By As more organizations adopt IoT and operational technology (OT) devices to streamline processes and enhance performance, they also face heightened cybersecurity risks. In response to this growing concern, Ontinue has introduced a new addition to its security suite: ION for IoT Security, a specialized extension of its ION MXDR platform aimed at protecting connected environments.
The proliferation of smart devices across industries—from manufacturing lines to infrastructure systems—has significantly increased the number of entry points for cyber threats. Recent data underscores the urgency: nearly one in three companies reported six or more breaches in 2024, a sharp rise compared to the previous year.
To address this evolving threat landscape, Ontinue’s new service provides continuous monitoring and tailored protections for IoT and OT systems, helping security leaders apply the same high-level defenses traditionally used for IT infrastructure to these newer, often less protected environments.
Geoff Haydon, CEO of Ontinue, highlighted the difficulty many companies face when attempting to safeguard both IT and OT systems. By integrating OT support into the existing ION MXDR platform, the company aims to bridge this long-standing gap and simplify the management of cross-domain cybersecurity.
The need for unified protection is more pressing than ever. IoT and OT systems now control essential operations in sectors like manufacturing and healthcare. A single breach can disrupt production, compromise safety, and result in costly downtime.
Henning Christiansen, CISO at Ottobock, a company that produces assistive technologies, shared how the new service has helped maintain the reliability of their production environment. He stressed the importance of having both visibility and protection in place to ensure continuous operations, especially when lives may depend on the products they deliver.
Ontinue’s ION for IoT Security offers a multi-layered approach to risk management, supporting organizations at various stages of cybersecurity readiness:
- Accelerated security maturity: For businesses lacking visibility or control over their connected assets, the service offers around-the-clock monitoring, swift threat containment, and support in passing compliance audits.
- Real-time asset visibility: Using Microsoft Defender for IoT, the platform keeps an up-to-date inventory of connected devices. It identifies unmanaged endpoints and provides detailed information—including serial numbers, firmware, and vendors—so that companies can take informed actions.
- 24/7 incident response: Every threat is evaluated in the context of the organization’s specific environment. Ontinue combines automated investigation with expert-guided intervention, using Microsoft Teams to manage escalation and response workflows.
- Instant access to security specialists: Whether during a critical incident or for routine guidance, Ontinue’s team of Cyber Defenders is available through ION Engage, offering real-time support within the same collaborative platform.
- Faster deployment of Microsoft Defender for IoT: Organizations adopting this tool can rely on Ontinue’s expertise for seamless implementation, minimizing setup time and maximizing return on investment.
As the digital landscape expands, businesses must treat IoT and OT security with the same seriousness as traditional IT protection. For those operating in tightly regulated sectors or managing critical infrastructure, secure integration across all systems isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Ontinue’s latest offering reflects this shift, empowering organizations to face modern threats with confidence and control.