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Difenda MXDR for OT VS. The Other Guys  

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Difenda MXDR for OT (Managed Extended Detection and Response Operational Technology) is a cybersecurity solution that provides a unique approach to protecting industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).  

But what makes us different? Why should you choose Difenda?  

Here are some ways in which Difenda MXDR for OT differs from other managed detection and response solutions: 

Focus on OT Systems

Difenda is a design partner for Microsoft Defender for IoT (previously known as Azure IoT Security). It helped to design and provide integrated and scalable security for IoT devices and connected systems with Microsoft.

The partnership allows Difenda to bring its expertise in cybersecurity and MXDR services to customers in the IoT space.

With this experience, Difenda MXDR for OT was designed specifically to protect industrial control systems. Resulting in a robust security solution designed to address the complex threat landscape for connected devices and systems.

This focus on OT systems sets Difenda MXDR for OT apart from other operational technology security solutions. 

Real-Time Threat Detection

Difenda MXDR for OT leverages advanced AI and machine learning to detect and respond to potential threats in real-time. This provides organizations with the ability to respond quickly, reducing the risk of damage to their critical systems and processes. 

Learn more about MXDR for Operational Technology service components in the service brief here.

Integration with Existing Security Tools

One of the key advantages of Difenda MXDR for OT is its ability to integrate with existing IT security systems. This provides organizations with a unified view of their security posture. In turn, enabling them to better understand their IT and OT systems and respond to security threats more effectively. 

Difenda MXDR for OT integrates with existing security tools, including intrusion detection systems, and anti-virus solutions, to provide a comprehensive view of the organization’s security posture.

See how this company was able to successfully integrate its IT and OT security solutions with Difenda in our latest customer win!

Expert Support

With increasing numbers of attacks on industrial control systems and other OT assets, it is critical to have a team of experts who understand the unique security requirements of these environments.

Difenda’s MXDR for OT expert security operations team is comprised of experienced cybersecurity professionals. Difenda’s team is made up of threat intelligence experts who are knowledgeable about the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and attack methods that are targeted at OT systems. They work closely with organizations to assess the security of their OT environments, identify potential risks and weaknesses, and develop customized remediation plans to address any security gaps.

Discover how a detailed OT assessment can help identify and solve gaps in your network with the sample OT Environment Assessment Report.

In addition to proactive threat detection and response services, Difenda’s MXDR for OT expert support team provides ongoing monitoring and management of OT security. They use cutting-edge tools and technologies to detect and respond to attacks and provide timely and actionable intelligence to help organizations defend against threats.

With Difenda’s MXDR for OT expert support, organizations can focus on their business objectives, knowing that they are being protected. This peace of mind is invaluable for organizations looking to secure their OT environments and mitigate the risk.

Scalability

Difenda MXDR for OT is designed to be scalable and flexible, enabling organizations to add or remove protection as needed. As companies continue to grow and evolve, their cybersecurity requirements also change. Difenda understands this and has designed its solutions to adapt to these changes. This ensures that businesses are always protected, no matter how their operations change over time.

Businesses can add security features as needed, without sacrificing performance. This allows businesses to keep up with the evolving threats and regulations, while also ensuring that their systems are secure. Additionally, Difenda provides ongoing updates and maintenance, ensuring that the security solutions are always up-to-date and functioning at their best.

Discover the entire Difenda Suite of Products here.

How Does Difenda MXDR for OT Work?

Difenda MXDR for OT collects data from a variety of sources, including network traffic, logs, and security events. This data is used to build a complete picture of the organization’s security posture. It works by combining advanced technology and human expertise to detect and respond to threats that traditional security solutions may miss.

The solution starts with continuous monitoring of all systems in the OT environment, with Microsoft Defender for IoT.  This provides real-time visibility into the operational environment, and alerts are generated whenever a potential threat is detected.

With the Difenda Shield, you get real-time alerts and notifications in the event of a potential security threat. This enables organizations to respond quickly to security incidents, reducing the risk of damage to their critical systems and processes.

Once a threat is detected, the Difenda MXDR for OT team is immediately notified and begins the response process. They use a combination of AI, machine learning, and human expertise to analyze and determine the best course of action.

The Difenda MXDR for OT team then takes action to contain, isolate, and remediate the threat. This may involve quarantining affected systems or devices, updating software or firmware, or implementing other measures to prevent the spread of the threat. In addition, the team will provide detailed reporting on the incident. This includes what happened, how it was resolved, and what can be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Finally, the Difenda team will continue to monitor the environment to ensure that the threat has been fully resolved. This also provides an opportunity to continuously improve the security posture of the environment with data analytics and threat intelligence.

Learn More About Difenda MXDR for OT in the Free Ebook!

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Biography coming soon.

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Megan Miller

Megan Miller’s energy and passion for learning flow into all aspects of her work. As the Growth Manager, North America, she brings a background in sciences which she has transitioned to the tech sector in her role at Difenda.

With a Bachelors of Science in Geology, Megan is a lifelong learner who is voracious about learning anything she can get her hands on about cybersecurity. Her positive energy has built a sales strategy with a focus on expanding in the United States while nurturing the Canadian presence. She is responsible for recruiting and training the sales team. Together with the company’s leadership, she creates the sales process and the company’s product strategy in order to better serve the customer base. This ensures that our customers have a highly trained and highly motivated team to help them every step of the way, Megan has completed Microsoft SC-900 training and working towards mastering Microsoft.

Whether at work or play, Megan is fully committed. She took her love of hockey all the way to the semi-professional level as a competitive hockey player. Megan loves all things sports including water skiing, scuba diving, cycling, and snowboarding. She also enjoys time with family and reading about alternative energy, innovation, and cybersecurity.

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Natasha Phanor

As the Microsoft Partner Manager at Difenda, Natasha Phanor is responsible for driving growth within our Microsoft Partnership. With six years in the industry, she offers a fresh, energetic approach, and the ability to focus on our customer’s needs throughout the entire process. Natasha has the innate ability to foresee customer needs and solve problems before they arise, which creates a smooth road for each customer she encounters.

As the recipient of the Outstanding Services Partner of the Year Award in 2018, it is clear that Natasha responds quickly to customer needs, creates a platform for understanding a customer’s business requirements, and walks them through the process to ensure their complete satisfaction.

In her spare time, Natasha is as energetic and passionate as she is on the job. A self-proclaimed foodie-extraordinaire, she enjoys dinner parties, traveling, downhill skiing, hiking, biking, and reading. Natasha has a Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in Dance, from Ryerson University.

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Ian Miersch

Ian Miersch has energy to spare, and uses his eclectic background to make a positive mark on the cybersecurity industry. As Vice President of Finance & Human Resources, Ian Miersch is responsible for overseeing scalable business growth as Difenda expands throughout North America. But it is the way he does it that sets him apart. By leveraging his engineering background and critical thinking skills, he has been able to develop unique strategies that balance the company’s current business needs with its long-term growth plans. And the results of his unique background and drive mean that the company is growing in a fiscally responsible manner, all with the customer’s needs at the forefront.

With a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering, coupled with an MBA in Finance, both from McMaster University, Ian’s ability to analyze data and make informed decisions is augmented by his ability to understand all facets of the business. He has a holistic understanding of the craft, from operations to project delivery and management, to his niche in financial planning. Ian’s ten years of experience in the industry mean that he has seen it all, and knows how to create a dynamic team and manage the resources needed for success.

Outside of work, he uses his energy to help others through the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, earning the Group Recreation Volunteer of the Year Status.

Ian also enjoys exploring and hiking with his three young children, exercising (so he can keep up with them), and reading professional development books. He is an avid but generally heartbroken fan of the Toronto sports teams, including the Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, and Raptors.

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Derek Nugent

Derek Nugent, Vice President, Revenue lives by the motto “Be early, be better.” Derek leads our Revenue team and is responsible for the customer’s journey with Difenda. His high energy level and creativity have built high performing teams, whether at the Herjavec Group, CDW, or in his current leadership role at Difenda.

After earning a Bachelor Administration and Management degree from the Academy of Learning, Derek started in the information technology industry in 2004 and transitioned to the cybersecurity industry in 2014. With so much experience in a wide-variety of roles, he is poised to take the team at Difenda to the next level.

He excels at leading revenue strategies, new market entry, partnership engagement, and customer acquisition and retention. His work ethic and interest in rising to the top motivate his sales teams, who respond well to his passion and zeal. Under his tutelage, they are able to achieve attractive lead generation, YOY growth, and sizable deals. Derek works tirelessly to build a better team, and his constituents follow his road to success, which ultimately leads to a rewarding experience for the customer.

Even when volunteering, Derek is all in. He was a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters from 2005-2015, earning Group Recreation Volunteer of the Year Status.

And when he isn’t busy leading the team to the acme of sales, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, running, working out, watching thrillers, action and dramatic television shows

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Manoj Arora

Manoj Arora, Difenda’s Founder and CEO has always been ahead of the curve in Technology and Cyber Security. After securing his engineering degree in Computer Science, he wrote his first mobile banking application when he was just 23 years old. This accomplishment certainly set him apart from the crowd and prepared him for a lifetime of innovation and success in his field. At just 25 years old, he was selected as the youngest Cyber Security Officer for one of the largest banks in Asia.

As a globetrotting young cyber security professional, Manoj was instrumental in designing cyber security infrastructure and controls for some of the largest institutions around the world. Depth of his expertise and passion to serve customers at the highest level of competence and integrity lead to Difenda. Founded in 2008, Difenda is a rapidly growing cybersecurity firm operating in North America and Asia.

As the CEO at Difenda, Manoj drives the strategic vision to protect our customers and enable our team members to deliver our services in line with core values- competence, integrity, and innovation. Currently one of Microsoft’s leading North American partners, Difenda reflects Manoj’ single-minded focus on our customers. Difenda is fully vested in success of its customers and takes pride in considering our success as a byproduct of our customers. Manoj has always been committed to building a great team and forging strong partnerships to serve our customers with standards that top our industry.

When he is not busy bringing cybersecurity to the world, Manoj enjoys playing golf and squash, and continues to travel the world.

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Lisa Templeton

Lisa Templeton is the perfect combination of human empathy and technological prowess. In her role as People Services Manager, she takes care of our team members to support them in their daily work, as well as on their personal life paths. Happy employees make for happy customers, and Lisa excels in giving our employees the tools they need for success in order to become the best possible versions of themselves. Along with employee formation, she shines in the service delivery support domain to continuously improve the process. Her 24 years of experience in IT Operations and Service Management help her create quality and efficiency at Difenda.

Having attended the Information Systems Management certificate program at Ryerson University, and with various other certifications to her credit, Lisa is perceptive and innovative when it comes to information technology, but also sensitive to the needs of her human constituents. Responsible for achieving the first privately owned company HDI Support Center certification in Canada, she has also designed and implemented Service Management excellence programs and 24×7 IT Operations departments for multiple IT organizations, and has created corporate rewards and recognition programs to keep her employees engaged and motivated.

On the personal side, Lisa passionately supports the cause of breast cancer research, having lost her mother to the disease. She reads voraciously in her spare time, and enjoys the art of home renovation. The summer months also bring time on her boat and exploring new hiking trails.

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Miranda McCurdy

Miranda McCurdy uses her myriad super powers in all aspects of her job and personal life. As the Marketing Director at Difenda, Miranda McCurdy brings over a decade of experience to the table, which includes expertise in all facets of operations, brand management, and content marketing, as well as a multitude of successful strategies for the ever-expanding digital world. She is an expert at simplifying the message the company is trying to send, filling in gaps in the information, and strengthening the content in order to create compelling narratives that strengthen the brand and developing programs that bring teams together.

With several Addy Awards issued by the American Advertising Federation Cleveland to her credit, and her never say die attitude, Miranda understands both the broader picture and the minute details that are needed to successfully market a product. With her abilities to harness both the talent needed to spread the message, as well as to create the message itself, she is an integral cog in the company’s ability to communicate with customers and other stakeholders.

When she is not building a brand, she shares her ability to fill the gaps in her community by volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, and the Charleston Food Bank. In her spare time, Miranda spends time with her family, enjoys fitness and health, paddle boarding, reading, and arts and crafts.

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Juliana Zaremba

Connections are the name of the game for Juliana Zaremba. As Strategic Partnerships Director, she is responsible for Difenda’s channel partnerships and the development and ownership of the channel partner program. She is also responsible for the global Microsoft Partnership, including the creation of strategic plans with MSFT contacts that will facilitate the continued growth of the business and establish certification and training protocols in all security technologies. Her role is multifaceted, as she acquires partners, manages relationships with them, and develops strategies that will provide cutting edge security solutions to our customer base. Another integral aspect of her job is to facilitate growth.

With a Bachelor’s in Math from the University of Waterloo and 14 years of experience from her previous roles at Herjavec Group and CDW, her cutting edge focus and ability to develop long-lasting relationships and strategies provides world class security solutions to our customer base.

Juliana thrives on connections outside of work as well. She is a philanthropist and contributor with Women4Change based in Hamilton. This group of local women is passionate about supporting local causes, and she focuses her efforts around Women in STEM. She is also a member of Club Italia in Niagara Falls and supports their youth events throughout the year.

When not managing the Microsoft Global partnership, Juliana enjoys reading, often reading several books at once. Juliana enjoys exploring the Niagara Escarpment with her family, as well as sharing meals and experiences with her extended family. Juliana’s competitive nature has her always trying new things, like Whoop band challenges and Peloton.

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Jeffry Jacob

Biography Coming Soon

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