Cisco is set to introduce a new enhancement to its Security Cloud Control platform: the Mesh Policy Engine, aimed at enabling more efficient policy management for security. This update, which was previewed at the Cisco Live event in June, will empower users to define and enforce security policies consistently across their networks, supporting both Cisco and third-party firewalls like those from Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, and Juniper.
The Mesh Policy Engine streamlines the traditional process of granting access, which often involves significant overhead for network operators. Previously, this process required validation of existing rules, updating relevant firewalls, and considering the implications of changes. Now, operators can specify access intent—such as which applications can communicate and on what ports—through a user-friendly interface or API. The engine takes over determining policy deployment and ensures that modifications have minimal impact on existing applications.
Murali Rathinasamy, Cisco’s director of product management for Cloud Security, highlighted that once an organization’s network topology is integrated with Security Cloud Control, it can leverage the Mesh Policy Engine to achieve significant efficiency gains. Key features include:
- Automated Policy Deployment: New or updated Layer 3/4 policies can be deployed to appropriate firewalls in minutes instead of weeks.
- Seamless Integration: The engine supports a hybrid mesh firewall architecture and easily incorporates new devices, which allows organizations to upgrade their systems without overhauling existing infrastructure.
- Enhanced Segmentation: By focusing on intent, the engine can reduce redundant rules and objects, simplifying policy management and improving network segmentation.
The broader objective of this initiative is to transition away from fragmented security consoles toward a more intelligent, centralized system for enforcing security across diverse domains.
Gartner’s insights on hybrid mesh firewalls suggest a growing preference among clients for centralized management of firewall policies, particularly in hybrid environments. The firm recognises Cisco as a "visionary" in this area, noting its varied deployment options and sophisticated integration capabilities that set it apart from competitors such as HPE, Palo Alto, and Fortinet.
For more details on Cisco’s innovations in security management, read Cisco’s 2026 agenda prioritizes AI-ready infrastructure and Cisco defines AI security framework for enterprise protection.
