TXOne Networks, an industry leader in Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) security, is making its first move into the region by offering comprehensive solutions that prioritize the reliability and safety of industrial operations. The company recently announced this exciting development at the Gitex Global 2023 exhibition, an esteemed technology and startup event held in Dubai. Gitex Global 2023 attracted over 6,000 exhibitors, 180,000 tech executives, and more than 800 government entities from around the world.
In an interview with Khaleej Times, Dr. Terence Liu, CEO of TXOne Networks, emphasized the company’s decision to establish a presence in the UAE as part of their expansion plans across the GCC and the wider MENA region. Dr. Liu expressed the company’s primary focus on delivering cutting-edge infrastructure and practical, operation-friendly cybersecurity approaches to leading manufacturers and industries in the area, especially in the oil and gas and energy sectors.
Dr. Liu highlighted the company’s unique position in addressing security vulnerabilities in industrial settings, particularly through their focus on operational technology (OT). He explained that while most people associate cybersecurity with informational technology (IT), which deals with front-end activities like communication and email, TXOne Networks specializes in OT, which focuses on the back-end production processes and machines. With a legacy technology emphasis, such as Windows operating systems and other earlier versions, OT encompasses industrial control systems, robotics, and data acquisition, among other programmable controls.
Dr. Liu emphasized that TXOne Networks’ solutions aim to apply security measures without disrupting production. He acknowledged that mistakes or a lack of tailored security solutions can compromise cybersecurity evaluations, leading to potential threats. This is where OT security becomes crucial.
As an emerging branch of cybersecurity, OT presents significant challenges as cyber-attacks on critical infrastructures continue to rise. Dr. Liu stressed the importance of keeping pace with cybersecurity advancements and maintaining continuous operations for large-scale companies. To address this challenge, he discussed the OT Zero Trust framework, an asset-centric approach that safeguards critical assets throughout their lifecycle, streamlines management, reduces security overhead, and resolves challenges without impacting operations.
Dr. Liu acknowledged the growth of the cybersecurity market but highlighted the unique nature of OT cybersecurity and the limited number of experts in the field. With their entry into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market, TXOne Networks sees the UAE as the ideal hub to explore opportunities in countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt.
Reflecting on TXOne Networks’ journey, Dr. Liu spoke about the company’s rapid growth since its establishment in 2019. With over 400 employees worldwide and major sales forces in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, TXOne Networks has established itself as a prominent player in the cybersecurity industry.
Dr. Liu expressed confidence that with their entry into the region, TXOne Networks will play a crucial role in safeguarding businesses, enabling further growth, and contributing to economic development. By providing comprehensive and reliable cybersecurity solutions for industrial operations, TXOne Networks aims to make a significant impact in the MENA market.
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