Vertali APAC brings MainTegrity’s CSF to safeguard mainframes

MainTegrity has announced the appointment of Vertali APAC as its distributor for the MainTegrity CSF (Cyber Security Framework) solution across Australia.

MainTegrity CSF, previously known as FIM+, is software designed for IBM z/OS mainframe systems, focusing on ransomware detection, removal, and rapid mitigation of malicious cyber-attacks. Its introduction into the Asia-Pacific region is being facilitated by Vertali APAC, who will offer the product and associated services to organisations in sectors reliant on mainframe technology, such as banking, healthcare, insurance and government.

Mainframe systems, which have powered key industries for decades, are increasingly being targeted by ransomware attacks due to the large volumes of sensitive data they hold. While historically considered secure and isolated, these platforms now face exposure as threat actors exploit new network vulnerabilities. The need for speed in detecting and responding to these threats has grown with the enhanced capabilities of modern computing and the use of artificial intelligence to automate attacks.

A key feature of MainTegrity CSF is the ability to detect unknown network connections in real time. If a new IP address attaches to a critical mainframe service, the software can intercept the activity within seconds and freeze the process, preventing further damage. This approach contrasts with traditional methods where malicious actions might go undetected until significant data loss or service disruption occurs.

Ransomware attacks have become a major source of revenue for criminal organisations, with some incidents resulting in financial losses running into billions of dollars. For organisations depending on mainframes, the consequences can extend to widespread outages and interruptions to business operations. Current defences are often insufficient to prevent or quickly halt such attacks once they have commenced.

Al Saurette, Chief Executive Officer of MainTegrity, commented on the new partnership with Vertali APAC:

"We are excited about our partnership with Vertali APAC Pty Ltd bringing MainTegrity's powerful ransomware solutions to a wider audience in the Asia-Pacific region. Vertali's deep understanding of mainframe security, superior cyber security skills and regional expertise will be invaluable in helping organizations with mainframes at their core, truly protect themselves from the (real-time) threat of cyber-attacks and potential ransom demands."

There has been an increasing call for automated tools that can isolate and neutralise threats without disrupting legitimate processes running in large data centres. The escalation of ransomware attacks, along with the integration of AI into malicious workflows, has heightened the urgency for such solutions.

Dallas Newton, Regional Director - APAC at Vertali, highlighted the specific aims of bringing MainTegrity CSF to the region:

"Intercept a Mainframe Cyberattack in seconds and freeze the offending process eliminating extensive damage, that's what we want to bring to the Asia-Pacific region. Ransomware attacks are now significant revenue generators for criminal organizations and are on the rise, globally."

"The Mainframe, for so long viewed as a secure platform isolated from the wide area network, is now a prime target because of the large amount of personal, valuable data stored within it. It is now time to seriously consider beefing up your protection before it's too late. MainTegrity's CSF is an excellent addition to our Cyber Security portfolio of products and services, simply adding to our expertise in the mainframe and security domains with real IT security innovation."

Recent incidents have demonstrated the effectiveness of real-time detection and response in containing cyber-attacks before they can result in data exfiltration or operational disruption. Advocates for mainframe security suggest that proactively addressing emerging threats is preferable to paying ransoms or accepting extended downtime from breached systems.

Vertali APAC's distribution of MainTegrity CSF is positioned to offer Asia-Pacific organisations a new option in strengthening the defence of mainframe platforms against the growing challenges posed by sophisticated cyber threats.