Nozomi Networks has officially introduced the industry’s first wireless spectrum sensor designed specifically for Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) domains on a global scale.
The latest launch, Guardian Air, addresses escalating risks after 80% of new IoT devices opt for wireless connectivity. This growing preference for wireless networks triples the threat of potential cyberattacks and traffic disruptions due to widespread access points and potential network abuse.
Guardian Air provides an effective solution to these challenges by extending network visibility, detection, and response capabilities from the endpoint to the wireless medium. This milestone was achieved through a comprehensive array of wireless frequency monitoring, a performance that surpasses the conventional range of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. In addition, it provides security teams with instant visibility of connected sensors, devices, laptops, and mobile phones. The introduction of Guardian Air thus provides customers with a holistic network solution on an integrated platform.
Danielle VanZandt, industry manager for commercial and public safety research at Frost & Sullivan, praised this new advancement, saying, “Nozomi Networks has once again innovated to address the increasing dependence on billions of wireless devices, spanning smart manufacturing, digital medicine, building automation, and modern oilfield production, has highlighted the unmet need for efficient wireless-level monitoring in Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments. This underscores the necessity for dependable and swift risk management and response mechanisms. This is where the visibility provided by Guardian Air plays a key role by equipping IT security professionals and OT operators to proactively address threats effectively.
In improving wireless risk management, Guardian Air specifies several options. These include continuous monitoring of leading wireless frequency technologies, instant detection of wirelessly connected assets, and the ability to counter wireless-specific threats such as brute-force attacks, spoofing, and bluejacking, with added provision for the location of attacking devices. It also offers seamless data integration into a single OT & IoT security platform that enables unified visibility of assets across wired and wireless networks.
Andrea Carcano, co-founder and chief product officer of Nozomi Networks, reiterates Guardian Air’s role in facilitating the massive digital transition for industrial organizations. He mentions, “Wireless is fundamentally changing the way industrial organizations operate. Regrettably, this also significantly broadens the potential attack surface. However, with Guardian Air, it furnishes customers with precise visibility at the wireless level, aiding in minimizing risks and enhancing overall resilience. Additionally, easy integration with Nozomi Networks’ existing Vantage platform consolidates visibility, threat detection, and AI-based analytics for real-time security management and remediation across multiple attack angles.
Expected to be available this spring, the Nozomi Guardian Air wireless sensor intends to equip global OT and IoT environments through Nozomi Networks and its extensive global network of business partners. The launch of Guardian Air demonstrates a leap forward in preventing and mitigating wireless threats, powering industry, and technology transformation around the world.