Johnson Controls has selected Tempered Networks to provide best-in-class secure communications and network management for its OpenBlue services, further advancing cybersecurity leadership for the company's smart buildings technology ecosystem.

The agreement allows Johnson Controls to deploy Tempered Airwall as a core component of OpenBlue service offerings to protect building automation customers worldwide. OpenBlue serves many different industries including commercial and civic workplaces, hospitals, schools, campuses, and stadiums.

"The acceleration of digital transformation means our customers are realizing the benefits of operating smart buildings that are increasingly data-enabled and require the strongest levels of cybersecurity", said Vijay Sankaran, vice president and chief technology officer at Johnson Controls. "By leveraging security technology from Tempered Networks, we enable smart buildings with industry-leading secure remote access technology and AI-driven security insights to help OpenBlue customers manage risk and simplify network management, allowing them to deliver a great occupant experience."

Tempered Airwall will be integrated into OpenBlue Bridge technology, a gateway for secure edge to cloud communications.

"We are enabling Johnson Controls technicians to securely access and manage equipment at a customer site from anywhere using zero trust software defined networking and military-grade encryption, rendering building systems invisible to unauthorized users and potential attacks," said Jason Christman, vice president and chief product security officer at Johnson Controls.

Johnson Controls new OpenBlue services that leverage the Tempered Airwall platform will be available globally and addresses clear demand for improved cybersecurity and management.

"Critical infrastructure is being hacked daily because digital transformation has made it vulnerable. The network solutions that worked in the past, like adding yet another firewall, are no longer effective", said Keith Beeman, CEO of Tempered Networks. "With Airwall's native zero trust platform, building automation systems can now be safely and optimally managed from anywhere."

The integration of Lynwood, Washington-based Tempered Network's security technology further advances OpenBlue Services leadership in cybersecurity, building on recent partnerships with Pelion and DigiCert to provide advanced secure device management and digital trust for smart building technology.