e2e-assure launches unified OT cyber monitoring in UK

SOC-as-a-service provider, e2e-assure, has launched a managed detection and monitoring service specifically for operational technology (OT) environments, supported by new partnerships with EmberOT and Trinity OT Security.

The UK-based security operations centre (SOC) provider noted that organisations increasingly view industrial systems as primary targets for cyberattacks. This shift in perspective is backed by recent research, which reveals that 51% of organisations believe their OT infrastructure is more likely to be targeted than any other part of their digital estate.

Operational technology typically covers industrial control systems and connected equipment used in factories, utilities and critical infrastructure. Many operators have added connected sensors and smart equipment in recent years. That increases the number of potential entry points for attackers.

The team at e2e-assure said attacks against operational technology environments have increased year on year since 2020. It also pointed to disruption in the manufacturing sector over the past 12 months, citing incidents affecting Jaguar Land Rover and Asahi.

Monitoring gaps

The company also highlighted a lack of coordination in monitoring across IT and OT. It cited research which found 28 per cent of organisations said they relied on manual or ad hoc coordination of IT and OT visibility and monitoring.

The same research indicated varied approaches to detection inside OT environments. It found 32 per cent of organisations used detection platforms originally built for IT. It found 29 per cent used active visibility tools. It found 28 per cent used custom developed detection logic.

According to e2e-assure, standards and directives from government organisations in the UK, EU, and US now recommend continuous monitoring for operational technology (OT) assets and network connectivity.

The company highlighted that these requirements are placing increased pressure on operators and their suppliers. They must now demonstrate rigorous oversight of industrial systems - many of which were originally designed without modern security monitoring capabilities in mind.

New service

The team at e2e-assure said its new service provides 24/7 Unified IT/OT Detection and monitoring. It uses EmberOT sensor technology, according to the company. e2e-assure said the service can also operate with other OT cyber sensor tools.

The company said the service feeds directly into its UK-based security operations centre. It described itself as UK owned and operated.

"From expanding threats to mounting regulatory requirements, OT organisations are not equipped to handle these challenges alone," said Rob Demain, Chief Executive Officer, e2e-assure. "But it's not a process that can be easily outsourced due to the complexity and sensitivity of their operations. We are delighted that with this new product and partnership, e2e-assure is now further equipped to support organisations where operational resilience and avoiding costly downtime is crucial."

Sensor technology

e2e-assure said it can provide round-the-clock monitoring using EmberOT's software-based sensor product. It said the sensors provide continuous insight into system status, vulnerabilities and threats.

e2e-assure also listed features it plans to provide through the service. It said it can provide visibility reports with an asset inventory and a contextual risk index. It said it can provide asset vulnerability priority lists and mitigation assistance. It said it can provide an alert system that integrates with its security operations centre for 24/7 monitoring and response.

The company also described deployment options. It said deployments can run locally without external connectivity. It also referenced communication with its SOC team via the e2e-assure Teams app.

Consulting partner

e2e-assure said Trinity OT Security will provide consulting and advisory services alongside the managed monitoring offer. Trinity OT Security said it specialises in OT cybersecurity solutions, risk advisory, system integration and professional services.

Under the partnership, Trinity OT Security will lead consultative engagements, according to e2e-assure. It said those engagements include OT risk assessments, security improvement planning and compliance advisory. e2e-assure said its SOC will provide ongoing threat detection, investigation and response across IT and OT telemetry.

e2e-assure said the combined offer aligns with industry standards and regulatory frameworks. It referenced NIS2 and IEC 62443.

"Securing operational technology environments requires more than point solutions; it demands a strategic blend of deep technical insight, risk-based advisory and resilient operational defence," said Ben Dunlop, Chief Operating Officer, Trinity OT. "By partnering with e2e-assure, we are enhancing our ability to protect customers throughout the security lifecycle, from shaping improvements to sustaining them with world-class, 24/7 threat detection and response. This collaboration strengthens our collective commitment to deliver measurable risk reduction and operational resilience for organisations whose uptime and safety are paramount."

SOC-as-a-service provider, e2e-assure, said customers can access the new service immediately.