Swiss software security firm Ontinue has expanded its AI-powered managed extended detection and response (MXDR) services to include IoT and OT environments.

Ontinue Ion for IoT Security is an add-on service to the Ion MXDR service that extends continuous protection to IoT and OT environments.

As organisations integrate more IoT and OT devices into their operations, they face an expanding attack surface and increasing vulnerability to sophisticated cyber threats. Recent research (www.fortinet.com/content/dam/fortinet/assets/reports/report-state-ot-cybersecurity.pdf) reveals that nearly one-third of organisations experienced six or more intrusions in 2024, a sharp rise from 11% the previous year.

Addressing this growing problem, Ontinue’s Ion for IoT Security empowers CISOs to safeguard critical operational environments with the same robust protections relied upon for IT environments.

“The rapid adoption of IoT and OT devices – and their integration into traditional IT environments – is creating unprecedented challenges for organisations seeking to protect their critical operations,” said Geoff Haydon, CEO of Ontinue (www.ontinue.com). “By extending our Ion MXDR service to include OT security, we provide CISOs with the tools and expertise to address evolving threats with confidence, enabling resilience across both IT and OT environments.”

Henning Christiansen, CISO at Ottobock (www.ottobock.com), added: “Securing our OT environments is critical to ensuring uninterrupted production and delivering life-changing products to those who depend on them. Ontinue’s Ion for IoT Security service gives us the visibility and protection we need to safeguard our operations against evolving threats, so we can focus on our mission of helping people live more active, fulfilling lives.”

The service uses Microsoft Defender for IoT to inventory IoT and OT environments, as well as collect telemetry and generate security alerts. The services provide Ontinue users with centralised managed security operations for their IT and OT environments, all delivered via the combination of the Ion SecOps platform, Ontinue’s 24/7 Cyber Defense Center, and designated cyber-security advisors.

Organisations with limited or no visibility and control over their IoT and OT assets can get immediate protection that includes round-the-clock monitoring, investigation and containment. Whether responding to a board mandate or attempting to comply with IoT and OT audits, CISOs and their teams can quickly and easily ramp their IoT and OT environment security maturity.

They can maintain an up-to-date inventory of network-connected devices using Microsoft Defender for IoT’s passive network sensor, and identify unmanaged devices and access detailed information such as manufacturer, serial number and firmware.

Ontinue’s holistic approach investigates every incident within the broader context of the environment. Tailored rules of engagement, escalation processes and Microsoft Teams-based collaboration enable automated investigation and response while ensuring incidents are escalated and communicated to the right people in the team for approvals, feedback and guidance without inconvenience.

They can access real-time response recommendations and IoT and OT expertise from Ontinue’s cyber defenders. With Ion Engage, they can connect via Microsoft Teams for immediate assistance.

Ion for IoT Security (www.ontinue.com/ion-add-on-services/iot) can increase the RoI of Microsoft Defender for IoT from day one. For those who need help deploying Defender for IoT, Ontinue provides guidance on deploying and configuring IoT and OT sensors to get the organisation up and running quickly and easily.