Industrial zero-trust cybersecurity startup XONA Systems Inc. has secured $18 million in new funding to enhance its operational technology (OT) enterprise zero-trust user access platform. This funding aims to meet evolving regulatory requirements and combat the rising tide of cyberattacks. As industries increasingly rely on remote operations, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical. XONA’s innovative platform is designed to address these challenges head-on.
What is XONA?
Founded in 2017, XONA specializes in zero-trust user access for industrial operations. The company’s platform delivers frictionless user access while ensuring protocol isolation and zero-trust architecture, effectively eliminating common attack vectors. The service is designed to be technology-agnostic and configurable within minutes, providing seamless and secure control of OT from any location or device. This flexibility is essential for industries such as energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, and government, which often require remote access to critical systems.
Key Features of XONA’s Platform
XONA’s platform includes integrated multifactor authentication, user-to-asset access controls, user session analytics, and automatic video recording. These features create a secure portal that connects cyber and physical worlds, allowing critical operations to occur from anywhere with confidence and trust.
Control Access: Ensures only authorized personnel can access sensitive information through stringent access controls. This feature is crucial for protecting industrial operations from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats.
Secure File Transfers: Uses mediated unidirectional methods to protect sensitive data. This method ensures that data can be transferred securely without exposing it to potential interception or tampering.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure: Allows secure connection to critical systems from any location. This feature supports remote work and ensures that employees can access necessary resources without compromising security.
Hardware Token-Based Authentication: Adds an extra layer of security. By requiring physical tokens for authentication, XONA enhances the security of user access, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to gain entry.
Encryption Protocols: Employs industry-standard IPSec and SSL to protect user connections and data. These encryption protocols ensure that all data transmitted between users and systems is secure and protected from interception.
Real-Time Monitoring: Continuously monitors user connections to detect and mitigate potential security threats. This proactive approach allows XONA to identify and address security issues before they can cause harm.
Session Recording: Provides a detailed history of interactions with critical assets. This feature allows for comprehensive audit trails and can be invaluable for investigating security incidents or compliance audits.
Strategic Funding and Growth
Energy Impact Partners LLC led the strategic funding round. This new capital will support XONA’s expansion to assist energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, and government partners in addressing cybersecurity challenges linked to remote operations.
“We’re quickly expanding our team to support our energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, and government partners as they respond to the cybersecurity challenges associated with remote operations capacity,” – Bill Moore, founder and CEO of XONA.
“With new funding and strategic support from EIP, we are positioned for hypergrowth over the next few years.”
Including this new funding, XONA has raised $27.4 million to date. Previous investors include DataTribe Inc. and Task Force X Capital LLC. This substantial financial backing underscores the confidence investors have in XONA’s technology and its potential to transform industrial cybersecurity.
How Can Zero-Trust Architecture Shape the Future of Industrial Cybersecurity?
XONA Systems Inc. is set to significantly enhance the industrial cybersecurity landscape with its advanced zero-trust user access platform. This new funding will not only improve their technology but also expand their reach across various critical sectors. As XONA continues to grow, it promises to deliver more robust and secure solutions for industrial operations worldwide.
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash
