Xona and Forescout Unite to Revolutionize Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Xona and Forescout Unite to Revolutionize Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

Summary

• Partnership Overview: Xona Systems and Forescout are working together on security for critical infrastructure.
• Focus on OT Security: The deal targets operational technology (OT) environments such as plants and utilities.
• Remote Access Solutions: Secure remote access is central, to keep out unauthorized users.
• Combined Products: Forescout’s device visibility is paired with Xona’s user access controls.
• Industry Impact: Utilities, manufacturers and other infrastructure operators are the main audience.

Xona and Forescout pair up on OT access

Critical infrastructure operators are under growing pressure to lock down the systems that run their plants. Xona Systems sells secure user access tools. It has now partnered with Forescout, known for automated device visibility and control, and the pair is going after operational technology (OT) environments in energy, utilities and manufacturing.

Why OT is hard to secure

OT systems run the physical processes behind utilities and factories, and many were built decades ago with no thought of attackers. Patching them is hard. The partnership combines Forescout’s visibility and control with Xona’s access technology, giving operators one view of who and what connects.

Remote access is the weak spot

Remote access is the weak spot. Vendors and engineers need to connect from outside, and every connection is a possible way in. Xona enforces strict user access controls so only authorized staff reach sensitive systems, while Forescout watches the devices that connect and flags unknown ones.

What the integration does

Combined, the products show operators what is on the network and help catch threats in real time, without slowing the plant. That last part is the usual objection.

Who benefits

Utilities, oil and gas companies and manufacturers stand to gain most. Outages there spread.

What operators should do

The partnership reflects a broader push to secure OT remote access. Operators should start by listing every remote connection into their plants, removing the ones nobody uses and putting the rest behind strong authentication and logging. Products like these help with that, but the inventory comes first.

Dan Evert, CCNP

Dan Evert is a self proclaimed Router Jockey. Dan got heavily involved in networking right out of high school and has never looked back! Dan is giving back by working with high school students to get them involved and interested in Networking and Security.