In this insightful interview from the NY Innovation Summit, host Steve Milito of New York State Manufacturing Now speaks with Geoff Halstead, co-founder of Faction Networks, a cybersecurity company specializing in zero-trust networking solutions. The conversation takes place during the second day of the summit, an event that brings together industry leaders and innovators to explore advancements in manufacturing and technology. Geoff shares how Faction Networks pivoted from consumer VPN services to industrial cybersecurity, leveraging the innovation ecosystem in New York to address pressing security challenges for small to medium-sized businesses and government organizations. Key topics include the importance of zero-trust architecture, hardware vulnerabilities, and Faction’s plans for a secure, American-made supply chain.
Key Points:
1. Company Background:
- Founded in March of the previous year, Faction Networks initially focused on the consumer VPN market but shifted to industrial cybersecurity after engaging with manufacturers through Fuse Hub events.
2. Zero-Trust Networking:
- Faction Networks’ technology creates secure networks without reliance on the cloud, assuming all systems could be compromised.
- Their approach simplifies zero-trust implementation, making it accessible to small businesses and average users.
3. Orion Assured Program:
- The company collaborates with a research lab in Rome, NY, focusing on IoT and smart cities, aligning with the Department of Defense (DoD) standards.
4. Hardware Security Challenges:
- Recognizing the vulnerabilities in hardware, especially Chinese-manufactured routers, Faction Networks advocates for U.S.-made hardware
- Faction Networks is working with manufacturers in New York to create secure supply chains and hardware.
5. Supply Chain and National Security:
- Faction Networks emphasizes the importance of domestically produced hardware and plans to achieve a fully American-made supply chain by Q4 2025.
6. Market Gap:
- Faction’s zero-trust solutions aim to fill the cybersecurity gap for small to medium-sized businesses, which often lack access to advanced, affordable security technologies.
7. Cybersecurity Threats:
- Geoff highlighted vulnerabilities in popular routers and the need for rigorous testing to prevent potential cyber threats.