Cisco to Acquire OT Security Firm Sentryo

Cisco on Thursday announced that it has agreed to acquire privately-held operational technology (OT) cybersecurity firm Sentryo for an undisclosed sum. 

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Lyon, France, Sentryo, provides device visibility and security solutions for industrial control system (ICS) networks and OT assets.

“Sentryo’s industrial IoT/OT technology solution helps companies like those in the energy, manufacturing, oil and gas and transportation sectors ensure the resilience of their industrial networks and protect against cybersecurity attacks,” said Rob Salvagno, VP Global Corporate Development at Cisco.

The acquisition, Cisco says, will help customers address challenges with visibility, network segmentation, and operational visibility, such as PLC Start/Stops, operational events, as well as programming changes being made to PLCs, RTUs, and other industrial devices. 

“By combining Cisco’s intent-based network architecture with Sentryo’s capabilities, customers can capture IoT benefits, manage networks and devices at scale, enable collaboration across IT and OT departments, and better protect their assets and data,” Salvagno added.

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of Cisco’s Q1 Fiscal Year 2020 (October 26, 2019) pending customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals in both the United States and France.

Sentryo has 37 employees and has been funded by several investors including Breed-Reply, Ace Mgmt, Kreaxi, Omnes, Sopra Steria, BNP Paribas and Alliance Entreprendre.

Disclosure: Sentryo was a Gold sponsor of SecurityWeek’s 2018 ICS Cyber Security Conference and is a Gold sponsor for the upcoming 2019 ICS Cyber Security Conference. A presentation by Bob Foley, VP for North America at Sentryo, at the 2018 conference is embedded below.