Johnson Controls has selected Tempered Networks to provide secure communications and network management for its OpenBlue services, advancing cyber security for its smart buildings technology ecosystem.

The agreement allows Johnson Controls to deploy Tempered Airwall as a core component of OpenBlue offerings to protect building automation users worldwide. OpenBlue serves many industries including commercial and civic workplaces, hospitals, schools, campuses, and stadiums.

“The acceleration of digital transformation means our customers are realising the benefits of operating smart buildings that are increasingly data-enabled and require the strongest levels of cyber security,” said Vijay Sankaran, chief technology officer at Johnson Controls. “By leveraging security technology from Tempered Networks, we enable smart buildings with industry-leading secure remote access technology and AI-driven security insights to help OpenBlue customers manage risk and simplify network management, allowing them to deliver a great occupant experience.”

Tempered Airwall will be integrated into OpenBlue Bridge technology, a gateway for secure edge to cloud communications.

“We are enabling Johnson Controls technicians to securely access and manage equipment at a customer site from anywhere using zero trust software defined networking and military-grade encryption, rendering building systems invisible to unauthorised users and potential attacks,” said Jason Christman, chief product security officer at Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls OpenBlue services that leverage the Tempered Airwall platform will be available globally and address demand for improved cyber security and management.

“Critical infrastructure is being hacked daily because digital transformation has made it vulnerable,” said Keith Beeman, CEO of Tempered Networks. “The network solutions that worked in the past, like adding yet another firewall, are no longer effective. With Airwall’s native zero trust platform, building automation systems can now be safely and optimally managed from anywhere.”

The integration of Lynwood, Washington-based Tempered Network’s security technology further advances OpenBlue’s position in cyber security, building on recent partnerships with Pelion and DigiCert to provide secure device management and digital trust for smart building technology.

With a history of more than 135 years, Johnson Controls serves industries such as healthcare, schools, data centres, airports, stadiums, manufacturing and beyond through its OpenBlue digital offering. It has100,000 employees in more than 150 countries.

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