OneLayer, a private 5G security startup, has signed a multi-year agreement with U.S. energy provider Evergy to handle and secure operational technology (OT) assets on its private cellular network. This deal comes after OneLayer partnered with network vendors Nokia and Ericsson. Evergy, based in Kentucky, has selected OneLayer’s device management and zero-trust security platform, OneLayer Bridge, to manage OT and IoT devices on its new private LTE (4G) network.
Earlier, OneLayer installed Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) system at its private network security lab. There is uncertainty about the lab’s physical location, potentially in Tel Aviv or Boston, or even entirely virtual. Online sources reveal that this lab operates as a digital twin, simulating specific threat scenarios, with collaborators like Druid Software and Airspan Networks.
Amid a significant focus on cybersecurity within the private 5G sector, OneLayer has earned mentions in Gartner’s reports for automation in communications and service provider operations. In February, Ericsson collaborated with OneLayer to secure a private LTE network at its “utilities innovation center” in Texas. The same center is crucial for Evergy’s private LTE setup, now finalized for operational use.
Evergy is deploying the OneLayer Bridge product to safeguard IoT and OT devices in its office facilities and electricity grid across the U.S. The company expects to have “tens of thousands” of sensor devices in the coming years, projecting substantial savings in asset, operations, and network management. OneLayer stated, “OneLayer provides end-to-end zero-trust security that seamlessly extends Evergy’s existing security frameworks, established segmentation standards and regulatory requirements to the private LTE domain.”
Further, OneLayer Bridge’s asset discovery, tracking, geofencing, and anomaly detection functions mitigate risks, enhancing operational efficiency by automating tasks like device onboarding and activation. This functionality provides Evergy with complete visibility and tracking of every connected device.
J.J. Stutler, Evergy’s manager for wireless engineering and operations, emphasized the need for automation and delegation in managing their OT devices. He stated, “We needed a way to manage the growing number of OT devices using our private LTE network. We required automation and delegation of various device onboarding steps to different teams, alongside complete visibility to all devices… OneLayer did all of that, in addition to providing operations and security frameworks for our private LTE networks and connected devices.”
Dave Mor, CEO of OneLayer, highlighted the firm’s collaborative relationship. He said, “Our maintenance of strong relationships with private LTE vendors, like Ericsson, and CPE vendors ensures continuous support for upgraded products and enhanced capabilities. This approach allows Evergy to benefit not only from existing efficiencies but also to stay prepared for evolving challenges and opportunities in the private LTE landscape.”
