Ontinue Expands Managed Services to Focus on IoT and OT Security

Key Takeaways

Ontinue has launched its ION for IoT Security service to strengthen the cybersecurity for IoT and operational technology (OT) systems.
The number of connected IoT devices is projected to increase from 18 billion in 2022 to over 39.6 billion by 2033, expanding potential attack surfaces.
Recent trends show a significant rise in IoT cyber threats, with a reported 45% increase in IoT attacks anticipated in 2024.

New Managed Security Service for IoT and OT

Ontinue’s recent decision to expand its managed security services now includes Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) systems, addressing growing cybersecurity concerns. The IoT landscape is rapidly evolving, with Statista forecasting the number of connected devices will rise from 18 billion to more than 39.6 billion by 2033. Meanwhile, OT—the hardware and software that monitor and manage industrial processes—has traditionally operated on isolated networks but is increasingly merging with IT environments, thus increasing vulnerability to cyber threats.

“The integration of IoT and OT technologies introduces new attack surfaces,” explains Bob O’Donnell, principal analyst at TECHnalysis Research. Numerous high-profile hacks have exploited weaknesses in these devices due to their connection to corporate networks. Recognizing this trend, the cybersecurity sector is intensifying efforts to bolster security measures around IoT and OT devices targeted by hackers.

Recent initiatives reflect this necessity: iOT365 has launched a security operations center platform, while Xona Systems introduced a solution aimed at securing critical infrastructure. In this landscape, Ontinue’s ION for IoT Security service stands out, utilizing Microsoft Defender for IoT to effectively monitor and manage both IoT and OT environments. This service offers an inclusive security operations model that integrates with Ontinue’s ION managed extended detection and response (MXDR) capabilities.

Ontinue CEO Geoff Haydon emphasized that the rapid adoption and integration of IoT and OT devices present unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. Concerns mount as nation-state actors increasingly target critical infrastructure, highlighting the urgency for enhanced protection measures.

Recent reports indicate a significant rise in IoT attacks, with security firm Zscaler noting a projected 45% increase in such incidents for 2024. The report classified IoT and OT systems as rapidly evolving fronts in cybersecurity, stressing that these systems are becoming interconnected with enterprise networks, thus amplifying their exposure to threats.

Ontinue’s IoT and OT managed security service aims to offer a robust solution, encompassing continuous monitoring, threat detection, incident management, and current device inventories. Given the complexity of modern IT environments—encompassing on-premises, cloud, and edge infrastructures—having a standardized platform to manage security across all these areas is crucial. The new ION service promises to simplify security management for organizations, reducing the burden of overseeing an average of 75 security tools typically found in many companies, facilitating a more coherent security strategy against evolving threats.

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