OPSWAT Expands Cybersecurity Capabilities with Fend Acquisition

In a strategic move to bolster its cybersecurity offerings, OPSWAT, a prominent player in critical infrastructure protection headquartered in the U.S., has announced its acquisition of Fend Incorporated, a pioneering firm specializing in data diode technology. This acquisition marks a significant step for OPSWAT, as it aims to enhance its portfolio of cybersecurity solutions specifically geared toward safeguarding operational technology (OT) against an increasingly complex array of cyber threats.

Fend, based in Arlington, Virginia, has made a name for itself by providing robust cybersecurity solutions for essential sectors, including government agencies and critical utilities in industries such as oil, gas, and manufacturing. Their expertise lies in developing data diodes and unidirectional gateway solutions, which are crucial in maintaining air-gapped environments. This technology ensures that sensitive data can flow safely from one network to another without the risk of reverse transmission, a fundamental requirement in high-security environments, including military and industrial control systems.

This acquisition positions OPSWAT as one of the most comprehensive providers in the cybersecurity landscape, particularly in the area of data diodes. The company plans to utilize Fend’s proprietary tech, such as Multiscanning with as many as 30 antivirus engines, Deep CDR™ to mitigate zero-day threats, Sandboxing, and Proactive DLP™ technologies, to fortify its end-to-end cybersecurity solutions.

Benny Czarny, CEO and Founder of OPSWAT, expressed his enthusiasm about integrating Fend’s innovative solutions, stating, “Fend's offerings strategically augment our portfolio, allowing us to deliver unparalleled security for our customers' most critical assets.” This acquisition not only extends OPSWAT's existing product range, which already includes high-speed data diodes and unidirectional gateways, but also introduces mobile, cloud-based, and ruggedized security options to meet the ever-evolving demands of critical infrastructure needs.

Colin Dunn, the CEO and Founder of Fend, also shared his excitement regarding the merger, emphasizing how this partnership will enable them to offer a broader spectrum of defenses against cyber threats to their clientele globally. “Together, we will deliver unprecedented levels of security across the critical infrastructure landscape,” he remarked.

The significance of this acquisition is reinforced by the involvement of Trafalgar Capital Partners, an advisory firm specializing in technology, media, and telecommunications, which facilitated the transaction. Frantz Casseus, Managing Director at Trafalgar, expressed pride in supporting Fend through this pivotal transition, highlighting that OPSWAT is now armed with cutting-edge capabilities for secure data transfer and advanced threat protection.

This acquisition follows OPSWAT's previous strategic growth momentum marked by the acquisition of Bayshore Networks in 2021, significantly enhancing its industrial OT offerings. With Fend, OPSWAT not only expands its capabilities in secure centralized and distributed deployments but also aims to establish genuine cross-domain security. This development is particularly crucial for protecting remote assets and smaller facilities that may have numerous endpoints susceptible to cyber threats but require high-level security measures.

The advanced connectivity options offered by Fend, including support for Ethernet, cellular, and even legacy serial connections, position OPSWAT to meet the dual challenge of modernizing cybersecurity in emerging technologies like 5G while also catering to the vast existing legacy infrastructure landscape.

To explore the full range of OPSWAT's data diodes and unidirectional gateways, prospective clients can refer to the product comparison chart available on their website. This latest acquisition is a testament to OPSWAT's commitment to developing robust cybersecurity measures that protect vital infrastructure across multiple sectors, emphasizing its ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive security framework against sophisticated cyber threats.

For more insights into OPSWAT’s latest advancements and its vision for the future, you can visit their official website at www.opswat.com. Both companies are set to revolutionize the cybersecurity landscape they operate in, ensuring a safer and more resilient digital future for critical infrastructure around the globe.