First Watch
<h3>Protecting Critical Infrastructure Through Advanced OT Cybersecurity</h3>
<p>First Watch stands at the forefront of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, delivering specialized protection for industrial control systems that power manufacturing plants, utilities, and critical infrastructure worldwide. Founded as a partnership between the University of Waikato and Combined Technologies (CTEK) Automation Engineering Ltd in 2019, this innovative company has developed a unique approach to safeguarding the most vulnerable components of industrial networks: the Human Machine Interface (HMI) workstations and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) that serve as the command center for essential operations.</p>
<p>Unlike traditional cybersecurity solutions that focus primarily on network traffic analysis, First Watch protects the HMI and PLC at the core of OT networks by controlling who has access, what applications can be used, and by preventing unauthorized actions and applications from being installed. This proactive stance represents a fundamental shift in industrial cybersecurity strategy, moving beyond detection to active prevention at the most critical control points.</p>
<h3>Innovation Born From Academic Research and Industry Expertise</h3>
<p>Professor Ryan Ko and his research team at the University of Waikato had been given around $10 million government grant to research and develop a technology that could identify a cyber intrusion in the cloud and shut it down instantly. This groundbreaking research formed the foundation for what would become the First Watch platform, adapted specifically for the unique demands of operational technology environments where disruptions can have serious physical and safety consequences.</p>
<p>First Watch launched as a spin-out company jointly owned by WaikatoLink and Combined Technology Ltd (CTEK) in October 2019, with software designed specifically for Industrial Control Systems to prevent and reduce the risk to these systems and their follow-on failure effects. The company's growth has been strategic and methodical, with expansion into Singapore, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Cyprus as their platform matured and proved its effectiveness in protecting industrial operations.</p>
<h3>Patent-Protected Technology for High-Stakes Environments</h3>
<p>First Watch solutions include a patent protected software platform and professional support services that provide protection to industrial and key infrastructure sectors. The platform addresses a critical gap in industrial cybersecurity, where traditional IT security tools often cannot be deployed due to the risk of interfering with real-time production processes. Industrial environments face unique challenges, including legacy equipment, air-gapped systems that are increasingly connected, and protocols designed for reliability rather than security.</p>
<p>For professionals working in manufacturing, utilities, food processing, and other industrial sectors, First Watch offers comprehensive cybersecurity assessments that adhere to international cybersecurity standards IEC 62443 and the NIST framework. These assessments provide detailed insights into network vulnerabilities and practical recommendations for strengthening defense against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats targeting operational technology.</p>
<h3>Safeguarding Operations With Professional-Grade <a href="/11504-first-watch-jacket-14261">Jacket</a> Solutions</h3>
<p>First Watch's commitment to protecting critical infrastructure extends across all aspects of industrial operations. The company continues to evolve its platform with advanced capabilities, including machine learning integration supported by Singapore's cybersecurity authority, ensuring that organizations can stay ahead of emerging threats while maintaining the reliability and safety that industrial operations demand.</p>
