In today’s interconnected world, where IT and OT (Operational Technology) are increasingly converging, cybersecurity has become a crucial line of defense for industries and critical infrastructures. At the helm of this evolving space is Mirco Kloss, Business Development Director at TXOne Networks Europe. With over two decades of experience in IT and security, Mirco has built an impressive career driven by innovation, determination, and a clear vision for the future. His leadership, particularly in OT cybersecurity, stands as a testament to the growing need for specialized solutions in this niche yet vital domain.
The Journey of a Visionary Leader
Mirco Kloss’s journey in the world of cybersecurity is marked by over twenty-two years of experience in IT, fourteen of which he spent focused on IT security, and five years honing his expertise in OT security. His early career laid the foundation for his future success, as he worked with security vendors, IT distributors, and consulting companies. In each role, he was responsible for generating, developing, and supporting key opportunities and projects across different markets. His responsibilities ranged from managing relationships with key accounts, channels, and enterprise clients, to overseeing SMB (Small and Medium Business) market customers.
Mirco’s ability to grow businesses through strategic channel partnerships is one of his most significant achievements. Not only did he play a crucial role in expanding the threat prevention business in Central Europe, but he also established a strong foothold in OT cybersecurity. His leadership extended beyond just developing business; he also enforced and implemented new technologies and concepts that addressed the unique needs of OT environments. Today, as the Business Development Director at TXOne Networks, Kloss continues to lead the way in OT cybersecurity by developing and expanding the company’s presence in the DACH region.
TXOne Networks: Defining the Future of OT Cybersecurity
At the heart of Mirco’s current work is TXOne Networks, a company that has established itself as a leader in OT-native cybersecurity solutions. The company’s mission is to secure ICS (Industrial Control Systems) and OT environments, ensuring their reliability and safety through an OT zero-trust approach. This methodology emphasizes that no device, system, or user should be trusted by default, making security breaches far less likely in high-risk environments like critical infrastructures.
TXOne Networks’ solutions go beyond traditional cybersecurity. By working closely with manufacturers and operators of critical infrastructures, they develop operations-friendly cyber defense mechanisms. These solutions are designed to streamline management, reduce overhead, and speed up response times. Offering both network- and endpoint-based security solutions, TXOne ensures that mission-critical devices and OT networks are protected in real-time. According to Kloss, this layered approach to cybersecurity provides “defense-in-depth,” which is essential for industries heavily reliant on operational technology.
Emerging Trends and Challenges
The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, and as Mirco points out, the convergence of IT and OT networks has widened the attack surface for cybercriminals. The integration of these two domains, while necessary for modern operations, has also made it more challenging to protect critical assets. With this convergence comes the need for integrated governance frameworks that address both IT and OT environments. This is where the NIS2 directive in Europe comes into play, which Mirco views as an essential step in addressing these complex security challenges.
Despite the progress made, there are still significant hurdles to overcome. Mirco highlights the ongoing need for companies to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures that not only protect their critical assets but also ensure compliance with evolving regulations. For him, the key to success in this industry is staying ahead of the curve and adapting to new threats as they emerge. This requires both technical innovation and a proactive approach to cybersecurity governance.
A Vision for Long-Term Impact
Looking toward the future, Mirco envisions a world where cybersecurity is firmly embedded in industrial environments, critical infrastructures, and automation networks. His role at TXOne Networks allows him to spearhead this vision, as the company continues to grow as a leading provider of OT-native solutions. Mirco is focused on ensuring that TXOne remains at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry by addressing the specific needs of OT environments and delivering solutions that are tailored to the unique challenges these environments face.
For Mirco, the future of cybersecurity is not just about protection—it’s about innovation. He believes that as new technologies emerge, such as AI, the cybersecurity industry must be quick to adapt. AI, in particular, offers vast potential in both defending against threats and addressing workforce shortages in the cybersecurity sector. By automating threat detection and response, AI can help companies stay ahead of cybercriminals while also streamlining internal processes. Mirco sees AI as an essential tool that will help organizations prioritize and tackle the most critical security events, ultimately making cybersecurity more efficient and effective.
Balancing Leadership and Personal Life
As a leader deeply invested in making the world a safer place, Mirco finds fulfillment in his work. However, he is also acutely aware of the need to maintain a healthy balance between his professional and personal life. His passion for cybersecurity drives his professional commitments, but he is careful to carve out time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout. Mirco rarely misses his jogs and runs which is his way of relaxing and clearing his mind. He often attributes running as the activity which he gets his new ideas and content from.
Mirco has developed clear boundaries to help him manage his workload. For instance, he avoids working on weekends and makes it a point to switch off all business-related applications on his phone while on vacation. This allows him to fully recharge, ensuring that he can bring his best self to his work when he returns. By prioritizing both his career and his personal well-being, Mirco exemplifies the importance of balance in achieving long-term success.
A Company Driven by Values and Culture
At TXOne Networks, a strong organizational culture rooted in openness, transparency, and trust underpins everything the company does. According to Mirco, the company fosters an environment where communication is open and encouraged, both among colleagues and with leadership. This sense of trust and camaraderie allows employees to work together effectively and ensures that customer needs are always the top priority.
Customer-centricity is at the core of TXOne’s approach to business. Mirco emphasizes that the company is committed to listening to its clients, understanding their unique challenges, and providing solutions that meet their specific needs. This customer-first mentality is what drives the company’s success and ensures that TXOne remains at the forefront of innovation in the cybersecurity space.
Bringing Change to Cybersecurity
If given the opportunity to make a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry, Mirco would focus on reducing fear and increasing education. He believes that too many companies develop products without first listening to their customers’ needs, which can lead to misaligned solutions. For Mirco, the key to driving real change in cybersecurity is to engage with customers directly, understand their challenges, and collaborate on solutions that address their specific requirements.
This philosophy is especially important in the OT cybersecurity space, where the needs of industrial environments often differ from those of traditional IT settings. By prioritizing customer feedback and creating tailored solutions, Mirco believes that the cybersecurity industry can better serve its clients and deliver more effective results.
Cybersecurity in Germany: A Changing Landscape
Germany presents its own unique cybersecurity challenges, as its highly industrialized economy makes it a prime target for cybercriminals. With increasing attacks on industrial networks and critical infrastructures, the stakes have never been higher. Mirco highlights the role of new regulations, such as NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), and the Machinery Regulation, which are driving companies to take cybersecurity more seriously. These regulations, combined with the growing digitalization of operations, are transforming the cybersecurity landscape in Germany.
TXOne Networks plays a pivotal role in this transformation by delivering OT-native solutions that meet the specific regulatory requirements of German industries. By helping companies protect their OT environments, TXOne is ensuring that these businesses can continue to operate smoothly in an increasingly risky digital landscape.
Advice to Budding Cybersecurity Entrepreneurs
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to enter the cybersecurity space, Mirco’s advice is clear: don’t wait. He stresses the importance of knowing your critical assets, understanding the processes that need protection, and taking immediate steps to safeguard them. Working with cybersecurity professionals and educating internal teams are essential to success, as is allocating a proper budget for necessary investments.
Kloss also emphasizes the importance of testing potential solutions before full implementation. Defining success criteria for both testing and long-term operations will help companies measure the effectiveness of their cybersecurity efforts and make adjustments as needed. Above all, he encourages entrepreneurs to take action now, rather than underestimating the risks of inaction.
