OPSWAT Acquires Fend, Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Cyber Defences

OPSWAT, a global leader in critical infrastructure protection based in the United States, has announced its acquisition of Fend Incorporated, a cutting-edge cybersecurity and data pipeline company. Fend specializes in securing operational technology (OT) systems from cyber threats, ransomware, and other evolving risks. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, Fend has a strong track record of protecting U.S. government agencies, utilities, oil and gas sectors, manufacturing industries, and other critical infrastructures where air-gapped environments are essential for safeguarding against cyber incidents. This acquisition solidifies OPSWAT’s position as the provider of the most comprehensive range of Data Diodes and Unidirectional Gateways, leveraging proprietary technologies like Multiscanning, Deep CDR, Sandboxing, and Proactive DLP to prevent sensitive data leakage.

Role of Fend’s Data Diode Technology in Cybersecurity

Fend’s advanced data diode technology creates a secure, one-way communication channel that allows data to flow from one network to another while blocking any reverse transmission. This hardware-based solution is highly valued in high-security environments such as defence, industrial control systems, and critical infrastructure, where preventing external access is of utmost importance. Initially used in highly sensitive applications like nuclear power plants, data diode technology has evolved to become more accessible and cost-effective. It is now widely adopted in industries requiring secure online monitoring and predictive analytics. With benefits such as enhanced operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and improved staff productivity, Fend’s data diodes offer robust protection across a variety of industrial sectors.

“Fend’s solutions are a strategic addition to our portfolio, allowing OPSWAT to deliver unparalleled security for customers’ most critical assets,” said Benny Czarny, CEO and Founder of OPSWAT. “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.”

“Joining OPSWAT represents a significant opportunity for Fend, allowing us to offer customers an even broader range of cyber defences,” said Colin Dunn, CEO and Founder of Fend. “Together, we can provide unmatched security for critical infrastructure around the globe, ensuring resilience against sophisticated cyber threats.”

Trafalgar Capital Partners, an M&A advisor with a focus on the technology, media, and telecommunications industries, helped facilitate the transaction.

"We’re proud to have supported Fend Incorporated through this transaction with OPSWAT,” said Frantz Casseus, Founder & Managing Director of Trafalgar Capital Partners. “By integrating Fend’s pioneering, cutting-edge data diode technology, OPSWAT is poised to deliver unparalleled solutions for secure data transfer and advanced threat protection, enhancing its leadership in critical infrastructure.”

Expanding OPSWAT’s Industrial OT Capabilities

OPSWAT’s acquisition of Fend further strengthens its industrial OT offerings, building on the company’s 2021 acquisition of Bayshore Networks. This acquisition enhances OPSWAT’s ability to support both centralized and distributed deployments, offering true cross-domain security. The integration of Fend’s technology with OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk and MetaDefender Managed File Transfer solutions helps secure remote assets and smaller facilities, such as water utilities, which often have numerous endpoints at the edge that still require high-level security.

Comprehensive Connectivity Solutions

Fend’s diverse connectivity options, including Ethernet, cellular, and even serial connections for older networks, will enable OPSWAT to meet the needs of both emerging technologies like 5G and Industry 4.0, as well as the extensive landscape of legacy infrastructure worldwide. This expanded connectivity capability ensures OPSWAT can offer tailored cybersecurity solutions for a wide range of industries, from modern innovations to longstanding infrastructure systems.