Single Blog

Understanding MXDR for OT

LinkedIn

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!

Our Partners
Microsoft-Logo_Mesa-de-trabajo-1-01.svg
softchoice-logo-new.svg
Untitled design (1)
Invero-Digital-Work-Made-Simple-in-Microsoft-365-with-Orchestry
kyndryl logo
sycomp logo
2
Untitled design (2)

Penetration Testing Whitepaper

Get Your Copy!
Linkedin-in Twitter Youtube
Sign up for our newsletter
Company
Services
Locations
THREAT RESEARCH

Copyright © 2022 Difenda. All Rights Reserved.

Threat Intelligence

Subscribe to receive insider threat intelligence from Difenda’s front line security analysts in our 24/7/365 SOC.

Ken Perkins

Biography coming soon.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

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.

Linkedin

Jeffry Jacob

Biography Coming Soon

Linkedin