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Xona Improves Secure Access Management with v5.4.2 Release

Xona, recognized as a leader in securing access for critical infrastructures, has announced the release of their latest platform, the Xona Platform v5.4.2. This update is pivotal for organizations emphasizing the need for robust governance in their operational frameworks. With a focus on enhancing security while ensuring ease of use, this version is designed to meet the evolving challenges presented by an increasing number of users and expansive operational environments.

Key Features of Xona Platform v5.4.2

The newly introduced management features are targeted towards improving centralized control and consistent policy enforcement. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Centralized Management Interface: The new Xona Centralizer allows real-time oversight of user roles and sessions across various deployments. This eliminates operational silos, assisting businesses in simplifying their governance processes.

2. Cross-Gateway Management: Administrators can set up access groups that are applicable across multiple gateways, which helps to minimize policy drift and reduce the administrative load on IT teams.

3. Identity Provider Support: Enhanced native integration with multi-domain SAML and LDAP facilitates smoother IT/OT convergence and strengthens zero-trust enforcement based on user identity.

4. Fine-Grained Access Controls: Role and time-based policies can be established, enabling precise management of user access according to their role, location, or schedule.

5. Consolidated Logging and Session Records: Users can expect improved incident response capabilities with unified activity records and logs that adhere to industry compliance standards like NERC CIP and IEC 62443.

Addressing the Security Landscape

The necessity for secure, scalable access control has become increasingly pressing, especially in the face of evolving cyber threats. Studies indicate that a staggering 88% of industrial entities struggle with insecure remote access, coupled with a significant rise in ransomware attacks targeting OT environments—escalating by over 80% annually.

Xona’s v5.4.2 aims to alleviate these concerns by:

• - Modernizing Security Tools: The platform removes reliance on outdated systems such as VPNs and jump servers, advocating a zero-trust model tailored for critical sectors.
• - Uniform Policy Enforcement: All users, including employees, contractors, and OEMs, will encounter consistent security policies, irrespective of their location.
• - Enhanced Compliance Readiness: With real-time logging and centralized audits in place, organizations can better prepare for compliance demands, thereby reducing their operational burdens.

Random Access and Productivity Improvements

Each feature has been meticulously developed to enhance user experience and operational efficiency. The introduction of options like multi-monitor VNC support, WebGL for 3D graphics, and personalized customer branding fosters higher productivity and collaboration among users, especially in remote operating environments.

Industry Adoption

Notably, several industry leaders, including GE, Baker Hughes, and Mitsubishi Corporation, have placed their trust in the Xona platform for safeguarding their vital systems. A representative from the power generation sector hailed Xona, stating how the platform allowed their IT personnel to remotely manage and troubleshoot a multitude of sites efficiently, significantly curtailing the necessity for costly on-site interventions.

The Importance of Enhanced Solutions

As infrastructure industries navigate the complexities presented by the digital age and an evolving regulatory framework, robust access management solutions like Xona’s become indispensable. The platform supports compliance with various security standards while simplifying the operational processes for IT and OT teams.

Discover Xona

Organizations looking to bolster their operational technology (OT) security are encouraged to explore Xona’s offerings further. A demo can be arranged via their website to illustrate how the platform is capable of streamlining operations and reinforcing asset protection against contemporary threats.

About Xona

Xona is on a mission to empower those who safeguard critical infrastructures, ensuring reliable access to essential systems worldwide. By replacing outdated access tools, Xona provides comprehensive user control, enhances system protection from insecure endpoints, and ensures compliance with global security regulations, thereby simplifying governance while reinforcing security operations.

For more information about Xona, contact:
Danielle Ostrovsky
Hi-TouchPR
410-302-9459
[email protected]