Secure critical infrastructure with Nozomi and SEL’s integrated AI cybersecurity and ruggedized OT SDN tools

Nozomi Networks and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories announced an expansion of their partnership to provide integrated cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure operators. This collaboration aims to strengthen cyber resilience and improve operational visibility for utilities and other essential services worldwide.

In plain English

Critical infrastructure operators face increasing pressure to secure their networks against cyber threats while meeting strict regulatory requirements. The expanded partnership between Nozomi Networks and SEL addresses this by combining AI-powered cybersecurity with specialized industrial networking tools. This integration allows organizations to gain better visibility into their operational technology environments.

The goal is to help utilities and similar organizations scale their security programs more effectively. By integrating Nozomi’s platform with SEL’s software-defined networking capabilities, operators can monitor assets and traffic flows in near real-time. This deeper visibility supports compliance with frameworks like NERC CIP and NIST guidance.

The background

Nozomi Networks specializes in security solutions for operational technology, IoT, and cyber-physical systems. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories provides industrial networking software, managed Ethernet switches, and trusted computing platforms. Their previous collaboration already served utilities and critical infrastructure organizations globally. The new agreement builds on that existing relationship to offer a more comprehensive portfolio.

The expanded offerings introduce a direct integration between the Nozomi platform and SEL’s OT Software-Defined Networking. This connection provides authoritative network intelligence from the control layer, including details on connected assets and network policies. It also supports a deny-by-default architecture, which restricts access unless explicitly permitted.

What changes now

Organizations can now install Nozomi Guardian security sensors directly on SEL-3355 Computing Platforms. This allows for advanced monitoring on ruggedized hardware designed for demanding industrial environments. Customers who already trust SEL hardware gain another option for standardizing cybersecurity monitoring across their operations.

The integration enhances threat detection, anomaly detection, and AI-powered risk analysis. These capabilities help utilities address growing requirements under NERC CIP-015-1, specifically regarding Internal Network Security Monitoring. The combined solution aims to accelerate and scale security programs while supporting regulatory readiness.

Key terms explained

Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software that detects or causes a change through the direct monitoring and control of physical devices. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) separates the control plane from the hardware, allowing for more flexible network management. In this context, teams usually configure SDN to enforce strict access controls. Check whether your network policies align with security goals. Ensure visibility into all connected assets. Verify that monitoring tools integrate with existing systems. This approach helps maintain resilience without disrupting operations.

What to do and how to stay safe: Nozomi Networks

• Review your current operational technology security posture to identify gaps in visibility and monitoring capabilities.
• Evaluate whether your existing hardware supports integration with AI-powered cybersecurity platforms for enhanced threat detection.
• Ensure your security programs align with relevant regulatory frameworks such as NERC CIP or NIST guidance.
• Monitor vendor announcements for updates on integrations that could streamline your security operations and compliance efforts.

Step-by-step guide: Stop AI Chatbots Leaking Sensitive Business Data

General security guidance from the Vector Update newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.

Frequently asked questions

What companies are involved in this partnership?

Nozomi Networks and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) announced the expansion of their global partnership.

How does this integration help with regulatory compliance?

The combined solutions support compliance with frameworks such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, and NIST guidance, including INSM requirements.

Can Nozomi sensors be installed on SEL hardware?

Yes, Nozomi Guardian security sensors can now be installed directly on SEL-3355 Computing Platforms.