Cato’s self-evolving Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) mitigation agent recently accelerated protection against PHP2Shell, a pair of critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a widely used open-source server-side programming language. Cato’s agent helped turn the investigation into concrete research output by creating a proof of concept and generating an IPS signature in minutes. The agent connects vulnerability analysis, controlled lab testing and protection generation. Validation feedback and researcher corrections inform improvements to its skills and workflows, while security researchers review proposed protections before release. Cato implemented PHP2Shell IPS protections, connecting fast agentic research with cloud enforcement to help customers reduce exposure on inspected traffic while they update affected applications. “Speed matters because attackers can study the same patches defenders use,” noted tech evangelist and Cato CTRL member Dr. Guy Waizel in Cato’s threat brief. “Our AI-native SASE approach connects our self-evolving agentic CVE mitigation researcher with centralized cloud inspection and enforcement. The researcher helps turn vulnerability analysis into candidate signatures, with validation and security researcher review before release. We can then deliver protections through our cloud without customers installing a separate signature package on each PHP server. This shortens the path from disclosure to protection while application owners complete remediation.” Cato’s self-evolving CVE mitigation agent rapidly developed security protections against the vulnerabilities, helping customers reduce exposure to potential attacks. p To read the full threat brief, visit Catonetworks.com/blog. Stop by Kiosk K5 to meet the Cato team. Vizaport recently announced a partnership with LB Networks, developer of the OcularIP performance assurance platform. Networks that leverage OcularIP will now appear with the OcularIP brand when listed as a connectivity option in Vizaport’s FiberAI Marketplace for fiber discovery and quoting. The OcularIP accreditation in Vizaport helps service providers differentiate their offerings where buyers make purchasing decisions. Services carrying the OcularIP designation can demonstrate that the available service is actively managed for quality. More than 150 carriers now use OcularIP, with add-ons such as Type1+ app that extends network visibility to off-net circuits without requiring a NID. Buyers comparing fiber connectivity options in Vizaport’s next-generation marketplace can see which providers certify their network, along with monthly recurring pricing and one-time installation costs. Historically, fiber buyers have had to trust provider assertions about uptime and SLA performance. This partnership puts verified performance data alongside real-time fiber connectivity and commercial details on a single screen, helping buyers compare options with greater confidence, clarity and speed. OcularIP certification for FiberAI Marketplace listings will be available beginning in the first quarter of 2027. p Cato AI Native SASE Delivers PHP2Shell Protection at Machine Speed Vizaport and LB Networks Partner to Bring Verified Network Quality to FiberAI www.bekabusinessmedia.com SHOW.INCOMPAS.ORG 7 DAY 2 Midco was recently named the recipient of Nokia’s inaugural Breakthrough Award, recognizing its position as the nation’s largest 400G circuit provider, according to Nokia and Infinera data from the second quarter of 2025. The recognition follows the completion of Midco’s historic 400G connectivity solution supporting critical AI infrastructure in North Dakota, underscoring the growing need for scalable, high-capacity transport solutions as organizations expand cloud, AI and data center operations. “This connectivity deal strengthens Midco’s position as the nation’s largest 400G circuit provider, enabling hyperscalers and data centers to grow with confidence,” said Ben Dold, Midco president and COO. “With unmatched network customization, engineering responsiveness and high-capacity transport reach, Midco is redefining what high-bandwidth fiber connectivity can deliver.” A longstanding partnership between Midco and Nokia helped make the deployment in North Dakota possible. Combining Midco’s fiber network with Nokia’s optical networking technology helped deliver the capacity, scalability and resiliency required for one of the largest connectivity projects in Midco’s history. The deployment included more than 500 individual 400G service circuits, 200 terabits per second of total bandwidth and two geographically diverse routes providing full path redundancy. Initial services were delivered within six weeks of the contract signing, with full project deployment completed in approximately four and a half months. Midco’s long-haul network connects key markets throughout the Midwest. Spanning more than 22,000 fiber miles, the network footprint allows carriers, data centers and enterprise customers to transport large amounts of data while maintaining the performance required by today’s applications. Midco’s ownership of critical Upper Midwest fiber routes also provides customers with diverse connectivity options that are often difficult to secure through larger national providers. The recognition from Nokia reflects years of Midco’s investment in infrastructure, engineering and network modernization. As organizations continue evaluating locations for AI workloads, cloud expansion and next-generation data center deployments, access to scalable, high-capacity connectivity has become increasingly important. Midco continues to invest in its fiber network and optical transport capabilities to meet those evolving requirements while supporting growth across the region. For wholesale customers, the combination of Midco’s regional fiber footprint, 400G capabilities and dedicated support model provides connectivity solutions designed to scale alongside evolving business needs. As demand for bandwidthintensive applications continues to grow, network flexibility, geographic diversity and operational expertise remain key considerations for carriers, data center operators and enterprise organizations evaluating connectivity partners. p Stop by Meeting Lounge 100 to meet with Midco, or visit Midco.com/Wholesale to request a consultation. Midco Earns Nokia Breakthrough Award
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