Cyphercor Wins OCI Grant to Boost Critical Infrastructure MFA

Why It Matters

The grant accelerates deployment of modern MFA in critical infrastructure, reducing cyber‑risk for Ontario’s industrial sector and showcasing the province’s ability to nurture home‑grown security solutions.

Key Takeaways

• OCI grant funds Cyphercor’s MFA expansion for OT environments
• New features include push notifications, biometrics, and FIDO2 smart cards
• Project aligns with Ontario’s Buy Ontario procurement goals
• Collaboration involves uOttawa‑IBM Cyber Range for testing and training

Pulse Analysis

Multi‑factor authentication is becoming a cornerstone of cyber‑defense for operational technology (OT) and manufacturing plants, where legacy systems often lack built‑in security controls. By extending its LoginTC platform with contextual push notifications, biometric verification, and FIDO2‑compliant smart cards, Cyphercor addresses the unique need for secure, yet seamless, access across both connected and offline environments. This evolution reflects a broader industry shift toward integrating physical and digital security layers without requiring costly system overhauls.

The Ontario Centre for Innovation’s Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) grant underscores the province’s strategic push to nurture home‑grown cybersecurity solutions. Funded through the CIT Development and Commercialisation programme, the grant not only provides capital but also connects Cyphercor with the uOttawa‑IBM Cyber Range, where the solution undergoes rigorous penetration testing and cyber‑simulation training. Such public‑private collaboration reduces commercialization barriers, accelerates technology adoption, and reinforces Ontario’s reputation as a hub for advanced industrial innovation.

For the market, Cyphercor’s progress signals heightened competition among SMEs to capture the growing demand for secure OT access. Aligning the project with Ontario’s Buy Ontario procurement objectives ensures that provincial agencies and critical‑infrastructure operators have a locally sourced, standards‑based MFA option. As global supply chains tighten around security compliance, the company’s ability to commercialise entirely within the province positions it to compete internationally while delivering tangible risk mitigation for manufacturers and utilities across North America.