Latest news with #dataSovereignty

National Post
3 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Versa Powers Swisscom's beem: The World's First Sovereign SASE Connectivity Service
Article content Built on Versa Sovereign SASE and Hosted within Swisscom's Network Infrastructure in Switzerland, beem Transforms Enterprise Security, Making it Simpler, Faster, and Safer Article content SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Versa, the global leader in Universal Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced that Versa Sovereign SASE is powering Swisscom's newly launched beem, a converged networking and cybersecurity solution operated entirely within Swisscom's infrastructure. This marks the debut of the world's first telco-delivered, network-embedded SASE solution designed specifically for businesses of all sizes. beem unites security, data sovereignty, and internet connectivity into one seamless offering. Article content Unlike traditional cybersecurity approaches that depend on device-based agents or fragmented multi-vendor solutions, beem delivers integrated security natively through the network itself. This streamlined architecture empowers Swisscom to offer enterprise customers complete data sovereignty, centralized operational control, and end-to-end service level guarantees, ensuring consistent, high-trust protection at scale. Article content 'With beem, Swisscom is redefining what it means to be a telco in the digital era,' said Apurva Mehta, Chief Technical Officer at Versa. 'By integrating Versa's Sovereign SASE natively into the Swisscom network, we're enabling a new model of secure, high-performance connectivity that meets the growing demands for data privacy, regulatory compliance, and digital sovereignty. beem sets a blueprint for how telcos can deliver in-country, secure access services – from Zero Trust and SD-WAN to full-spectrum SSE – while simplifying operations for businesses of all sizes.' Article content 'beem brings together the simplicity of network-based protection with the strategic control of sovereign infrastructure,' said Egon Steinkasserer, Chief Technology Officer B2B, Swisscom. 'Powered by Versa, it allows us to offer integrated internet connectivity and cybersecurity services with full data sovereignty – so Swisscom customers get simple, sovereign, and secure connectivity.' Article content Sovereign SASE: Full Control, Uncompromised Security Article content Versa Sovereign SASE is a deployment model announced in February for the VersaONE platform that enables enterprises, governments, and service providers such as Swisscom to deliver customized, advanced networking and security services directly from their own infrastructure. This 'build-your-own' approach offers a powerful alternative to relying on shared or third-party SaaS environments. As a first-of-its-kind solution, Versa Sovereign SASE is seeing significant customer interest and deployment traction worldwide. Article content Designed to meet the demands of an era defined by stringent data sovereignty requirements, escalating cyber threats, and regulatory complexity, Versa Sovereign SASE provides organizations with complete operational control. It's particularly suited for entities in highly regulated sectors or those managing critical infrastructure, offering the flexibility to deploy an air-gapped or fully in-country architecture that ensures the highest levels of protection and compliance. Article content Why beem Matters Article content Among the several innovations that beem's launch represents include: Article content First of its kind: Swisscom is the world's first telco to deliver SASE services natively embedded into its mobile and fixed networks – eliminating the need for third-party security overlays or add-ons. True sovereignty: beem is operated, hosted, and governed entirely within Switzerland, ensuring alignment with data protection regulations such as GDPR and NIS2 while maintaining full data residency and control. Unified security and networking: Powered by Versa Sovereign SASE, beem consolidates networking and security into a single, modular platform, simplifying architecture, accelerating rollout, and lowering operational overhead. Enterprise security for all: Whether it's a small business, public sector agency, or operator of critical infrastructure, beem scales to meet diverse needs with high-assurance, low-friction access. Easy security for smartphones and IoT: beem enables secure, identity-aware connectivity the moment a device connects – no app, agent, or tunnel needed. Device authentication is built directly into the SIM card for native, zero-trust access control. Article content Industry Impact Article content beem represents a new blueprint for secure, sovereign digital infrastructure, not just in Switzerland but globally. It validates Versa's position as a trusted foundation for national-scale SASE deployments, and it positions Swisscom as a global first-mover and thought leader in secure connectivity. Article content About Swisscom Article content Swisscom is the leading ICT company in Switzerland and, with Fastweb + Vodafone, the strong #2 in the Italian market. The company offers mobile, Internet and TV, as well as comprehensive IT and digital services to private and business customers. Swisscom is the most sustainable telecommunications company in the world and is 51% owned by the Swiss Confederation. Article content About Versa Article content Versa, a global leader in SASE, enables organizations to create self-protecting networks that radically simplify and automate their network and security infrastructure. Powered by AI, the VersaONE Universal SASE Platform delivers converged SSE, SD-WAN, and SD-LAN solutions that protect data and defend against cyberthreats while delivering a superior digital experience. 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 investors such as Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, and BlackRock. For more information, visit and follow Versa on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) @versanetworks. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Versa Article content Article content Dan Spalding Article content Article content dspalding@ Article content Article content (408) 960-9297 Article content Swisscom Article content Article content Media Relations Article content Article content Article content
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Versa Powers Swisscom's beem: The World's First Sovereign SASE Connectivity Service
Built on Versa Sovereign SASE and Hosted within Swisscom's Network Infrastructure in Switzerland, beem Transforms Enterprise Security, Making it Simpler, Faster, and Safer SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Versa, the global leader in Universal Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced that Versa Sovereign SASE is powering Swisscom's newly launched beem, a converged networking and cybersecurity solution operated entirely within Swisscom's infrastructure. This marks the debut of the world's first telco-delivered, network-embedded SASE solution designed specifically for businesses of all sizes. beem unites security, data sovereignty, and internet connectivity into one seamless offering. Unlike traditional cybersecurity approaches that depend on device-based agents or fragmented multi-vendor solutions, beem delivers integrated security natively through the network itself. This streamlined architecture empowers Swisscom to offer enterprise customers complete data sovereignty, centralized operational control, and end-to-end service level guarantees, ensuring consistent, high-trust protection at scale. "With beem, Swisscom is redefining what it means to be a telco in the digital era," said Apurva Mehta, Chief Technical Officer at Versa. "By integrating Versa's Sovereign SASE natively into the Swisscom network, we're enabling a new model of secure, high-performance connectivity that meets the growing demands for data privacy, regulatory compliance, and digital sovereignty. beem sets a blueprint for how telcos can deliver in-country, secure access services – from Zero Trust and SD-WAN to full-spectrum SSE – while simplifying operations for businesses of all sizes." "beem brings together the simplicity of network-based protection with the strategic control of sovereign infrastructure," said Egon Steinkasserer, Chief Technology Officer B2B, Swisscom. "Powered by Versa, it allows us to offer integrated internet connectivity and cybersecurity services with full data sovereignty – so Swisscom customers get simple, sovereign, and secure connectivity." Sovereign SASE: Full Control, Uncompromised Security Versa Sovereign SASE is a deployment model announced in February for the VersaONE platform that enables enterprises, governments, and service providers such as Swisscom to deliver customized, advanced networking and security services directly from their own infrastructure. This "build-your-own" approach offers a powerful alternative to relying on shared or third-party SaaS environments. As a first-of-its-kind solution, Versa Sovereign SASE is seeing significant customer interest and deployment traction worldwide. Designed to meet the demands of an era defined by stringent data sovereignty requirements, escalating cyber threats, and regulatory complexity, Versa Sovereign SASE provides organizations with complete operational control. It's particularly suited for entities in highly regulated sectors or those managing critical infrastructure, offering the flexibility to deploy an air-gapped or fully in-country architecture that ensures the highest levels of protection and compliance. Why beem Matters Among the several innovations that beem's launch represents include: First of its kind: Swisscom is the world's first telco to deliver SASE services natively embedded into its mobile and fixed networks – eliminating the need for third-party security overlays or add-ons. True sovereignty: beem is operated, hosted, and governed entirely within Switzerland, ensuring alignment with data protection regulations such as GDPR and NIS2 while maintaining full data residency and control. Unified security and networking: Powered by Versa Sovereign SASE, beem consolidates networking and security into a single, modular platform, simplifying architecture, accelerating rollout, and lowering operational overhead. Enterprise security for all: Whether it's a small business, public sector agency, or operator of critical infrastructure, beem scales to meet diverse needs with high-assurance, low-friction access. Easy security for smartphones and IoT: beem enables secure, identity-aware connectivity the moment a device connects – no app, agent, or tunnel needed. Device authentication is built directly into the SIM card for native, zero-trust access control. Industry Impact beem represents a new blueprint for secure, sovereign digital infrastructure, not just in Switzerland but globally. It validates Versa's position as a trusted foundation for national-scale SASE deployments, and it positions Swisscom as a global first-mover and thought leader in secure connectivity. About Swisscom Swisscom is the leading ICT company in Switzerland and, with Fastweb + Vodafone, the strong #2 in the Italian market. The company offers mobile, Internet and TV, as well as comprehensive IT and digital services to private and business customers. Swisscom is the most sustainable telecommunications company in the world and is 51% owned by the Swiss Confederation. About Versa Versa, a global leader in SASE, enables organizations to create self-protecting networks that radically simplify and automate their network and security infrastructure. Powered by AI, the VersaONE Universal SASE Platform delivers converged SSE, SD-WAN, and SD-LAN solutions that protect data and defend against cyberthreats while delivering a superior digital experience. 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 investors such as Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, and BlackRock. For more information, visit and follow Versa on LinkedIn and X (Twitter) @versanetworks. Versa Networks, VOS, the Versa logo, and Versa Titan are or may be registered trademarks of Versa Networks, Inc. View source version on Contacts Versa Dan Spalding dspalding@ (408) 960-9297 Swisscom Media Relations media@ +41 58 221 98 04 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

RNZ News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Scrapping national census raises data sovereignty, surveillance fears for Māori
By Lara Greaves, Ella Pēpi Tarapa-Dewes, Kiri West, Larissa Renfrew of An administrative census will use information collected in day-to-day government activities. Photo: 2023 Census, Stats NZ Analysis - Wednesday's announcement that the five-yearly national census would be scrapped has raised difficult questions about the effectiveness, ethics and resourcing of the new 'administrative' system that will replace it. An administrative census will use information collected in day-to-day government activities, such as emergency-room admission forms, overseas travel declarations and marriage licences. The move is not necessarily bad in principle, especially given the rising cost of the census and declining participation rates, but to make it effective and robust, it must be properly resourced - and it must give effect to the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), as set out in the Data and Statistics Act. The transformation process so far leaves considerable room for doubt that these things will happen. In particular, there are major ethical and Māori data sovereignty issues at stake. As Te Mana Raraunga (the Māori Data Sovereignty Network) advocates, data is a living taonga (treasure), is of strategic value to Māori and should be subject to Māori governance. Changes to census methods risk compromising these values and undermining public trust in the official statistics system in general. Because the new system takes census data gathering out of the hands of individual citizens and households, it also raises questions about state surveillance and social licence. Surveillance means more than police stakeouts or phone-tapping. The state constantly collects and uses many kinds of data about us and our movements. For more than a decade, the Integrated Data Infrastructure has been the government's tool to patch gaps in its own data ecosystems. This administrative data is collected without our direct and informed consent, and there is no real way to opt out. The safeguard is that information about individuals is 'de-identified', once it enters the Integrated Data Infrastructure - no names, just data points. Stats NZ, which administers the system, says it has the social licence to collect, cross-reference and use this administrative data, but genuine social licence requires that people understand and accept how their data is being used. Stats NZ's own research shows only about one in four people surveyed have enough knowledge about its activities to make an informed judgement. The risks associated with this form of surveillance are amplified for Māori, because of their particular historical experience with data and surveillance. The Crown used data collection and monitoring systems to dispossess land and suppress cultural practices, which continue to disproportionately affect Māori communities today. Meaningful work to address this has taken place under the Mana Ōrite agreement , a partnership between Stats NZ and the Data Iwi Leaders Group (part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum). The agreement aims to solidify iwi authority over their own data, and ensure Māori perspectives are heard in decision-making around data and statistics. On the face of it, repurposing administrative data seems like a realistic solution to the census budget blowout, but there are questions about whether the data and methods used in an administrative census will be robust and of high quality. This has implications for policy and for communities. Administrative data in its current form is limited in many ways. In particular, it misses what is actually important to Māori communities and what makes life meaningful to them. Administrative data often only measures problems. It is collected on Māori at their most vulnerable - when they're in crisis, sick or struggling - which creates a distorted picture. In contrast, Te Kupenga (a survey by Stats NZ last run in 2018) included information by Māori and from a Māori cultural perspective that reflected lived realities. Before increasing reliance on administrative data, greater engagement with Māori will be needed to ensure a data system that gathers and provides reliable, quality data. It is especially important for smaller hapori Māori (Māori communities), which need the data to make decisions for their members. Stats NZ plans to partly fill the data void left by removing the traditional census with regular surveys, but the small sample size of surveys often makes it impossible to obtain reliable information on smaller groups, such as takatāpui (Māori of diverse gender and sexualities), or specific hapū or iwi groups. Photo: RNZ /Dom Thomas It is not clear the implications of this have been fully been worked through in the census change process, nor is it clear whether the recommendations from Stats NZ's Future Census Independent External Review Panel - from Māori and a range of experts - have been fully considered. This included crucial recommendations around commissioning an independent analysis informed by te Tiriti principles, meaningful engagement with iwi-Māori and the continuing implementation of a Māori data governance model developed by Māori data experts. We are not opposed to updating the way in which census data is collected, but for the new approach to be just, ethical and legal will require it to adhere to te Tiriti o Waitangi and the relationship established in the Mana Ōrite agreement . Lara Greaves is an Associate Professor of Politics, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington Ella Pēpi Tarapa-Dewes is Professional Teaching Fellow, Faculty of Arts and Education, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Kiri West is a lecturer in Indigenous Communication, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Larissa Renfrew, is a PhD Candidate, School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau. - This story originally appeared on [ the Conversation].
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Splashtop Expands with Sovereign Cloud Infrastructure in Australia to Strengthen Data Residency and Security Compliance
New localized services empower Australian customers with data sovereignty, enhanced performance, and flexible deployment options. SYDNEY, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Splashtop, a global provider of remote access, support, and endpoint management solutions, today announced its establishment of Australia-based infrastructure via a dedicated user database to support growing demand for data sovereignty, regional compliance, and high-performance remote access. This strategic investment enables organizations in Australia to use Splashtop services with confidence, knowing their data remains stored and processed locally under Australian jurisdiction. Splashtop's Australian sovereign cloud helps government, education, and enterprise customers meet national data protection standards, including new data sovereignty requirements under the 2023 Privacy Act. It also streamlines compliance with key frameworks such as the Essential Eight Maturity Model, the Information Security Manual (ISM), and enables readiness for Information Security Registered Assessors Program (IRAP) assessments. The dedicated infrastructure improves connection performance, supports compliance efforts, and underscores Splashtop's continued commitment to offering flexible, secure solutions globally. In addition to its regional cloud infrastructure, Splashtop offers an on-premise deployment option for organizations with stricter data governance policies or air-gapped environments. 'As more countries take steps to enforce digital sovereignty, we're investing in infrastructure that gives our customers choice and control,' said Mark Lee, CEO and Co-founder of Splashtop. 'This localized infrastructure supports data residency and helps streamline compliance, giving Australian customers greater peace of mind.' 'From sovereign cloud to on-prem, Splashtop is committed to meeting customers where they are technically and geographically,' added Leonard Wong, Regional Vice President at Splashtop. 'With our Australia infrastructure now live, we're better positioned to meet regional procurement and compliance requirements, opening the door to support new customers that demand strict data residency assurances.' This new regional infrastructure bolsters Splashtop's growing global footprint, including existing deployments in the United States, Canada, Japan, the European Union, and now Australia. The rollout reflects Splashtop's broader mission to deliver secure, performant, and compliant solutions that align with regional regulations and customer expectations. To learn more about Splashtop's cloud and on-premise solutions, visit About Splashtop Splashtop is the top-rated global provider of remote work, support, and management solutions that simplify security and performance in the work-from-anywhere world. With customer success as the #1 priority, Splashtop's technology is easy to deploy, use, and manage for small and midsize businesses and enterprises, offering advanced security features, high-throughput, broad device support, and 24/5 customer support. The approachable solution selected by more than 30 million users, Splashtop is a partner enabling users to grow and scale on their own terms with highly flexible plans. Splashtop is a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), aligning with Microsoft in their efforts to help customers address the evolving challenges of today's IT landscape. Visit and follow us on LinkedIn to learn more. CONTACT: Splashtop Inc. +61 (2) 9161 7275 pr@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VCI Global Teases ‘Project QG': Sovereign AI and Encrypted Data Monetization Platform Poised to Reshape the Global AI Infrastructure Landscape
Next-Gen Infrastructure Integrates AI, Encryption, and Blockchain to Power the Future of Data Sovereignty and Institutional Monetization KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) ('VCI Global' or the 'Company'), a diversified global holding company, today announced the stealth development of Project QG, a next-generation infrastructure platform designed to enable sovereign AI deployment and unlock a new era of encrypted data monetization for governments and institutions. Now entering the proof-of-concept stage, Project QG fuses AI-driven hardware encryption, zero-trust computing, and blockchain validation to deliver what VCI Global believes could become a foundational layer for the future of AI and data sovereignty. Redefining Data Control and Value Creation in the AI Era A vast majority of institutional and national datasets remain underutilized due to regulatory risks, privacy concerns, and the lack of secure AI infrastructure. According to Grand View Research, the global artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to exceed US$1.8 trillion by 2030, driven by rapid enterprise adoption and the growth of AI-native infrastructure. The cybersecurity and data protection market is also gaining momentum. Markets and Markets forecasts it to reach approximately US$298.5 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, Deloitte Insights notes that enterprises are increasingly monetizing proprietary data and software assets to generate new revenue streams. Industry analysts describe enterprise and sovereign data monetization as the next frontier in digital value creation, with significant upside expected privacy-first AI infrastructure continues to mature. Project QG: Built for Institutions That Cannot Afford to Compromise Computation on encrypted data, where users only receive insights, not the raw information Blockchain-backed audit trails, securing every transaction in a zero-trust environment Hardware-anchored encryption, with dynamic AI-generated security algorithms Sovereign-grade control, where monetization is entirely optional and policy-driven Governments, regulators, and data-rich enterprises increasingly require sovereign-ready infrastructure to maintain control, comply with data localization laws, and generate value, without relinquishing custody of their information. Project QG is built specifically for this market, positioning VCI Global at the forefront of the convergence between AI, cybersecurity, and sovereign data economics. VCI Global is currently engaging selected institutional stakeholders for early proof-of-concept pilots. The full platform is slated for launch in Q3 2025, with additional technical and strategic details to be revealed in the months ahead. 'We're building a platform for an AI-driven world where data remains protected, sovereign, and monetizable. With Project QG, we aim to solve one of the biggest structural challenges of the digital age, unlock value from sensitive data without ever compromising its integrity or ownership,' said Dato' Victor Hoo, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VCI Global. About VCI Global Limited VCI Global is a diversified global holding company with a strategic focus on AI & Robotics, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Capital Market Consultancy. With a strong presence in Asia, Europe, and the United States, VCI Global is committed to driving technological innovation, sustainable growth, and financial excellence across multiple industries. For more information on the Company, please log on to Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such statements include statements regarding the Company's ability to grow its business and other statements that are not historical facts, including statements which may be accompanied by the words 'intends,' 'may,' 'will,' 'plans,' 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'projects,' 'predicts,' 'estimates,' 'aims,' 'believes,' 'hopes,' 'potential' or similar words. These forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, including without limitation, the Company's ability to achieve profitable operations, customer acceptance of new products, the effects of the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and future measures taken by authorities in the countries wherein the Company has supply chain partners, the demand for the Company's products and the Company's customers' economic condition, the impact of competitive products and pricing, successfully managing and, general economic conditions and other risk factors detailed in the Company's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC'). The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release, except in accordance with applicable law. CONTACT INFORMATION: For media queries, please contact: VCI GLOBAL LIMITEDenquiries@ in to access your portfolio