Newly appointed Sapphire CEO talks Awen acquisition

The acquisition will expand the company into OT security providing partners with more offerings

British cybersecurity solutions provider, Sapphire, has acquired Awen Collective - an operational technology (OT) cybersecurity software provider.

The acquisition will enable Sapphire to expand its service offering and provide support to UK organisations seeking to converge their IT and OT infrastructures.

It comes as the global OT security market is predicted to be worth $38.2bn by 2028 and targeted cyber-attacks on OT environments continue to rise.

Awen Collective, based in South Wales, specialises in the discovery and analysis of OT systems across defence, healthcare, manufacturing and utilities in the emerging OT Security market.

The acquisition of Awen's IP and assets includes its full technology stack.

It follows recent news of Sapphire appointing a new CEO, Ian Thomas.

Thomas joined the company at the start of September, following experience at NCC Group, Sopra Steria, Colt Technology Services and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

In an interview with CRN, Thomas talks about Sapphire's expansion plans and how the acquisition was one of the strategies for growth.

Ian Thomas on the convergence opportunity

"Acquisitions for growth have always been part of the strategy and in joining Sapphire, I had long conversations with the owners about the direction to take the business in, and OT security is a big part of that strategy as we as we go forward.

"We see a big opportunity in it at convergence.

"With the acquisition of Awen, we bring that OT capability to address what is a growing gap in the market for OT security skills.

"There are lots of companies out there with IT security skills, there's a small number with OT security skills, and very few that have got the combination of both."

Turning to partners, Thomas says that it was well-received news that adds capability and gives partners an opportunity to offer more of a service to their clients.

"And we will be able to offer them and training in the software so they can operate independently if that's the way they want to do it," he adds.

Thomas also explains how Sapphire's core ethos is on ensuring organisations and customers are working with a partner that offers guidance and support when they need it.

"Too many cybersecurity purchasing decisions are driven by fear, but it doesn't need to be that way.

"We stand with CISOs and empathise with the-pressures they and security teams face.

"We partner with them to filter the noise and focus on what will make a real difference to their business.

"The business's commitment to being a true partner to all its customers is what made joining Sapphire an enticing and exciting opportunity for me at this crucial stage of business growth."

Paul Dennis, Chairman of Awen, also comments: "As both an investor and board member, the growth and development of Awen from an initial research idea to a fully functional, best in class solution, for OT asset discovery and risk management, has been an incredible journey.

"With increased legislation coming to the fore and organisations facing heightened risks from cyber attackers seeking to cause disruption to society, it is time to look at how organisations can be effectively guided to secure both their IT and OT environments for maximum security.