EnBW enters into partnership with network & security startup Narrowin
As digitalization advances, networks are becoming more and more complex and business-critical. To increase the resilience of IT & OT networks, energy supplier EnBW has announced a partnership with Narrowin.
The past few years have made it clear what consequences network disruptions and cyberattacks in networks can have. The spectrum ranges from bottlenecks in the energy supply to production outages and weeks-long interruptions to university operations. As a result, increasingly strict regulations have been created at European level and also in Switzerland regarding the stability and security of IT and OT networks. Companies that are of importance to the general public are exposed to particularly high pressure.
Complexity of networks as a core problem of critical infrastructures
"In order to ensure the resilience of their networks across, it is not enough to legally oblige companies; they must also be supported in the implementation. Networks are constantly becoming larger, more heterogeneous and more critical. At the same time, the shortage of skilled workers in the areas of infrastructure and security is acute. Our goal is to save time and effort and thus reduce the pressure on organizations," explains Tim Senn, one of the founders of Narrowin.
The deep-tech company, which emerged as a spin-off from the University of Basel, has set itself the task of simplifying the management and security of networks. At the heart of this mission is the lightweight Network Explorer, with which companies such as production plants, infrastructure operators, municipal utilities, schools, municipalities and similar target groups can automatically generate a manufacturer-independent digital twin of their existing IT and OT environment. This digital twin makes it possible to obtain a live image and thus reduce complexity, according to the provider's promise. On the basis of the virtual image, suitable measures to improve the stability and security of a network should be much easier to derive.
EnBW invests in Narrowin and supports its development
Digital infrastructure is playing an increasingly important and strategic role, especially for critical infrastructure operators. The proof of concept identified that Narrowin's solution could significantly simplify network management operations. As part of the cooperation, EnBW is also investing financially in Narrowin via its venture company Enpulse. The aim is to expand the offering for municipal utilities, colleges, universities, municipalities and manufacturing companies.
