Critical Start, a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) cybersecurity solutions provider, has unveiled its new service extension, Critical Start MDR for Operational Technology (OT). This addition enhances the company’s Managed Cyber Risk Reduction (MCRR) strategy, which integrates threat, vulnerability, and risk monitoring to offer a strategic, data-driven approach to cybersecurity.
OT, essential for industrial organizations, presents unique challenges that require specialized security solutions. The new service from Critical Start addresses these needs by providing OT-specific threat detection capabilities. Importantly, it integrates seamlessly with a customer's existing infrastructure and supports, but does not require, dedicated OT security tools like Dragos, Claroty, and Nozomi.
With industrial organizations increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber threats, the need for robust security monitoring and threat detection in OT environments has never been greater. Many organizations, however, struggle with inadequate resources, tools, and personnel to effectively monitor their operations around the clock.
Critical Start aims to bridge this gap with its MDR for OT service by offering 24x7x365 threat monitoring, detection, and response at a predictable, flat-rate pricing. This approach not only helps reduce financial and operational risks but also protects against potential cyberattacks that could originate from IT networks affecting OT systems.
Chris Carlson, Chief Product Officer at Critical Start, emphasized the necessity of this service, stating, "It's become increasingly apparent that industrial firms and their OT environments are not only extremely susceptible to cyber-attacks but are also under resourced for continuous monitoring of their growing cyber risks. Until now, those providers of OT monitoring services are either single technology-focused and often do not provide monitoring for the IT environment as well." He added, "By developing Critical Start MDR for OT, the company is not only highlighting the disruptive nature of our delivery platform but also our dedication to meeting the evolving demands of our customers."
Key features of the Critical Start MDR for OT include:
Immediate Visibility and Risk Reduction:Â Organizations can quickly gain visibility and reduce risks, enhancing their OT security posture at a reasonable cost.
Scalable and Adaptable Solutions: The service is designed to evolve with an organization’s OT security needs, ensuring long-term relevance and protection.
End-to-End Visibility for IT/OT Convergence:Â By offering integrated MDR services for both IT and OT, Critical Start provides a comprehensive view across both environments, helping to manage and secure IT/OT convergence efficiently.
Tailored Rules of Engagement and Product Integrations:Â The platform specifies distinct Rules of Engagement for IT and OT, ensuring sensitive operational environments are not disrupted without proper authorization.
This innovative service is set to transform how industrial organizations manage and mitigate cyber risks, providing them with a flexible, cost-effective solution that can be implemented swiftly and scaled over time.