Jazz Networks, a cyber security insider threat detection and response company, and Vaion, an end-to-end video security provider, have merged to create a unified security provider under the name Ava. In response to the rise in hybrid attacks involving both physical and cyber security, the two companies have united to help organizations monitor, understand and act on threats in real-time to protect people, assets and data. Both companies are privately held by Ubon Partners and employees.

“Our vision is for organizations to take an integrated approach to physical and cyber security,” said Tormod Ree, CEO of Ava. “When it comes to security gaps, attackers don’t discriminate, and the consequences are costly. Yet security professionals aren’t able to see and investigate patterns across both physical and information assets because the data is overwhelming, tools are too complex and security structures are compartmentalized.”

Attackers are exploiting weaknesses in physical security systems to bypass network protections and manually dismantle cyber security or digital controls. Despite the availability of data, operators don’t have the insights needed to act.

Ava’s machine learning-powered cyber and video solutions are easy to use, and give security professionals access to quality, timely data that can be shared across the security organization for actionable insight.

Initially, the combined company will continue to offer cyber and video solutions allowing for separate analysis of data from all users, cameras and servers. The human-centric cyber solution (formerly by Jazz Networks) will continue to employ a combination of policy and machine learning sensors to prevent IP theft and sabotage, improve cyber hygiene and accelerate threat hunting. The end-to-end video solution (formerly by Vaion) will continue to provide proactive video security and insight. The offering includes integrated video and audio analytics powered by machine learning algorithms, intuitive installation processes and a range of smart cameras.

“By identifying both cyber and physical security threats before they become incidents, organizations can take a more proactive security posture,” Ree said.

Ultimately, Ava will offer fully converged solutions to support organizations as they move toward joint cyber/physical security operations. Converged offerings could include features such as a unified interface and common data storage and analytics engines.

“We believe Ava is uniquely positioned to address this growing security challenge,” said Fredrik Halvorsen of Ubon Partners. “Plus, new hybrid security gaps are emerging as a result of suddenly shuttered buildings and 100 percent remote workforces due to COVID-19. This is an important time to re-think security.”