Security. Fortified
Managed cybersecurity services for South African businesses.
Security services
Hosted Firewall & Network Security
Eliminate physical appliance overhead. FirstNet delivers cloud-hosted firewall & network security with dedicated, multi-tenant Fortinet VDOM segmentation.Email Security & Threat Protection
Enhance your Email Security & Threat Protection with advanced filtering and continuity features to combat phishing and malware.Microsoft 365 Security & Compliance
Microsoft 365 security and compliance from FirstNet: identity hardening, data protection and compliance controls tailored to your risk profile.
Managed Cybersecurity Services
Managed cybersecurity services in South Africa: FirstNet's SOC monitors your hybrid estate continuously and responds to incidents for you.Secure Access & SSE
Protect web use, cloud apps, private apps and sensitive data from one Netskope console, with FirstNet to deploy, support and optionally manage it.Web Application & DDoS Protection
Cloudflare's global edge, including Johannesburg and Cape Town, protects your public apps and users.
Why FirstNet cybersecurity
Many providers focus on individual security technologies, creating fragmented environments and operational complexity.
FirstNet delivers cybersecurity using the same principles applied to our cloud and connectivity services:
- Architected as part of core infrastructure
- Delivered as a managed service
- Integrated across platforms and users
- Operated with accountability and visibility
Benefits include:
- Unified security and infrastructure architecture
- Simplified operations and governance
- Proactive risk management
- Scalable protection aligned to business growth
Accredited platforms, one accountable provider
FirstNet runs each security platform as a managed service rather than reselling licences. You get one contract, one support desk and one team accountable for outcomes, with direct escalation into each vendor when an issue needs it.
- Sophos Titanium Partner and MSP Titanium is the highest tier of the Sophos Partner Program. It gives FirstNet advanced certification and direct escalation paths into Sophos for firewall, endpoint and MDR customers.
- Mimecast Elite Managed Services Partner FirstNet holds Elite status in the Mimecast Partner ONE MSP Programme and operates Mimecast email security on your behalf. You never need to deal with Mimecast directly.
- Fortinet partner FirstNet runs FortiGate firewalls, FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer for multiple customer estates in production today, with FortiCare escalation into Fortinet TAC.
- Cloudflare and Netskope partner FirstNet designs, deploys and tunes Cloudflare and Netskope for South African organisations, with partner-tier escalation into each vendor's technical teams.
The details
Why cybersecurity is business-criticalCyber incidents rarely occur because organisations lack security technology.
Essential cybersecurity for modern organisations
Cyber incidents rarely occur because organisations lack security technology. They occur when security is fragmented, inconsistently applied, or disconnected from the wider IT and connectivity environment.
Modern businesses operate across cloud platforms, distributed users, digital communications, and always‑on networks. Securing this environment requires the same architectural discipline applied to cloud and connectivity, designed holistically, delivered as a service, and continuously managed against defined outcomes.
At FirstNet, we deliver managed cybersecurity as an integral part of your IT infrastructure. We design, deploy, and operate security capabilities that integrate seamlessly with your:
Cloud Connectivity
Business Connectivity
Unified Communication
Data Platforms
The result is a secure, resilient, and operationally aligned security posture that supports how your business works, without the complexity of managing multiple tools, vendors, or internal skillsets.
FirstNet cybersecurity keeps you secure & resilient
Why cybersecurity has become business-critical
Cybersecurity has evolved from a standalone IT function into a foundational component of business infrastructure.
As South African organisations adopt cloud services, remote work, and digital‑first operating models, the attack surface continues to expand. At the same time, the impact of security failures has increased, affecting system availability, customer trust, and regulatory standing.
When cybersecurity is not engineered and managed as part of core infrastructure, organisations face:
- Service disruption impacting productivity and revenue
- Loss or exposure of sensitive business and customer data
- Financial impact linked to recovery, remediation, and penalties
- Reputational damage that undermines long‑term confidence
Cybersecurity must therefore be treated with the same discipline as cloud platforms and network connectivity, designed for resilience, managed for continuity, and aligned to business outcomes.
Core components of modern cybersecurityAn effective cybersecurity strategy relies on layered controls that operate together as a single, integrated architecture.
Core components of modern cybersecurity
Secure. Resilient. Managed.
An effective cybersecurity strategy relies on layered controls that operate together as a single, integrated architecture. This approach underpins modern managed cybersecurity services, managed security services (MSSP) models, and managed detection and response (MDR), combining network security, endpoint detection and response (EDR), email security, identity and access management, SIEM‑driven monitoring, and incident response to reduce the risk of ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and unauthorised access.
Network Security
Secures traffic flows across on‑premise, cloud, and wide‑area environments through controlled access, continuous inspection, and prevention of unauthorised or malicious activity.
Outcome: Reduced exposure to network‑based threats and predictable, controlled access across your environment.
Related service: Managed Firewall Services
Endpoint & workforce security
Protects laptops, servers, and mobile devices used by remote, mobile, and hybrid workforces through malware protection, endpoint detection and response, and rapid containment of compromised devices.
Outcome: A protected workforce that can operate securely from any location.
Related service: Endpoint Security Solutions
Email & digital communication security
Protects the primary communication channels used by the business by preventing phishing, impersonation, and fraud while inspecting links and attachments in real time.
Outcome: Reduced financial risk and improved trust in digital communications.
Related service: Email Security Services
Identity & access management
Controls access to systems, applications, and data through strong authentication, least‑privilege access, and protection of privileged accounts.
Outcome: Access aligned to user identity, role, and risk, supporting secure operations.
Related service: Identity & Access Management
How the layers fit togetherEach service covers a different part of the attack surface.
How the layers fit together
Each service covers a different part of the attack surface. Most customers start with the layer that matches their most urgent risk, then add the others over time on the same FirstNet contract.
- Firewall as a Service: Fortinet or Sophos, on your site or hosted
- Inbound email: Mimecast filters phishing, malware and impersonation before delivery
- Outbound email: SendMarc enforces DMARC so nobody can spoof your domain
- Endpoint and SOC: Sophos MDR detects threats around the clock
- Incident response: FirstNet's team remediates when Sophos MDR raises an alert
- Secure access: Netskope or Cloudflare Zero Trust replaces legacy VPN
- Public apps: Cloudflare WAF, DDoS and bot protection at the edge
Managed detection, monitoring and responseOrganisations are increasingly adopting managed cybersecurity services for the same reasons they move to managed cloud and connectivity services.
Why businesses are moving to managed cybersecurity
Secure. Resilient. Managed.
Organisations are increasingly adopting managed cybersecurity services for the same reasons they move to managed cloud and connectivity services.
- Skills and Operational Complexity: Cybersecurity expertise is scarce, expensive, and difficult to maintain internally as threats and technologies evolve.
- Continuous Risk Environment: Threats operate continuously and require always-on monitoring and response.
- Predictable Operating Model: Managed services replace capital investment and fragmented tooling with a consistent, predictable operating cost.
- Proactive Risk Management: Continuous monitoring enables early detection and significantly reduces business impact.
- Regulatory and Governance Pressure: Regulatory obligations such as POPIA require controls that are visible, auditable, and consistently applied.
Outcome: Enterprise‑grade security delivered as a managed service, aligned to operational and business priorities.
Cybersecurity for South African businesses
South African organisations face a distinct cybersecurity context shaped by local regulation, infrastructure dependencies, and targeted threat activity. Key considerations include:
- POPIA compliance and data sovereignty requirements
- Increasing ransomware and fraud targeting local organisations
- Distributed workforces and regional branch connectivity
- Dependence on reliable network and cloud availability
South African organisations face a distinct cybersecurity context shaped by local regulation, infrastructure dependencies, and targeted threat activity. Key considerations include:
Threat detection, monitoring and response
Secure. Resilient. Managed.
Security controls must be actively monitored to remain effective. Our managed cybersecurity services include:
- Continuous security monitoring
- Centralised visibility across security domains
- Detection of abnormal activity and emerging threats
- Coordinated incident response and containment
Outcome: Faster detection, reduced disruption, and improved recovery from security incidents.
Related services: Security Operations Centre (SOC), Threat Detection & Response
Risk assessments and assuranceUnderstanding risk is essential to prioritising investment and controls.
Security risk assessments and assurance
Understanding risk is essential to prioritising investment and controls.
We deliver structured security assessments that:
Identify Vulnerabilities
Across Users, Systems, And Connectivity
Assess Likelihood
And The Business Impact
Evaluate Alignment
To Regulatory And Governance Requirements
Define
Prioritised Remediation Roadmaps
Outcome: Clear visibility of security risk and a practical plan for improvement.
Related services: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Cybersecurity services we provideAll services are delivered as managed outcomes, not standalone products.
Cybersecurity services we provide
Secure. Resilient. Managed.
Managed Network & Edge Security
Managed Network & Edge SecurityEndpoint & Workforce Protection
Endpoint & Workforce ProtectionEmail & Communication Security
Email & Communication SecurityThreat Detection & Incident Response
Threat Detection & Incident ResponseContinuous Security Monitoring
Continuous Security MonitoringCybersecurity Risk Assessments
Cybersecurity Risk AssessmentsAll services are delivered as managed outcomes, not standalone products.
FirstNet cybersecurity designed for South African businesses
Industries we supportOur managed cybersecurity services support organisations across: Each industry benefits from improved…
Industries we support
Our managed cybersecurity services support organisations across:
Financial Services
Healthcare
Legal & professional services
Manufacturing
Retail & Logistics
Each industry benefits from improved resilience, regulatory alignment, and operational continuity.
Managing cybersecurity cost versus business risk
The financial and operational impact of a security incident often exceeds the cost of prevention.
Security failures introduce:
- Extended Service Downtime
- Data Recovery And System Rebuild Costs
- Legal, Regulatory, And Contractual Exposure
- Long Term Reputational Damage
Managed cybersecurity focuses investment on risk reduction, resilience, and operational stability, delivering predictable costs and measurable outcomes.
What are managed cybersecurity services?
Managed cybersecurity services provide ongoing protection, monitoring, and management of security controls across your network, cloud platforms, users, and devices to reduce cyber risk and improve resilience.
Who needs managed cybersecurity services?
Small, medium, and enterprise organisations that rely on cloud applications, internet access, and digital communications require consistent security controls across users and locations.
How do managed cybersecurity services reduce business risk?
By combining preventative controls, continuous monitoring, and rapid response to reduce the likelihood and impact of ransomware, phishing, data breaches, and unauthorised access.
Does managed cybersecurity support remote and hybrid workforces?
Yes. Security controls follow users wherever they work, ensuring consistent protection beyond traditional network perimeters.
Is cloud security included?
Yes. Managed cybersecurity protects on premise, cloud, and hybrid environments with consistent visibility and control.
Do you resell security licences or run the service?
FirstNet runs the service. We deploy the platform, set and tune policies, monitor it and handle changes through our Rapid Response support desk. Where a customer specifically needs hardware or licences only, we can supply them, but that is quoted separately from our managed services.
Can you guarantee POPIA compliance?
No provider can guarantee compliance on its own. We align each service to your privacy, retention and audit requirements, but compliance remains a shared responsibility that depends on your configuration and governance. Formal questionnaires and contract wording are reviewed by our product and legal teams.
Does FirstNet operate its own SOC?
No. The 24/7 security operations centre layer, covering threat hunting and analyst-led detection, is delivered by Sophos MDR. When Sophos raises an alert, FirstNet's Incident Response team works with you to contain, remediate and recover.
What certifications does FirstNet hold?
FirstNet operates under ISO 27001 (information security) and ISO 9001 (quality) management systems and is licensed by ICASA for ECS and ECNS. Our security vendors hold their own platform-level certifications, available on request.
Where do I start if I have several security gaps?
Start with the risk that is costing you most today, whether that is phishing, an ageing firewall or VPN pain. We run a discovery session, propose the first service, then expand into adjacent layers once the first one is proving its value.
How do FirstNet's security services fit together?
FirstNet's security services cover different layers, so most organisations combine several. Managed firewalls (Fortinet or Sophos) protect the network edge. Mimecast protects inbound email, while SendMarc stops attackers spoofing your domain in outbound email. Sophos endpoint protection with Sophos MDR provides 24/7 detection, with FirstNet's Incident Response team helping you remediate. Netskope secures web, SaaS and private app access for users, and Cloudflare protects public-facing websites and applications. Each runs as a managed service under one FirstNet contract.
Who do we contact when there is a problem with a security service?
You contact FirstNet's Rapid Response support desk, whichever security platform the issue involves. Rapid Response is the single entry point for incidents, service requests and escalations. FirstNet then handles escalation into the vendor behind the service, such as Sophos, Fortinet, Mimecast or Cloudflare, using partner-level escalation paths, so you do not need to manage vendor support queues yourself. Response commitments are set by your contracted SLA, and only your authorised technical contacts can log and approve service requests.
From the Knowledge Hub
Where security fits
- Sovereign AI AI that stays home, in every layer.
- Voice Every call, clear.
- Security Threats, contained.
- Cloud Data, protected.
- Connectivity Always connected.
Enriched by Sovereign AI: keep AI POPIA-aligned: prompts, documents and data are processed on South African infrastructure instead of foreign APIs. Explore the AI Factory