Ransomware attacks, phishing scams and breaches are a daily reality for South African companies. The stakes are no longer just data loss, but full-scale operational paralysis.
NEC XON, a leading provider of IT security solutions, has announced the expansion of its managed services portfolio to include comprehensive Fortinet device management. The device management service has already been rolled out at two of South Africa’s largest clothing retail chains.
This move aims to help businesses across South Africa enhance security, optimise Fortinet performance and minimise downtime. Recent data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, presented at RSAC 2025, highlights a growing reliance on managed security services (MSS) to combat escalating cybersecurity challenges.
- Nearly 29% of organisations have adopted MSS solutions to supplement or even replace traditional in-house teams.
- Meanwhile, 23% are centralising resources to streamline security operations and 28% are actively downsizing their security teams — a risky strategy in today’s threat environment.
- Another 37% report no significant changes, revealing a worrying stagnation in security preparedness.
“We are dedicated to providing top-tier support to help businesses stay secure and operational. That’s not just a slogan — it’s a promise South African companies urgently need,” said Grant Ferreira, regional manager for security solutions at NEC XON. “We are excited to have launched the expansion of our managed services to meet the growing security demands of our customers. With our team of certified experts, we have had great success with the expanded services in the coastal regions of South Africa and are in the process of rolling out the project to the rest of South Africa and Africa.”
Not just selling a device
As a certified Fortinet partner, the company isn’t selling just another IT service — it’s expanded services combine technical precision with a human layer of support that’s becoming increasingly rare in the age of automated helpdesks and generic call centres.
In other words, what’s compelling here is not only the technology — Fortinet’s firewalls and secure networking infrastructure are industry gold — but the model of service NEC XON is rolling out. With both on-site and remote support, it’s meeting businesses where they are, both physically and financially. Whether a company needs engineers on the ground for device deployment or remote monitoring that operates quietly in the background, the offering is flexible and scalable.
This flexibility matters. Many South African businesses — especially those outside major metros — lack the internal expertise or budget to manage complex network infrastructure. NEC XON’s team of certified engineers, trained in secure connectivity, SD-WAN and security operations, fills that gap with precision.
Expert support programmes
Even more important is NEC XON’s access to Fortinet’s elite Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP) and Expert Technical Support (ETSP) programmes. These aren’t just badges of approval — they’re proof of capability. They allow NEC XON to deliver advanced troubleshooting, custom configurations and tailored training that local IT teams can build on. It’s not just about putting out fires; it’s about fireproofing the system.
There’s a bigger picture here: by enabling businesses to reduce downtime, prevent breaches and run more efficiently, NEC XON is helping strengthen South Africa’s digital economy. In a country where electricity infrastructure, municipal services and public trust are under strain, reliable cybersecurity is one of the few areas where proactive planning still delivers predictable results.
We should all be paying attention. Because if you think cybersecurity is something you’ll worry about later, the chances are you won’t get the chance.
About NEC XON
NEC XON is a leading African integrator of ICT solutions and part of NEC, a Japanese global company. The holding company has operated in Africa since 1963 and delivers communications, energy, safety, security and digital solutions. It co-creates social value through innovation to help overcome serious societal challenges. The organisation operates in 54 African countries and has a footprint in 16 of them. Regional headquarters are located in South, East and West Africa. NEC XON is a level 1-certified broad-based black economic empowerment business. Discover more at www.nec.africa.
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