Channel investors, Content, IoT

Microsoft Acquiring CyberX for IIoT Cybersecurity, Azure Integration?

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Microsoft is seeking to acquire CyberX, an Internet of Things (IoT) cybersecurity startup that works closely with Microsoft Azure Security Center and numerous Top 200 MSSPs (managed security services providers).

If the buyout happens, Microsoft will pay roughly $165 million, a Globes report says.

Update - June 22, 2020: Microsoft Confirms CyberX Acquisition.

CyberX's software provides visibility into unmanaged IoT devices and industrial control system (ICS) infrastructure -- such as wireless sensors, printers, routers, CCTV cameras, smart TVs, and smart building devices.

The company's software improves IT asset management, network segmentation, risk vulnerability management, threat detection and response, SOC (security operations center) visibility and centralized management, CyberX documentation asserts.

Related Report, May 1, 2020: Microsoft seeks to acquire Softomotive for robotic process automation (RPA) software.

CyberX: Microsoft and MSSP Relationships

CyberX in February 2020 announced API-level integration with Microsoft Azure Security Center for IoT. The move "enabling joint clients to gain a unified view of security across all their managed and unmanaged IoT devices," the company said at the time.

CyberX in February also joined the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association, which is a group of technology providers who have integrated their solutions with Microsoft products to provide customers better protection, detection, and response.

MSSP Relationships: CyberX's strategic partners include resellers, managed security services providers (MSSPs) and cybersecurity technology companies.

The company's XCELERATE partner program works with suchTop 200 MSSPs as:

The company also works with key technology suppliers to MSSPs (such as Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks).

CyberX's customer base spans:

  • Three of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies
  • Four of the top 10 global telecommunications companies
  • Three of the top 10 U.S. energy utilities
  • Two of the top five French manufacturers
  • Two of the top 20 Japanese enterprises

CyberX Funding

CyberX in March 2019 raised $18 million in a strategic funding round led by Qualcomm Ventures LLC and Inven Capital. Existing investors Norwest Venture Partners, Glilot Capital Partners, Flint Capital, and OurCrowd also participated in the round. Total funding at the time was $48 million.

MSSP Alert has not independently confirmed Microsoft's negotiations to acquire CyberX.

Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri is co-founder & editorial director of MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E, the two leading news & analysis sites for managed service providers in the cybersecurity market.