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Understanding MXDR for OT

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Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR) for Operational Technology (OT) is a cybersecurity solution designed to protect industrial control systems and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.  

MXDR for OT is a critical aspect of security where the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and OT has created new, complex challenges. Integrating IT and OT has brought significant benefits to industrial operations, but it has also created vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. 

In this blog, we will look at what MXDR for OT is and how it can improve your security posture.  

Information Technology Vs Operational Technology Security 

In recent years, the convergence of IT and OT systems has created new risks, as more industrial processes are connected to the internet and become vulnerable to attacks. To address these challenges, it is important for organizations to adopt an integrated approach to security that encompasses IT and OT systems. Additionally, businesses must ensure that their security practices and processes are aligned with the unique needs and requirements of their processes.

Information Technology (IT) security refers to the practices used to protect data, systems, and networks used for information processing, storage, and communication. This encompasses the traditional realm of computer and network security, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. Information technology is better protected with MXDR services.

Operational Technology (OT) security refers to the practices used to protect industrial control systems used to control and monitor physical processes. OT security focuses on ensuring the availability, reliability, and safety of industrial processes, as well as protecting against unauthorized access, interference, and manipulation.

While IT and OT security have many similarities, there are also significant differences between the two. OT systems are designed with a focus on reliability, availability, and performance, whereas IT systems are designed with a focus on flexibility and cost. OT systems are typically isolated from the outside world and are not designed to be connected to the internet, while IT systems are designed to be connected and accessible.

These operating systems and assets are critical to the functioning of factories and healthcare equipment and must be protected from threats that could cause significant harm or disruption. 

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

What is MXDR for OT?

MXDR for OT provides a comprehensive solution for securing industrial control systems and critical infrastructure. It is designed to provide continuous protection against cyber threats, with 24/7 monitoring and response services. This proactive approach to security helps organizations to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time, reducing the risk of a successful attack. 

Organizations with complex operational technology systems and critical infrastructure typically deploy MXDR for OT. MXDR for OT can provide a range of security services, including threat detection and response, incident response, and risk management. It can also provide security intelligence and analysis, helping organizations understand the evolving threat landscape and stay ahead of threats. 

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

Key benefits of MXDR for OT 

MXDR for OT solutions provide organizations with expert security personnel who are trained in OT security, allowing them to proactively respond to potential threats and improve their overall security posture. The benefits of MXDR for OT include improved threat detection and response, reduced risk, increased visibility and control, and access to expert security personnel.

One of the key benefits of MXDR for OT is the ability to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. With 24/7 monitoring, MXDR for OT can detect threats and respond quickly, reducing the risk of a successful attack. This real-time response capability is critical for protecting critical infrastructure and industrial control systems, which can be difficult and time-consuming to repair if damaged by a breach. 

Another key benefit is the ability to provide a comprehensive view of the security posture of an organization. MXDR for OT provides detailed security reports, including threat intelligence and analysis. This can help organizations understand the evolving threat landscape and the impact of security measures on their operations. This comprehensive view of security can help organizations to make informed decisions about their security posture and make changes as needed to stay ahead of cyber threats. 

MXDR for OT can also provide valuable support for incident response and cyber risk management. With MXDR for OT, organizations have access to a team of experts who can help provide guidance on how to mitigate cyber risks. This support can be invaluable for organizations facing a cyber attack or concerned about the potential impact of a cyber attack on their operations. 

MXDR for OT provides a comprehensive solution for securing industrial control systems and critical infrastructure. It provides real-time threat detection and response, security intelligence, incident response, and cyber risk management.  

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

Why Difenda for Operational Technology?

Difenda provides a comprehensive solution for MXDR for OT security, powered by Microsoft Defender for IoT. By partnering with Microsoft Security, Difenda offers advanced security features specifically designed to protect the OT environment.

Some of the key benefits of using Difenda for MXDR for OT include:

  1. Proven expertise: Difenda has extensive experience and knowledge in providing cybersecurity solutions for the manufacturing and healthcare industries. This makes it a trusted choice for protecting OT environments.
  2. Integrative approach: Difenda can integrate the IT and OT security environments, providing a comprehensive solution that takes into account the unique requirements of the OT environment.
  3. Advanced threat detection: Difenda can detect and respond to sophisticated security threats that are often missed by traditional security solutions.
  4. Customizable reporting: Difenda’s MXDR for Operational Technology solution provides customized reporting and risk management dashboards. Allowing manufacturers to prioritize their security initiatives and focus on the areas that pose the greatest risk to their operations.
  5. Compliance: Difenda helps businesses meet regulatory compliance requirements, such as NIST and IEC 62443.

From sophisticated security threats to regulatory compliance requirements, Difenda can provide a comprehensive and integrated solution for OT security.

See What You Can Achieve With MXDR for OT in the Free eBook!

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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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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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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 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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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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