On October 22, 2025, SSH Communications Security found itself in the spotlight of the cybersecurity world, with its PrivX OT solution earning top marks across the board in KuppingerCole’s highly regarded 2025 Secure OT Access Report. The achievement, which designates PrivX OT as a leader in every category—Overall, Product, Market, and Innovation—marks a significant milestone for SSH, a company already known for its dedication to securing operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) in critical industries.
According to the official press release from SSH Communications Security and corroborated by Modular Finance, the recognition from KuppingerCole, a global leader in security market research, underscores PrivX OT’s suitability for large organizations operating in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and defense sectors. These are industries where OT environments are typically distributed across vast geographies, making robust, scalable, and flexible security solutions not just a luxury, but a necessity.
Warwick Ashford, Senior Analyst and author of the Secure Remote Access (SRA) solutions for OT and ICS Leadership Compass at KuppingerCole, highlighted the key strengths of PrivX OT, stating, “PrivX OT is well-suited to large organizations in critical infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and defense sectors with geographically distributed OT environments.” That’s not faint praise, especially given the rapidly evolving threat landscape and the increasing complexity of OT systems worldwide.
So, what sets PrivX OT apart in a crowded field of security solutions? The answer, according to both KuppingerCole and SSH’s own documentation, lies in a blend of modern technology and practical usability. PrivX OT boasts a microservice architecture—a modular approach that allows for greater flexibility and resilience. It’s also designed with ease-of-use in mind, providing browser-based access that simplifies remote management and monitoring. This is a boon for organizations juggling multiple sites and legacy systems, where seamless integration and intuitive interfaces can make all the difference.
But the accolades don’t stop at architecture and usability. PrivX OT supports multiple deployment models, which means it can be tailored to fit the unique needs of different organizations, whether they’re deploying on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments. Its high scalability ensures that as organizations grow or restructure, their security infrastructure can keep pace without missing a beat. Advanced security controls are baked in, addressing both compliance requirements and the sophisticated techniques used by modern cyber adversaries.
One standout feature that drew the attention of industry analysts is PrivX OT’s compatibility with complex legacy OT systems. Many organizations in critical sectors rely on equipment and protocols that have been in place for decades—sometimes longer. The ability of PrivX OT to bridge the gap between modern security requirements and these legacy systems is no small feat. Additionally, the solution offers advanced quantum-safe, just-in-time connectivity between sites, a forward-looking capability as the industry begins to reckon with the potential risks posed by quantum computing to traditional encryption methods.
The recognition from KuppingerCole isn’t the only feather in SSH’s cap this week. The company also received an “Honorable Mention” in the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions, a prestigious industry benchmark. This nod places SSH among only two European PAM vendors represented in the report, highlighting its growing influence on the global stage. According to Gartner, SSH was singled out for its “capabilities to adaptively address PAM Cyber Physical Systems (OT/ICS) scenarios and provide ZTNA-type capabilities to its PAM customers without changes to existing infrastructure.”
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a hot topic in cybersecurity circles these days, and for good reason. The principle is simple but powerful: trust no one, verify everything. In practice, this means that every user, device, and connection must be authenticated and authorized before gaining access to critical systems or data. For organizations managing sprawling OT environments, the ability to implement ZTNA-type capabilities—without having to overhaul existing infrastructure—is a game-changer.
Rami Raulas, CEO of SSH, expressed his satisfaction with the dual recognition from KuppingerCole and Gartner, noting, “I’m happy to see our focus and commitment to PAM, particularly in OT, European digital sovereignty, and Zero Trust being recognized by leading analysts KuppingerCole and Gartner. I believe this recognition demonstrates our growth, innovation and successful execution across this expanding market. We look forward to continuing to deliver modern and effective solutions for our customers.”
It’s not just about the accolades for SSH, though. The company’s success signals a broader shift in how the industry approaches OT security. With cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure on the rise—think ransomware attacks on energy grids or manufacturing plants—the need for robust, adaptable, and user-friendly security solutions has never been greater. The ability to provide just-in-time access, protocol-agnostic connections, and secure file transfers, as PrivX OT does, is increasingly seen as table stakes for any serious contender in the space.
SSH’s position as one of only two European PAM vendors in the Gartner report also speaks to the growing importance of digital sovereignty in Europe. As regulatory frameworks tighten and organizations seek to minimize reliance on non-European technology providers, companies like SSH are well-positioned to meet the demand for homegrown, standards-compliant security solutions. This focus on European digital sovereignty is not just a selling point—it’s becoming a strategic imperative for public and private sector organizations alike.
For those interested in the nitty-gritty, KuppingerCole’s full Secure Remote Access (SRA) solutions for OT and ICS report is available for download, providing an in-depth look at the criteria and methodology behind the rankings. And for organizations considering a security upgrade, SSH offers detailed information on the PrivX OT solution, including its just-in-time access capabilities and secure file transfer features.
As the world becomes ever more connected—and the stakes for securing critical infrastructure rise—recognitions like these serve as both validation and motivation. For SSH Communications Security, the message is clear: innovation, adaptability, and a relentless focus on customer needs are the keys to staying ahead in the fast-moving world of OT security. As new challenges emerge, all eyes will be on how SSH and its peers continue to raise the bar.