight. The local instance enables storage and processing of data within Australia, which is intended to help customers protect privacy, reduce operational risk, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Data sovereignty

The new Point of Presence (PoP) for Check Point CloudGuard WAF seeks to address both public and private sector needs for data sovereignty while supporting cloud modernisation across organisations. As a cloud-native web and API security solution, CloudGuard WAF leverages contextual AI to deliver precise threat prevention for applications and APIs, protecting against both known and unknown threats without relying on signature-based detection.

Through this deployment, CloudGuard WAF offers automated protection driven by artificial intelligence, intended to defend applications and APIs from vulnerabilities, bot attacks, and emerging zero-day threats. The company reports that with the Australia-based PoP, customers will experience reduced latency, improved performance, and enhanced regulatory compliance.

Multi-cloud compatibility

Unlike traditional WAFs, which may be limited to specific appliances or tied to a single cloud vendor, CloudGuard WAF is designed to support multiple cloud, hybrid, and containerised environments, including AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes. This flexibility aims to enable enterprises to integrate security seamlessly across diverse digital infrastructures.

The Harmony SASE solution is described by Check Point as a unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, intended to protect users, devices, applications, and data regardless of location. It integrates Firewall-as-a-Service, Secure Web Gateway, Zero Trust Network Access, SaaS security, and SD-WAN into a single cloud-based solution, using AI and machine learning to proactively block threats like malware, phishing, and unusual behaviour. The interface provides centralised policy enforcement, monitoring, and reporting, allowing security teams to manage security across enterprise, data centre, and cloud environments.

Regulatory focus

David Caspari, Managing Director, ANZ at Check Point Software Technologies, emphasised the significance of this investment for Australian customers.

"The launch of a local Harmony SASE and CloudGuard WAF instance represents a critical investment in the region and reinforces Australian enterprises requiring scalable security infrastructures that support remote work, SaaS usage, and branch connectivity, while adhering to local compliance regulations, including the ASD Essential Eight and Security of Critical Infrastructure," Caspari said.

He continued, "This milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening our relationship with customers while helping them to optimise their IT investments. We are excited to drive substantial value and support swift cyber security modernisation."

Scott Ellis, Regional Sales Engineering Manager, ANZ at Check Point Software Technologies, highlighted how this move enhances options for Australian customers.

"Australian customers now have an enhanced cloud security strategy by being able to access a local point of presence and data residency capabilities for the key components of a hybrid mesh architecture. Not only are we providing customers with a better user experience, but a mesh architecture will enable Australian enterprises to customise their security posture according to their specific security requirements with the winning combination of AI-driven protection, local data residency, low-latency access, and seamless compliance."

Scale and support

The introduction of the Australian instance is backed by Check Point's network of more than 80 global Points of Presence, which is intended to ensure low-latency access for customers. This infrastructure aims to allow enterprises to securely scale their operations, safeguarding users, applications, and data across different digital environments.

By launching a local instance of Harmony SASE and CloudGuard WAF, Check Point Software Technologies sets out to provide tailored support to the specific compliance, security, and performance demands of Australian organisations involved in digital transformation initiatives.