Hardware Takes Center Stage: Sepio & Microsoft Boost Cyber-Physical Security

NEW YORK, NY – November 19, 2025

Securing the Unseen: A Shift in Cybersecurity Focus

The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. For years, the emphasis has been on software vulnerabilities and network intrusions. However, a growing recognition of the risks posed by compromised hardware and the proliferation of connected devices – from industrial control systems to IoT sensors – is driving a demand for a more holistic approach to security. Sepio, a provider of hardware-asset risk management, is positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution, and a new partnership with Microsoft aims to accelerate the adoption of its technology.

Sepio’s platform has been approved for inclusion in the Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) program, allowing organizations with existing Azure commitments to apply those funds toward the purchase of Sepio’s solutions. This streamlined procurement process is a significant benefit, but the underlying technology addresses a critical need: visibility into all connected assets, down to the hardware level. As organizations increasingly rely on complex cyber-physical systems (CPS) – the convergence of physical and digital worlds – the potential attack surface expands exponentially. “We're seeing a lot more attacks that originate at the hardware layer,” said one security consultant. “It’s much harder to detect and remediate those kinds of threats.”

Beyond Software: The Rise of Hardware-Layer Security

The limitations of traditional, software-centric security solutions are becoming increasingly apparent. Sophisticated attackers can bypass software defenses by exploiting vulnerabilities in hardware or introducing malicious components into the supply chain. Sepio's approach, which focuses on “hardware fingerprinting,” provides a unique layer of defense. The platform doesn't rely on network traffic analysis or agent-based deployments. Instead, it passively discovers and identifies all connected devices, regardless of their management status.

This is particularly crucial for addressing the challenge of “shadow IT” – unmanaged devices that connect to the network without IT’s knowledge. “Organizations are struggling to keep track of all the devices on their networks,” explained a cybersecurity expert. “Sepio gives them the ability to see everything, even devices that they didn’t know existed.” The platform also identifies anomalous behavior and potential threats, allowing security teams to proactively mitigate risks. Furthermore, Sepio’s ability to verify device authenticity helps organizations combat supply chain attacks and ensure the integrity of their critical infrastructure.

The increasing frequency of attacks targeting critical infrastructure highlights the urgency of this approach. Recent incidents, including the targeting of water utilities and other essential services, demonstrate the real-world consequences of inadequate security. While software patches and network firewalls are essential, they are not enough to protect against determined attackers who can exploit vulnerabilities at the hardware level.

Microsoft & Sepio: Simplifying Procurement and Expanding Reach

The inclusion of Sepio in the Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment program is a strategic move for both companies. For Microsoft, it expands the range of security solutions available to Azure customers and strengthens its position as a trusted provider of cloud security services. For Sepio, it provides access to a wider market and simplifies the procurement process for organizations that are already invested in the Azure ecosystem.

The MACC program allows organizations to apply pre-committed Azure spend toward Sepio’s platform, reducing the need for separate budget approvals and streamlining the purchasing process. This is particularly attractive to large enterprises that are looking to optimize their security spending and consolidate their vendor relationships. “The ability to leverage existing Azure commitments is a significant benefit for our customers,” noted an industry analyst. “It makes it easier for them to adopt new security technologies and address emerging threats.”

Sepio’s integration with Microsoft’s security tools, such as Microsoft Defender and Sentinel, further enhances its value proposition. This allows security teams to correlate hardware-level data with other security events, providing a more comprehensive view of the threat landscape. The partnership allows customers to seamlessly extend their existing security investments and leverage the combined strengths of both platforms. The combination offers a unified approach to securing the entire cyber-physical environment, from the network edge to the cloud.

The company boasts fast deployment – hours to actionable insight – and offers a performance guarantee, further reducing the risk for organizations adopting the technology. As organizations grapple with an increasingly complex and evolving threat landscape, solutions that offer visibility, control, and proactive protection at the hardware level are becoming increasingly critical.