Strengthening Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure: Xona and Nozomi Networks Collaboration

Collaborating for Enhanced Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure

In an era where critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, Xona Systems, a pioneer in secure access management solutions, has joined forces with Nozomi Networks. This partnership aims to integrate their technologies, significantly advancing cybersecurity measures for sectors such as utilities, power generation, and manufacturing. By combining Xona's secure access capabilities with Nozomi's endpoint visibility and threat detection tools, the two companies seek to strengthen the protection of vital operational technology (OT) environments.

A Seamless Integration of Technologies

The newly announced integration leverages the Xona Platform in conjunction with the Nozomi Networks Arc Endpoint Sensor. This collaboration not only enhances threat detection but also improves the overall visibility of operational environments. By embedding the Arc Sensor directly into the Xona Gateway, users can now discover and manage critical assets in real-time, simplifying the onboarding of new devices and enhancing operational efficiencies.

As industries face mounting regulatory pressures and cyber threats, this integrated solution offers a streamlined approach to managing security across OT systems. Rik Turner, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia, emphasizes the necessity of modern security strategies, urging companies to move beyond outdated technologies like VPNs that leave critical systems exposed and vulnerable.

Addressing the Challenges of Modern Cybersecurity

The integration presents a multi-layered approach to enhancing cybersecurity. By enabling AI-driven, real-time asset and network traffic monitoring, both Xona and Nozomi aim to strengthen their response capabilities against both known and unknown vulnerabilities. This advancement is not just about detecting threats as they occur; it's about preemptively identifying anomalies and ensuring rapid responses to potential security breaches.

Moreover, this partnership brings about operational improvements that reduce administrative burdens and enhance the reliability of critical infrastructure. By automating the discovery and configuration of asset connectivity, Xona and Nozomi are promoting a culture of cyber resilience, where the safety and reliability of automation processes are prioritized.

Meeting the Demand for Secure Remote Access

Research highlights that a staggering 88% of surveyed industrial sites view remote services as their greatest cybersecurity risk. Consequently, the demand for robust remote access solutions is witnessing significant growth in critical infrastructure sectors. Market analysis predicts that the value of the global remote access solution market could skyrocket from approximately $20.91 billion in 2023 to an estimated $49.18 billion by 2030, which represents a substantial increase tied to the need for secure connectivity.

As Xona and Nozomi combine efforts, they provide critical infrastructure owners with innovative tools to better manage and mitigate cyber risks. Their focus on security elements such as user access, network visibility, and threat detection collectively underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity in operational landscapes.

Transforming Cybersecurity Management

The integration has the potential to revolutionize how Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams handle critical infrastructure protection. Phillip Page, Director of Business Development at Nozomi Networks, points out that the seamless alignment of secure access and threat monitoring is essential for modern cybersecurity strategies. This cooperation not only saves time for infrastructure operators but also enhances their ability to combat cyber threats efficiently.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Xona Systems and Nozomi Networks signifies a pivotal step towards enhancing cybersecurity frameworks within critical infrastructure. As organizations prioritize security measures that protect essential services and systems, this partnership exemplifies a unified approach to navigating today's complex cybersecurity landscape.