Critical infrastructure cybersecurity company OPSWAT Inc. announced today that it has acquired Fend Inc., a cybersecurity company specializing in industrial network segmentation, for an undisclosed price.

Founded in 2017, Fend specializes in cybersecurity hardware designed to protect critical infrastructure across sectors such as energy, water and manufacturing. The company’s data diodes enforce a physically isolated, one-way data flow to allow for the secure monitoring of industrial control systems without exposing them to cyber threats.

Fend’s data diodes use optical isolation to transmit data unidirectionally to prevent inbound cyberattacks and ransomware from reaching protected networks. Fend says that approach offers a robust alternative to traditional software-based security measures that often require regular updates and can be vulnerable to sophisticated attacks.

The company also allows organizations to leverage real-time operational data for predictive maintenance, performance optimization and integration with cloud-based analytics. The ability to do so enhances operational efficiency while, at the same time, maintaining stringent security protocols essential for critical infrastructure.

Fend is best known for its expertise in protecting U.S. government agencies, utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing and other critical industries where air-gapped environments are essential for defense against cyber incidents.

Notable Fend customers include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, ExxonMobil Corp., 3M Co., Valero Energy Corp. and Leidos Holdings Inc.

“Fend’s solutions are a strategic addition to our portfolio, allowing OPSWAT to deliver unparalleled security for customers’ most critical assets,” OPSWAT founder and Chief Executive Benny Czarny. “This strategic move broadens OPSWAT’s existing product offering that includes high-speed data diodes and unidirectional gateway solutions to mobile, cell-based, cloud-based and ruggedized products to support more critical infrastructure needs.”

Fend’s connectivity options, which can accommodate Ethernet, cellular and serial connections for older networks, will also allow OPSWAT to meet the demands of emerging technologies such as 5G and Industry 4.0 and the legacy infrastructure globally.

Coming into its acquisition, Fend had only raised $1.1 million in venture capital, according to Tracxn. The company has also been the recieipient of grant prizes from the Department of Energy.

Image: Fend