Rick Ferguson

Social Networks, Enterprise 2.0, and Network Security

There is a serious problem with today’s enterprise networks – the users are in control. IT workers witness web-based applications being used and opening up the network to unknown threats. Their answer to this traffic problem is to block it. Users on the other hand believe it is because the IT workers didn’t design the network to allow them to just get their job done. They want to use the very applications they use as consumers outside the walls of their company because they are easy. To them, IT is wrong and so the answer is don’t block it. The answer isn’t a simple choice between whether to block or not. The real answer lies in the ability to see exactly what is going on and come up with the right solution.

Enterprise 2.0 applications
Today, we recognize the world is flat – as in a total lack of borders. In the context of enterprise networks, the traditional firewall has long ceased to be relevant. New generation of applications, technologies and techniques have emerged. Developers have found ways to avoid the borders by inventing evasive tactics, tunnels and other ways to “jump the fence”. In essence, the vast majority of Enterprise 2.0 applications make it into the enterprise without the intervention of IT.

Rick Ferguson's Biography
Rick joined Palo Alto Networks in January 2011 as the General Manager of our Australian business. Rick was educated in London, and has been in the IT industry for over twenty years. During this time he has worked and lived in Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks, Rick was the Asia Pacific Vice President for Integrated Research, a publically listed Australian Software company with a host of global customers. Rick has also held positions with Wyse Technology as the Vice President for Asia Pacific, and with Cisco Systems in Africa, and Australia as a Director of Sales.

Rick is now resident in Sydney after moving to Australia in 1998. He remains a keen sports fan having played professional football in his younger years. These days, Rick is more likely to be found watching his son surfing on the Australian coastline, or watching his daughter compete in equestrian events.

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