Xona Systems: Pioneering Zero-Trust Secure Access for Federal Government Operations

In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, Xona Systems is stepping up to the plate with its innovative zero-trust secure access platform. Recently, the company announced its strategic expansion into the public sector, particularly focusing on the federal government. This move aims to deliver critical cyber capabilities that enhance public safety and protect vital infrastructure.

A Mission to Protect

David Chung, the general manager for Americas at Xona, articulated the company’s mission succinctly: “Our mission is to ensure that every organization is protected from cyber threats by providing zero trust secure access for critical assets.” This commitment to safeguarding organizations has fueled Xona’s rapid growth, particularly in sectors such as energy, oil and gas, and manufacturing. As the company strengthens its foothold in the federal government, it is poised to leverage its key capabilities to mitigate risks, simplify operations, and bolster public safety.

The Importance of Industrial Control Systems

Federal government operations rely heavily on industrial control systems (ICS) to manage geographically dispersed assets and localized processes. From navy vessels navigating the open seas to remote military installations and the heart of the Pentagon, these systems are crucial for maintaining operational integrity. Xona’s secure access platform empowers government entities to access critical systems swiftly and securely, regardless of location. By integrating modern multi-factor authentication (MFA), granular system authorization, protocol isolation, encrypted browser-based sessions, and comprehensive session logging and recording, Xona is redefining secure access.

Compliance at the Core

Xona’s platform is purpose-built for compliance, aligning with key regulatory frameworks such as NIST, NERC CIP, and ISA/IEC. This alignment not only protects sensitive data but also enhances the overall security posture of organizations. By adhering to these standards, Xona helps maintain trust among stakeholders while ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

Key Highlights of Xona’s Expansion

As Xona continues to expand its presence in the federal sector, several key highlights stand out:

1. New Customers: The company is securing significant federal government projects, which are instrumental in funding increased go-to-market investments as it heads into Q4 2024 and 2025.

2. New Partnerships: Strategic partnerships are broadening Xona’s sales and marketing reach within federal government projects and agencies, generating additional business opportunities.

3. Sales and Marketing Initiatives: Xona has expanded its dedicated sales resources for the North American sales team, focusing specifically on federal government contracts. Increased marketing investments are also driving greater awareness of Xona’s offerings.

4. Secure Access Platform Enhancements: Recent product enhancements, including the Xona centralized manager, are simplifying secure access to critical assets. These improvements are designed to reduce risks to vital systems while enhancing audit, compliance, and governance around secure access programs.

Addressing the Growing Cyber Threat Landscape

The urgency of Xona’s mission is underscored by the increasing frequency of cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. Dan Schneider, vice president of cybersecurity sales at Thundercat Technology, noted that the federal government, like many operational enterprises, faces challenges from expanding attack surfaces due to distributed and remote work environments. The repercussions of a cyber attack on government assets can be severe, potentially disrupting essential services and jeopardizing national security.

Schneider emphasized that Xona is revolutionizing the way organizations protect themselves by addressing access and liability challenges through its zero-trust secure access model. This approach is particularly vital for safeguarding critical assets from insecure transient endpoints, which are often the weak links in cybersecurity.

Conclusion

As Xona Systems continues to carve out its niche in the federal government sector, its commitment to providing zero-trust secure access is more critical than ever. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and customer success, Xona is not just enhancing public safety but also setting a new standard for cybersecurity in industrial operations. As the landscape of cyber threats evolves, Xona’s proactive measures and strategic partnerships will be essential in ensuring that critical infrastructure remains secure and resilient against potential attacks.

In a world where the stakes are high, Xona is leading the charge to protect vital assets, ensuring that organizations can operate safely and efficiently in an increasingly complex digital landscape.