Lumen Technologies expands APAC cybersecurity capabilities with Palo Alto Networks

“Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows Lumen to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with our customers’ business goals,” says Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies.

Lumen Technologies has achieved the Palo Alto Networks NextWave Cortex XSIAM Select Specialization Status in Singapore. This specialization recognizes partners who have demonstrated expertise in deploying and managing Cortex XSIAM, enabling them to help customers transform their security operations centers (SOCs).

According to Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies, partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows Lumen to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with customers’ business goals.

The specialization is on Lumen’s Advanced MDR, which delivers comprehensive, AI-powered threat detection and response across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments, helping customers gain full-spectrum visibility and control over their security operations.

Built on Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM platform, which unifies XDR, SOAR, ASM, and SIEM capabilities, the solution simplifies SOC workflows, eliminates console switching, and accelerates incident response through automation and advanced analytics. This platform-centric approach not only improves detection accuracy but also reduces operational complexity and licensing overhead.

As a Select Partner, Lumen supports seamless deployment of Cortex XSIAM, empowering customers to transform their security posture with confidence. Customers benefit from continuous threat hunting, tailored playbooks, and asset discovery powered by Lumen’s SOC analysts and Black Lotus Lab. With deep regional expertise, a strategic global network of SOCs, and a customer-first success model, Lumen ensures proactive defence against evolving threats.

For Michelle Saw, Vice President, GTM Shared Services and Ecosystems, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, Lumen's achievement is a significant milestone that reinforces commitment to a partner ecosystem focused on delivering world-class security outcomes in APAC.

“In today's complex threat landscape, customers need the power of a unified, AI-driven platform like Cortex XSIAM, combined with the deep regional expertise and managed services of a trusted partner like Lumen. We are proud to collaborate with Lumen to empower businesses across the region to transform their security posture and confidently face the next generation of cyber threats,” added Saw.

Lumen Technologies Advanced MDR

According to Wong, most SOCs and customer environments rely on a diverse mix of tools and platforms that often operate in isolation, creating silos and limiting visibility across the security landscape. He explained that this increases the cognitive load on the SOC team to correlate and triage attack footprint across these disparate systems, and quite often the tell-tale signs get missed.

“This inefficiency provides space for attackers to carry out their activities while avoiding detection. The AI-fueled threat landscape further magnifies this problem. Lumen’s Advanced MDR service is designed to transform how organizations manage security operations and overcome these challenges,” said Wong.

Wong added that achieving the Palo Alto Networks NextWave Cortex XSIAM Select Specialization reinforces their commitment as a global strategic partner to delivering secure, AI-ready next-generation SIEM for businesses across APAC and beyond.

“By integrating Cortex XSIAM - a software platform that enables AI-driven security operations to improve visibility and accelerate response times - into our Advanced MDR portfolio, we provide a unified, AI-driven platform that simplifies security operations, accelerates threat detection and response, and delivers full-spectrum visibility across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments,” he added.

Wong also highlighted that Lumen’s regional SOC expertise and intelligence from their threat research and operations arm, Black Lotus Labs, enables them to help enterprises modernize their security operations, reducing complexity, eliminating tool sprawl and empowering them with clarity, speed and confidence.

Challenges in SOC modernization

As organizations are struggling with disconnected security tools and limited visibility across their hybrid environments, the situation clearly highlights how fragmented security architectures create opportunities for attackers to move undetected. Forrester research also points to APAC facing one of the most severe cybersecurity talent shortages globally. Wong believes these pressures slow down decision-making and make it difficult for security teams to stay ahead of threats.

Additionally, Wong pointed out that the advent of AI has led to an increased proliferation of AI-powered attacks, polymorphic malware, and phishing attempts which are designed to evade detection or overwhelm the traditional security detection mechanisms.

“Today’s threat landscape demands a new approach – one that is unified, intelligent, and adaptive. We are helping customers address these challenges by delivering a unified, AI-powered security operations platform that consolidates detection, investigation, and response. Our approach is rooted in simplification and clarity—enabling customers to reduce noise, focus on real risks, and act with greater speed and accuracy. We leverage automation, advanced analytics, and tailored playbooks to cut through complexity and empower security teams to make confident decisions,” he said.

Wong also stated that Lumen’s strategic global network of SOCs are equipped with in-region capabilities across key APAC markets provide continuous support, active threat hunting, and localized insights, ensuring that solutions are not only technically robust but also contextually relevant to APAC’s diverse regulatory and threat environments.

“We believe in building resilient, future-ready SOCs that can adapt to the evolving needs of our customers and the region,” added Wong.

Lumen Technologies in APAC

As APAC continues to be one of the fastest-growing digital economies globally, Wong also commented that Lumen will continue to invest in strengthening its security, networking, and cloud capabilities across the region.

“We are accelerating security innovation to help organizations evolve their cybersecurity posture to stay ahead in an AI-driven threat landscape. Building on our global strategic partnership with Palo Alto Networks, we are expanding our managed security offerings, including into SASE, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and AI security, to deliver unified, outcome-focused protection across cloud, edge and hybrid environments,” explained Wong.

“Our recent recognition in the  Major Players  category in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment, further validates our commitment and leadership in delivering scalable, AI-ready security solutions to customers. Together with our regional SOC expertise and threat intelligence from our Black Lotus Labs, we are transforming security operations for enterprises across APAC,” added Wong.

Wong also said that Lumen is deepening its network capabilities across APAC with an ongoing expansion to boost backbone connectivity, reduce latency, and improve interconnectivity between our regional and global data hubs.

“Customers can benefit from our AI-ready network for faster, secure and more reliable access to cloud, edge, and AI workloads as their digital demands grow. Our focus remains on delivering secure, high-performance infrastructure and outcome-driven security services that support their growth,” he concluded.