Sapphire has become the latest cybersecurity provider to lay a big bet on operational technology (OT) security by acquiring Awen Collective.
The £12m-revenue Check Point partner said its deal for the South Wales-based firm will help it meet rising demand for OT cybersecurity, a market set to reach $38.2 billion by 2028.
OT security was pinpointed as a growth hotspot by several cybersecurity VADs IT Channel Oxygen questioned for its recent Top 45 Must-Know UK IT Distributor project.
This includes Distology, whose CEO Hayley Roberts dubbed OT cybersecurity “an exciting area”.
“It’s almost like a retro-fit,” she explained.
“People have got all this machinery or building management tools, or assets and equipment, and now they’re digitalising it, [they’re realising] that it’s a vulnerability that they need to control or secure. Although it’s not a new thing, that’s why it’s coming to the foreground, which is exciting.”
Awen focuses on OT systems in defence, healthcare, manufacturing and utilities.
Ian Thomas (pictured), who was appointed as Sapphire CEO this month, said: “We stand with CISOs, empathise with the pressures they face, and partner with them to make a real difference to their business. Awen’s expertise will allow us to accelerate our presence in the OT security market, positioning Sapphire for growth.”
