Dragos Acquires Network Perception to Advance OT Network Visibility

Dragos, a global provider of cybersecurity, has acquired network solutions supplier Network Perception. Both companies’ flagship products focus on OT network security. Through the acquisition, Dragos and Network Perception will combine their flagship solutions, expertise, and connections to further network visibility across industries.

Dragos and Network Perception will combine their flagship products to advance industrial cybersecurity. Image used courtesy of Network Perception

Dragos OT Cybersecurity Platform

Dragos is most known for its flagship product, Dragos Platform. The Dragos Platform is a cybersecurity system that monitors operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, like those found on most automation systems. This platform tracks assets, manages risks, and evaluates potential threats across industrial networks. Once a threat is evaluated, it provides up-to-date playbooks for mitigating or eliminating the threat.

The Dragos Platform monitors networks and identifies threats for OT environments. Image used courtesy of Dragos

While Dragos works in the power generation and distribution industry, they also are trusted partners in manufacturing, oil and gas production and refining, and multiple other industries. Dragos’ diverse experience in network security and its wide market share will serve as an asset to Network Perception.

NP-View for Network Visibility

With the acquisition, Dragos will benefit from Network Perception’s main product NP-View, a tool for viewing network connections and device configurations. NP-View is used to access and download configurations for routers, switches, firewalls, hubs, and other network devices. Those configuration files are then evaluated together so that security holes can be determined long before a cybersecurity incident occurs. Configuration files can be assessed offline, limiting the vulnerability associated with the actual compiling of this data. 

A screenshot from Network Perception’s NP-View showing the interconnectivity of devices and systems. Image used courtesy of Network Perception

In terms of markets, Network Perception works in energy production and distribution, utilities, and other industrial applications. When the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), a nonprofit organization that evaluates the electrical grid, needed tools, they turned to Network Perception’s NP-View to perform security audits.

Advancing Industrial Cybersecurity

When added to the Dragos Platform, Network Perception's NP-View will enhance security by showing who is connected to the network and who can connect to the network. This dual-visibility approach can help weed out bad actors earlier, allowing the necessary connections to conduct regular business and operations.

NP-View's firewall rules and topology will be added to the Dragos Platform. Vulnerabilities can be mapped and visualized, allowing cybersecurity experts and network engineers more options for shoring up their systems. Both companies will benefit from the acquisition through expanded market segments and the respective companies’ diverse experience in various markets.

According to Dragos CEO and cofounder Robert M. Lee, "The acquisition of Network Perception represents a significant milestone toward our shared mission to secure the world's industrial and critical infrastructure." Robin Berthier, CEO and cofounder of Network Perception echoed this sentiment, stating "Joining force with Dragos allows us to combine our strengths and deliver an even greater value to the OT community."