Publisher’s Spotlight: Industrial Defender

By Gary S. Miliefsky, Publisher, Cyber Defense Magazine

In today’s hyperconnected world, protecting critical infrastructure has become a national imperative. From energy grids and transportation systems to water treatment facilities and manufacturing plants—operational technology (OT) environments are the backbone of our society, and they’re under siege like never before.

As cyber adversaries evolve and nation-state threats multiply, it’s clear: passive monitoring alone is no longer enough. True OT security demands total asset visibility, deep configuration intelligence, and a platform that can scale across fragmented, often legacy-heavy environments. That’s why I’m shining a spotlight on Industrial Defender—a company that has spent nearly two decades pioneering this very mission.

Visibility, Compliance, and Control — All in One Platform

Since 2006, Industrial Defender has served as the single source of truth for OT asset data in some of the world’s most critical infrastructure environments. Unlike vendors that promise visibility through passive network sniffing alone, Industrial Defender delivers active, verified insights—collecting granular data such as hardware configurations, patch levels, firewall rules, and even PLC key switch positions.

Their hybrid approach—operationally safe active discovery combined with passive monitoring—fills the massive gap that traditional methods leave behind. This enables security teams to identify blind spots, spot unauthorized changes in real time, and ensure every asset remains in a secure, known state. That’s not just smart; it’s vital when facing sophisticated threats capable of living off the land and blending into industrial environments.

Built for the World’s Most Regulated Environments

Whether you’re defending against ransomware or preparing for audits, Industrial Defender has your back. The platform supports compliance with a wide range of regulatory frameworks—including NERC CIP, NIS2, TSA Directives, Saudi OTCC, and Australia’s AESCSF—as well as internal policies. Built-in policy libraries and automated reporting make it possible to streamline what used to be a time-consuming, spreadsheet-heavy process.

As a privately held, U.S.-owned company with a laser focus on OT, Industrial Defender is a rare breed: independent, vendor-agnostic, and purpose-built for the unique demands of industrial control systems (ICS). Their customers include power utilities, energy producers, water authorities, and manufacturing giants that can’t afford a single misstep when it comes to uptime, safety, and national security.

“Industrial Defender is dedicated to providing our customers with the most comprehensive and accurate OT asset management solution. We are proud to work with critical infrastructure around the world and support our customers in achieving their security and compliance goals, deepening their understanding of their OT environments with a single source of all operational asset information.”
— Jay Williams, CEO, Industrial Defender

Real-World Impact: Securing Millions of Lives

This isn’t theory—it’s real-world cyber defense. As one major utility put it:

“Since 2012, Industrial Defender has been instrumental in bolstering Xcel Energy’s cybersecurity efforts, managing OT assets, and ensuring compliance with NERC CIP, TSA Directive, and internal policies, thereby supporting our delivery of reliable electric and natural gas services to millions of customers.”
— Chief Security Officer, Major U.S. Electric Utility

Industrial Defender doesn’t just provide tools—they empower operators to lock down entry points, harden configurations, and reduce risk in environments where downtime isn’t an option. Their platform turns data into action, offering unparalleled insight into asset integrity, vulnerability exposure, and configuration drift.

Why Industrial Defender Matters Now

As compliance mandates tighten and geopolitical threats intensify, the organizations responsible for running our world’s critical infrastructure must embrace proactive cybersecurity. OT asset visibility, configuration assurance, and change detection aren’t optional—they’re fundamental.

With Industrial Defender, you get exactly that: a trusted partner to help you secure, fortify, and protect your operational technology with precision and confidence.

🖥️ Visit www.IndustrialDefender.com to learn more.
📱 Follow them at @iDefend_ICS
🔖 #OTSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #IndustrialCybersecurity

Stay safe, stay informed, and keep defending what matters.

Gary S. Miliefsky
Publisher, Cyber Defense Magazine
www.cyberdefensemagazine.com
@miliefsky | @cyberdefensemag

About the Author

Gary Miliefsky is the publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine and a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. As the founder and CEO of Cyber Defense Media Group, he has significantly influenced the cybersecurity landscape. With decades of experience, Gary is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a National Information Security Group member, and an active adviser to government and private sector organizations. His insights have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and international media outlets, making him a trusted authority on advanced cyber threats and innovative defense strategies. Gary’s dedication to cybersecurity extends to educating the public, operating a scholarship program for young women in cybersecurity, and investing in and developing cutting-edge technologies to protect against evolving cyber risks.