Cisco Announces Intent to Acquire Sentryo

Cisco announced its intent to acquire Sentryo, a Lyon-based provider of automated device visibility and security protection for OT assets.   This acquisition will help Cisco customers solve 3 problems:

1. Visibility: Network enabled passive deep packet inspection (DPI) capabilities to discover IoT and OT assets and establish communication patterns between devices and systems.  Sentryo’s sensor is natively deployable on Cisco’s IOx framework, meaning it can be built into the industrial network these devices run on instead of adding additional hardware.  Sentryo can add value for Cisco’s customers, including those operating industrial control systems in oil and gas, electric utilities, building automation, mining operations, chemical processing facilities, and more.
2. Segmentation: As device identification and communication patterns are created, Cisco will integrate this with DNA Center and Identity Services Engine (ISE) to allow customers to easily define segmentation policy and specific actions.  This integration will allow OT teams to leverage the IT security teams expertise to secure their environments without risk to the operational processes.
3. Operations: For OT users, Sentryo also provides Operational visibility like PLC Start/Stop, operational events, and programming changes made to PLCs, RTUs, and other industrial devices.  With these capabilities, OT can ensure uptimes, production yields, and improve safety while maintaining a robust cyber security posture.

The acquisition is expected to close before the end of Cisco’s Q1 Fiscal Year 2020 (October 26, 2019) pending all customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including in France.