NEC XON Pioneers Cyber Innovation: AI-Driven Security Solutions

​By Armand Kruger, Head of Cybersecurity, NEC XON

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The ugly truth is, cyber threat actors are harnessing AI to look for ways into your network. According to the WEF Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Report (2025) [reports.weforum.org] AI has democratised cyber threats. That means threat actors can automate even social engineering, run more extensive phishing campaigns and develop AI-driven malware with greater ease.  

Cybercriminals have called in the AI cavalry. Businesses, similarly, need AI-driven defenses—it’s a necessity, not an option. The implications are serious - traditional security models can’t keep up with evolving cyber threats. They simply don’t have access to sufficient resources to counter the problem. 

Businesses need AI-driven security solutions that go beyond detection. They need proactive, adaptive protection while optimising security investments. At NEC XON, we integrate advanced AI technologies into cybersecurity, ensuring customers stay ahead of threats. We don’t stop there. Rather than looking at cybersecurity as a grudge purchase, we look at ways to maximise business value so that cybersecurity is seen as a strategic business continuity asset. We focus on business impact, not just risk mitigation. Our AI-driven security solutions:

• Enable real-time threat detection and response – Automating investigations allows security experts to focus on proactive threat anticipation rather than damage control.
• Quantify business risks – Security decisions align with business objectives, reducing costs while improving resilience.
• Optimise security spending – AI-driven efficiencies consolidate protection while ensuring cost-effectiveness.

Staying ahead of AI-powered threats
NEC XON leverages Palo Alto Networks, Silverfort, and other cutting-edge vendors to ensure human expertise and AI work together, countering threats in real-time. Palo Alto Networks provides zero-trust architectures and AI-powered threat detection, and we integrate Silverfort’s ITDR (Identity Threat Detection and Response) to combat identity-based attacks. These partnerships ensure predictive, adaptive defenses that stay ahead of evolving threats.

AI in action: stopping threats before they spread
​Our Managed Detection & Response (MDR) team recently intercepted a ransomware attack before it could spread. AI-driven security policies automatically:

1. Quarantined and removed the malicious file before execution.
2. Disabled the compromised user’s identity to prevent lateral movement.
3. Isolated the affected endpoint, containing the risk—all without human intervention.

Many organisations hesitate to adopt AI-driven security, preferring more familiar, traditional models. However, cybercriminals exploit complacency. Without AI, businesses simply cannot keep pace with modern threats. NEC XON addresses this by demonstrating the direct impact of AI security on revenue protection, business continuity, and compliance, making AI adoption a strategic imperative rather than an IT upgrade.

Customer-first cybersecurity
Security should be seamless and transparent. NEC XON delivers AI-driven security as a real-time, consumption-based service, providing:

• Live dashboards for full cyber visibility.
• Instant response reports for actionable insights.
• A collaborative security approach—breaking digital barriers between teams.

We work closely with customers to assess current security posture, define goals, and deploy AI-driven solutions that protect and optimise business operations.

Compliance through automation
Meeting global cybersecurity regulations is challenging. NEC XON’s AI-driven solutions automate compliance processes, supporting GRC teams while enhancing security.

The future: Cyber anticipation
AI-driven cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s the future. NEC XON’s vision is clear: empower businesses with AI-driven security that protects, optimises, and drives business value. Cyber threats are evolving, but with AI and human expertise combined, NEC XON ensures businesses stay secure and resilient.

About NEC XON
NEC XON is a leading African integrator of ICT solutions and part of NEC, a Japanese global company. The holding company has operated in Africa since 1963 and delivers communications, energy, safety, security, and digital solutions. It co-creates social value through innovation to help overcome serious societal challenges. The organisation operates in 54 African countries and has a footprint in 16 of them. Regional headquarters are located in South, East, and West Africa. NEC XON is a level 1-certified broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) business. Discover more at www.nec.xon.co.za.
 
Issued by: Michelle Oelschig, Scarlet Letter ​