Owl Cyber Defense

Owl Cyber Defense provides hardware-enforced cybersecurity solutions, operating as a key supplier for military, intelligence, and critical infrastructure sectors. The company, originally founded as Owl Computing Technologies in 1999, has evolved through a series of strategic acquisitions orchestrated by its private equity backer, DC Capital Partners. This growth strategy began in 2017 and included integrating Tresys Technology in 2019, Assured Collaboration Systems in 2020, and Big Bad Wolf Security in 2023, each adding complementary capabilities in filtering, secure communications, and cloud security, respectively. This has positioned Owl as a significant entity in the domain boundary security market.

The company's business model centers on the design, manufacture, and support of proprietary network security products. Its clients are primarily U.S. government agencies, the Department of Defense, and international organizations in sectors like power generation, oil and gas, and finance. Revenue is generated through the sale of these hardware and software products, as well as associated services like systems hardening, architecture assessments, and training. Owl utilizes a partner program that includes OEMs, resellers, and technology alliances to broaden its market reach.

Owl's core offerings are Cross-Domain Solutions (CDS) and data diode technologies. Data diodes provide hardware-enforced, one-way data transfer, creating an impassable barrier to external threats and ensuring network segmentation. The Talon product line, for example, offers high-speed, unidirectional data transfer up to 100Gbps. Owl's Cross-Domain Solutions are advanced systems that control data flow between networks of differing security levels by filtering content based on organizational policies. These solutions support various data types, from file transfers to full-motion video, and are accredited for government use. A notable product is the Industrial Cross Domain Solution (IXD), which makes this level of certified security technology available to commercial critical infrastructure markets. The company has also expanded its portfolio to include solutions for secure cloud-to-cloud data transfers and protections for removable media.

Ken Walker, the current CEO, has been central to the company's technological direction, having served in various leadership roles, including CTO and President, since 2006. His career includes technical positions at Booz Allen Hamilton and Trusted Information Systems, and he has a long-standing advisory relationship with the U.S. government and the National Security Agency. He succeeded Robert Stalick, who led the company following the merger with Tresys Technology and brought extensive experience from leadership roles at other technology firms.