Honeywell Bolsters OT Cybersecurity Portfolio Through SCADAfence Acquisition

Funding/M&A Honeywell Boosting OT Cybersecurity Offering With Acquisition of SCADAfence

Summary

Industrial giant Honeywell has announced plans to acquire OT and IoT security firm SCADAfence in order to extend its operational technology (OT) cybersecurity portfolio. The acquisition, which is expected to close in the second half of the year, will integrate SCADAfence‘s solutions into Honeywell‘s Forge Cybersecurity+ suite. This move will enable Honeywell to provide an end-to-end enterprise OT cybersecurity solution to organizations in critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors.

Background

SCADAfence, founded in 2014, offers a range of solutions for OT network protection, including threat detection, asset visibility, remote access, traffic analysis, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, and governance. By integrating SCADAfence technology into its cybersecurity suite, Honeywell aims to provide managers, operations teams, and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) with enhanced security management and situational awareness.

Honeywell‘s Motivation

The acquisition of SCADAfence aligns with Honeywell‘s strategic objectives of expanding its footprint in the cybersecurity market and addressing the growing need for robust OT security solutions. With the proliferation of IoT devices and interconnected industrial systems, the potential attack surface for cyber threats has expanded. Honeywell‘s move to acquire SCADAfence demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead of these challenges by offering comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to its customers.

Implications for Industrial Security

The acquisition of SCADAfence by Honeywell comes as a part of a broader trend of increased attention to cybersecurity in industrial sectors. The industrial cybersecurity market has seen a surge in M&A activity in recent years, with this deal being only the second industrial security deal announced this year. As critical infrastructure and manufacturing organizations become increasingly reliant on connected systems, the importance of protecting these systems from cyber threats is paramount.

Editorial

The acquisition of SCADAfence by Honeywell underscores the need for robust cybersecurity solutions in industrial sectors. The integration of SCADAfence‘s technology into Honeywell‘s Forge Cybersecurity+ suite will provide organizations with enhanced visibility into their OT networks and the ability to detect and respond to threats effectively. This move further solidifies Honeywell‘s position as a leader in industrial cybersecurity and will help them address the evolving threat landscape faced by critical infrastructure and manufacturing organizations.

Advice

For organizations in the critical infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, investing in comprehensive OT cybersecurity solutions is crucial to safeguarding their operations from cyber threats. The acquisition of SCADAfence by Honeywell demonstrates the importance of staying ahead of these threats and highlights the need to continuously evaluate and enhance cybersecurity measures. Organizations should prioritize implementing a multi-layered defense strategy that includes network monitoring, vulnerability management, threat intelligence, remote access controls, and governance protocols. By taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity, organizations can reduce the risk of disruption and ensure the integrity of their operations.