Mplify (formerly MEF), a global alliance of network, cloud, cybersecurity, and enterprise organizations working together to accelerate the AI-powered digital economy, has warned that the USD 10.5-trillion cybercrime economy, weaponized AI, and escalating global conflicts are creating unprecedented risks to IT systems and critical infrastructure. In response, its Enterprise Leadership Council (ELC) has issued a manifesto calling for mandatory SASE certification across all products, services, and solutions under the Mplify framework. Mplify’s SASE certification validates solutions against rigorous, independently-tested standards for SD-WAN, security service edge (SSE), and zero trust, giving enterprises assurance, transparency, and confidence.
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The Manifesto for Advancing Trust, Assurance, and Resilience through SASE Certificationhas been signed by leaders from Accenture, Bloomberg, Burberry, Decathlon, Grab, Morgan Stanley, Santander, Siemens Healthineers, TD Bank, UPMC, and Williams-Sonoma. Gartner has reported that AI-powered cyberattacks are growing at a 23% annual rate, with more than 75% of enterprises impacted by 2025. The IDC projects that global security spending will hit USD 377 billion by 2028. The manifesto highlights the industry’s lack of clarity on which service and technology providers meet independently validated security standards and asserts that certification must become the baseline across the ecosystem.
“SASE certification is not a checkbox; it is a catalyst for trust, innovation, and resilience,” the manifesto states. “We urge the Mplify Board of Directors and Technology Advisory Board to act decisively. Together, let us build networks where secure connectivity is not an aspiration, but a certified reality.”
The manifesto establishes the ELC’s role in shaping Mplify’s strategic direction and reflects growing enterprise demand for consistent, standards-based security frameworks that enable scalable, trusted connectivity.
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“The Enterprise Leadership Council was created to ensure that enterprise voices directly influence Mplify’s priorities,” said Sunil Khandekar, Chief Enterprise Development Officer, Mplify. “This manifesto reflects that mandate and underscores the need for unity, strong standards, and clarity in how secure services are delivered. We fully support the ELC’s call to make SASE certification a foundational requirement for trust in the digital services ecosystem.”
The ELC has outlined three clear imperatives to advance certification:
- Get Mplify SASE Certification: Ensure ongoing SASE certification for all products, solutions, and services.
- Promote Certified Solutions: Champion certified offerings through Mplify events, communications, and partner channels.
- Align with Enterprise Needs: Integrate certification into procurement templates and RFI/RFP frameworks to streamline adoption and reduce risk.
The Enterprise Challenge
The manifesto makes it clear that fragmented security tools leave enterprises exposed to increasingly sophisticated attacks. Mplify’s SASE certification framework addresses these risks with a blueprint for trusted, verified connectivity, delivering:
- Assurance: Independent validation of security and performance
- Transparency: A verifiable standard approach across all providers
- Procurement Efficiency: Easier sourcing through verified standards
- Operational Readiness: Seamless integration with automated service models
Looking Ahead to GNE
The manifesto and its implications will be a featured topic at GNE, Mplify’s Global NaaS Event, where the ELC and industry leaders will define the future of certified, secure service delivery. GNE takes place from November 10-14, 2025, in Dallas.
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About the Mplify Enterprise Leadership Council
The ELC unites senior technology leaders from global enterprises to guide Mplify’s strategic direction and drive the adoption of open, automated, and secure network solutions. ELC members help shape technical priorities and service definitions that meet real-world enterprise needs. Together, the ELC and Mplify are making SASE certification the industry standard for secure, scalable digital services.
