Mocana
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer security, Software |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Fate | Acquired by DigiCert (January 2022) |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | William Diotte (CEO) |
| Products | IoT Security Platform, Embedded Security Suite, Mobile Application Protection platform |
| Owner | DigiCert |
| Parent | DigiCert |
| Website | www |
Mocana is a San Jose, California-based firm established in 2002, dedicated to securing embedded systems within industrial control environments and the Internet of Things (IoT). Its premier offering, the IoT Security Platform, delivers a robust, operating system-agnostic security framework that ensures high assurance across diverse device categories. By separating security mechanisms from application development processes, Mocana streamlines the creation of software for network-connected IoT devices. Initially concentrating on embedded system protection, the company expanded its focus in the early 2010s to encompass safeguarding mobile devices along with their applications and data.
History
Mocana introduced its initial product line in 2004 with a focus on embedded system security, launching the Embedded Security Suite designed to protect communications among interconnected devices. In 2005, while headquartered in Menlo Park, California, Mocana became part of the Freescale Semiconductor Developers Alliance Program and delivered its inaugural security software for this consortium. By 2008, the company had established itself as an independent vendor specializing in smartphone security solutions.
In a 2010 interview with the San Jose Mercury News, CEO Adrian Turner emphasized the vulnerabilities inherent in network-connected devices beyond traditional PCs. Additionally, The New York Times covered Mocana researchers’ findings on security weaknesses in widely used Internet-enabled HDTVs, highlighting potential cyber threats capable of intercepting confidential information. This media attention underscored Mocana’s commitment to tackling emerging challenges within IoT security.
In 2011, Mocana sponsored the 7th Workshop on RFID Security and Privacy at the University of Massachusetts. That same year, it launched its Mobile Application Protection platform for Android applications, extending support to iOS apps in 2012. Following a Series D financing round in 2012, total capital raised by Mocana reached $47 million.
Leadership transitions included James Isaacs succeeding Adrian Turner as CEO in September 2013, with Peter Graham stepping in as interim CEO in April 2016. During that month, Mocana spun off its mobile security division into a separate entity named Blue Cedar Networks. William Diotte assumed the role of CEO in May 2016.
Originally situated in San Francisco, the company moved to Sunnyvale in December 2017 before relocating its headquarters to San Jose. In January 2022, Mocana was acquired by DigiCert.
Products and services
The IoT Security Platform offered by Mocana is a comprehensive software solution that delivers cryptographic capabilities including authentication, encryption, confidentiality, and verification of device and data integrity tailored for embedded systems. The platform features customizable user agreements and optionally integrates FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic modules. It functions independently of access to application source code and is designed under the assumption that devices or operating systems may be compromised, thereby removing reliance on flawless system-wide security policies.
In addition to its software offerings, Mocana provides consulting services aimed at assessing and advising on security risks associated with networked devices.
Industries served
Mocana’s security solutions cater to a diverse range of industries, including in-flight entertainment systems for aircraft, healthcare devices, military communication networks, automotive firmware, and mobile telecommunications. The firm is well-regarded for its comprehensive strategy in securing embedded devices.
Funding
Through several investment rounds, Mocana has secured $47 million in capital. Notable backers include Trident Capital (2012), Intel Capital (2011), Shasta Ventures, Southern Cross Venture Partners, and Symantec (2010).
Awards, recognition, and accomplishments
- In 2017, Frost & Sullivan recognized Mocana as the premier IoT security platform for industrial manufacturing and automation.
- Leading Lights honored the company as the Most Innovative Security Company in 2017.
- Mocana was listed among the OnDemand 100 Top Private Companies in 2013.
- The World Economic Forum designated Mocana as a Technology Pioneer in 2012.
- The company earned a spot on the Red Herring Global 100 list in 2008.
Authored by Mocana personnel
- Robert Vamosi, senior analyst at Mocana, wrote When Gadgets Betray Us: The Dark Side of Convenience in 2011.
- Adrian Turner, CEO of Mocana, authored Blue Sky Mining in 2012, which explores strategies for developing Australia’s future billion-dollar industries.
- Dnyanesh Khatavkar, an engineer at Mocana, presented the research paper Quantizing the throughput reduction of IPSec with mobile IP at the IEEE Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems in 2002.