Marlink and TXOne Networks partner to secure maritime and industrial OT

Marlink and TXOne Networks have announced a strategic partnership designed to strengthen cybersecurity across connected maritime and industrial environments. According to Industrial Cyber, the alliance combines Marlink’s managed digital services with TXOne’s specialized operational technology security to improve protection for critical infrastructure.

The partnership merges Marlink’s expertise in managed cybersecurity, connectivity, and cloud services with TXOne Networks’ purpose-built OT security capabilities. This combination allows maritime operators and industrial organizations to gain better visibility and response capabilities across their connected IT and OT environments.

Expanding Attack Surfaces

As vessels, offshore assets, and shore-based industrial sites become increasingly connected, operational technology faces greater exposure to cyber risk. Systems that were previously isolated are now linked to onboard applications, remote access services, cloud platforms, and shore-based operations. This connectivity creates new challenges for organizations trying to maintain operational continuity while meeting growing regulatory expectations.

Nicolas Furgé, president of cyber at Marlink, noted that digital transformation expands the potential cyber-attack surface. He stated that customers need confidence that their operational technology is protected alongside their wider digital infrastructure. The partnership aims to help organizations secure critical operations and manage regulatory pressure while adopting new technologies.

Regulatory Alignment and Impact

For maritime customers, the partnership supports the increasing focus on cyber resilience driven by requirements such as IACS UR E26. For shore-based industrial environments, it helps organizations align their operational security approach with recognized OT security principles like IEC 62443. These standards provide frameworks for securing complex operational technology networks.

Nasser Zayour, Vice President of Global Alliances and Channels at TXOne Networks, emphasized that protecting operational technology remains fundamental to safe operations. He noted that customers increasingly require visibility and protection across their entire digital ecosystem, not just isolated segments.

What should you do?

Organizations should assess their current visibility into operational technology networks to identify gaps in monitoring. Review existing security controls to ensure they align with relevant standards like IACS UR E26 or IEC 62443. Evaluate how connected systems, such as remote access services, are secured against unauthorized entry. Monitor vendor announcements for updates on integrated security solutions that address both IT and OT risks.

What to do and how to stay safe: Marlink

• Audit your current operational technology network to identify which systems are connected to cloud platforms or remote access services.
• Review your compliance status with relevant industry standards such as IACS UR E26 for maritime or IEC 62443 for industrial operations.
• Evaluate whether your current security vendor offers integrated solutions that cover both IT and OT environments.
• Monitor communications from your managed service providers for updates on new security capabilities or partnership offerings.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which companies are partnering to improve maritime and industrial cybersecurity?

Marlink and TXOne Networks have entered a partnership to combine their respective expertise in managed services and OT security.

What regulatory standards does this partnership help address?

The partnership supports compliance with IACS UR E26 for maritime customers and IEC 62443 for shore-based industrial environments.

Why is operational technology security becoming more critical?

Increased connectivity between isolated systems, cloud platforms, and remote access services has expanded the cyber-attack surface for operational technology.