Illumio joins Microsoft security association for Azure boost

Zero Trust Segmentation firm, Illumio, has announced its membership in the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), underscoring its robust integration with Azure Firewall and the companies' joint ambition to fortify and streamline corporate security.

Based in Sydney, Australia, Illumio's induction into MISA, an ecosystem of independent software vendors (ISVs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs), underscores the importance of integrated solutions with Microsoft security technology in bolstering defences against growing cybersecurity threats. This news comes following Illumio's involvement in the Microsoft Copilot for Security Partner Private Preview.

One of the key outcomes of Illumio's partnership with MISA has been the creation of Illumio for Microsoft Azure Firewall, which weaves together the security advantages of cloud-native Azure Firewall and Zero Trust Segmentation (ZTS). This innovative solution enables Azure clients to better safeguard their Azure operations, streamline the transition to cloud-based solutions, and maintain comprehensive security across their hybrid and multi-cloud deployments.

Traditionally, setting firewall policies has been complicated and generally defaults to highly permissive access. With Illumio for Azure Firewall, it's now significantly simpler to use Azure Firewall as a Zero Trust enforcement point to visualise and secure all traffic between Azure resources connecting through the Azure Firewall. Further, this platform fortifies resilience to ransomware and other cyber threats while optimising the effectiveness and return on investment of Azure Firewall as a security measure.

On this partnership, the Chief Product Officer at Illumio, Mario Espinoza, reflected that "this is another milestone in our expanding relationship with Microsoft as we join forces to simplify firewall management in the cloud for enterprises while simultaneously strengthening cyber resilience. In collaboration with Microsoft, we have broadened the visibility and agility of Zero Trust Segmentation for users of Microsoft Azure Firewalls. This has empowered organisations to minimise risk and optimise their security strategy by properly implementing security policy."

Maria Thomson, Director of MISA, commended Illumio's commitment to collaboration within the cybersecurity industry, which aligns with Microsoft's own objectives: "The Microsoft Intelligent Security Association has matured into a dynamic ecosystem populated by the most reliable and trusted security software vendors worldwide."

This collaboration between Microsoft and Illumio continues to support customers in bolstering cyber resilience. Microsoft remains the sole cloud provider offering complete segmentation from Illumio across cloud, endpoint, on-premises, and Microsoft Azure Firewall. Now, businesses can procure comprehensive Zero Trust Segmentation from Illumio directly via the Microsoft Azure Marketplace, simplifying the processes of purchasing, deploying, and managing Zero Trust across all environments at scale. Illumio's Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) agreement permits eligible customers to use Azure credits to buy the platform.