Dust Mobile

Dust Mobile operates as a specialized mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) with a sharp focus on cybersecurity for communications. Established in mid-2017 by co-founders Jean-Michel Henrard and François d'Ormesson, the company addresses the security vulnerabilities inherent in mobile networks. The founding team's collective expertise spans defense, electronic warfare, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, providing a robust foundation for the company's mission.

The firm’s core business revolves around providing secure and resilient mobile communications for clients with significant international security needs, such as governments, defense organizations, and multinational corporations, as well as developers of Industrial IoT. Dust Mobile generates revenue by selling proprietary SIM cards, named SIM Cybercell, which are compatible with all smartphones and connected objects, bundled with a secure mobile communications plan. This service offers global coverage across 214 countries and territories through partnerships with over 684 mobile operators.

The product provides protection against a range of cyber threats, including those targeting cellular network signaling protocols like SS7 and Diameter, man-in-the-middle attacks, traffic interception, and denial of service. A key feature is the end-to-end encryption for voice, SMS, and data communications. The SIM Cybercell technology enables real-time detection of attacks, sends alerts, and can execute automatic countermeasures, effectively safeguarding devices from network-level threats and direct attacks on the SIM card itself. Significant milestones for the company include securing a €3 million Series A funding round in December 2019 from investors ACE Management and Omnes Capital. This was followed by a €12 million Series B round in November 2022, led by the Defense Innovation Fund and including previous investors. The company has received multiple awards, including the Grand Défi Cyber from the French Prime Minister and a Milipol Award for its Cybercell technology.

Keywords: secure mobile communications, mobile virtual network operator, cybersecurity, IoT security, SIM card security, signaling protocol protection, encrypted communications, cyber defense, counter-surveillance, mission-critical connectivity, secure IoT, mobile threat detection, SS7 security, Diameter security, government communications, corporate security, Jean-Michel Henrard, François d'Ormesson, SIM Cybercell, resilient connectivity