Apple introduced new upgrades for Safari that will allow developers and users with cross-platform browser extensions, biometric web experience and greater privacy control. HelpSystems snags two security companies to enter the data classification space and CyGlass launches a partner program to equip MSPs and MSSPs with its NDaaS platform.
Apple Updates for Safari 14
As a part of their updates to macOS 11 (Ben Hur) and iOS 14 earlier this week at the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple has decided to update its home-grown browser Safari with web and native extensions. Currently in its Beta version, Apple revealed the update details in Safari 14 Beta release notesOpens a new window .
Updates include inclusion of WebExtension API, Xcode 12 support for developers, Face ID and Touch ID, webpage translation capabilities, WebP image support, VP9 Codec, etc.
WebExtension API
WebExtension API is a common feature present across the most popular web browsers like Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, and Microsoft Edge, which makes it a ‘cross-platform technology’. It helps in developing and using extensions on web browsers to extend their functionality beyond the confines of limited browser capabilities. WebExtension API support for Safari will allow users to install and use browser extensions available to other browsers that support the cross-platform technology.
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A Passwordless Safari Through the Web
Apple is eliminating passwords with enhanced security features in the WebKit-based browser with FIDO 2-specified Face ID and Touch IDOpens a new window capabilities that allow users to log into websites with biometrics. Touch ID and Face ID is built on Web Authentication API or Web AuthnOpens a new window and leverages FIDO Alliance (which Apple joined in February) specifications.
User Privacy and Protection
Users have the option to customize third-party trackers and they can also block third-party cookies and the Storage Access API in private browsing. Alerts can be set up notify when websites are accessed.
A spokesperson for Apple wroteOpens a new window , “A transparent overview of an app’s privacy practices is key to building trust with potential users. Developers now have the opportunity to detail their app’s privacy practices right in the App Store for users to review, including the types of data the apps might collect, whether that data is shared with third parties, and the option for users to opt out.â€
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Other Updates
Safari will now also support Google’s WebP image format. WebP is a format that is stated to be a compressed image format using lossy and lossless image compression. Chrome, Firefox and Edge all currently support WebP.
Xcode 12 will now allow developers to port Chrome extensions to Safari via the App Store.
Apple also discontinued Safari support to Flash. VP9 codec will ensure 4K playback on Safari.
HelpSystems Sharpens Focus on Data Classification with Security Buys
HelpSystems has acquired the Canada-based Titus and U.K-based Boldon James to deliver a ‘comprehensive, powerful suite of data security options’ to its customers. Titus is a data classification and security automation vendor while Boldon James is involved in data classification along with secure messaging solutions, for enterprise data governance.
The acquisition indicates HelpSystems’ intention to drive greater lifecycle protection for user data across multiple infrastructures like cloud, on-premise equipment or any network.
Kate Bolseth, CEO, HelpSystems saidOpens a new window , “Bringing Titus and Boldon James into the HelpSystems family is another step toward our unwavering goal of giving customers the most robust collection of trusted security and automation solutions available, backed by a people-first commitment to long-term customer success.â€
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NDaaS Provider CyGlass Unveils Velocity Partner Program
CyGlass, a provider of threat detection and response for network security unveiled details of its Velocity Partner Program.
The company acquiredOpens a new window by Nominet in February, provides Network Defense as a Service (NDaaS) that can help managed service providers, value added resellers, managed security service providers and other organizations to deliver the following services:
- Asset identification
- Network visibility and monitoring for maliciousness
- Detection of suspicious activities
It is a SaaS solution that requires no additional hardware or software.
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Under CyGlass’ Velocity Partner Program, partners will be categorized into three tiers as the company calls it. The placement into tiers is dependent upon training-levels they have undergone. Placement in different tiers also entails multi-level discounts as well as co-marketing funds associated with each tier.
William Despard, VP Africa & Enterprise Accounts at Technov8 said, “The mechanism of reward-based training that affords the most technically able and committed partners to benefit from the most lucrative discounts is also not only appealing, but effective in creating the best possible deployments for customers.†Technov8
CyGlass explainedOpens a new window that the program aims to be “simple, profitable, and repeatable for partners.†One of the highlights of the programs is the ability of partners to quickly create a proof of concept through the platform.
John Dams, MD of One Distribution said “In particular, the ability to set up a proof-of-concept so quickly and independently will offer partners valuable speed, something that is second to none in the world of cyber security.â€
The company deems its SaaS platform’s suitability for small and midsize businesses, as well as enterprises.
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