CALGARY, AB (March 4, 2025) — Mode Software Inc. (Mode), the Calgary-based cyber crisis response platform, today announced a new strategic partnership with iON United (iON), an industry-leading IT, OT, and cybersecurity solution provider.

This collaboration provides iON’s customers with access to a secure, out-of-band, and compliant communication platform for crisis response teams to leverage when cyber incidents compromise their primary collaboration channels.

Collaboration Platforms: A Growing Risk to Businesses

According to Gartner, over 80% of workers rely on collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and others for daily communication, managing projects, and sharing important information. Yet, few organizations are prepared for the possibility that these tools could become impacted by a cyberattack.

What happens when conversations are monitored, data is breached, or platforms become unavailable entirely? Without a secure backup plan, company leaders scramble to coordinate a response to a larger incident, while the rest of the organization struggles to continue important operations - often with no clear way to communicate.

“Our mission is to ensure that every company can handle a cyber crisis with control, organization, security, and speed. That starts with giving teams a trusted space to communicate and coordinate their response.” said Scott Orth, Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Mode. “Partnering with iON makes it easier for their clients to build Mode into their IT and cybersecurity program seamlessly.”

IR & Out-of-Band: Regulations and Standards Are Driving Change

Cybersecurity standards and regulations are starting to catch up with this emerging risk.

They highlight the need for cyber incident response plans and secure, out-of-band communication and document storage, bringing to light the importance of real-time communication and problem solving during a crisis:

• Cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF, CIS, and ENISA specifically recommend secure back-up communication and document storage as a key part of incident response plans.
• Regulations are also evolving, with Canada’s upcoming Bill C-26 requiring critical industries to develop incident response plans, often setting the stage for best practices across other sectors.
• There are also many industry guidelines, including Guideline E-21 for OSFI regulated businesses in Canada, outlining expectations for these financial institutions to develop operational resilience programs.

From Crisis to Continuity: Empower Your Team to Keep Your Business Moving

In addition to out-of-band and encrypted messaging, voice & video calling, and file sharing, the Mode platform helps organizations manage secure collaboration continuity more effectively. With encrypted storage for incident response plans and playbooks, along with mass communication capabilities, Mode ensures seamless communication during a crisis is easy.

Through this partnership, Mode will leverage iON’s extensive IT and cybersecurity services to help clients integrate Mode into their cybersecurity programs, providing:

• Enhanced cyber resilience: The partnership equips organizations with Mode's secure cyber response platform, providing uninterrupted communication and incident response coordination.
• Streamlined adoption: iON’s advisory experience streamlines the process of adopting Mode's secure communication solution into incident response plans through trusted support and service.
• Consolidated vendor relationships: Mode will be made available through iON to consolidate vendor management for customers.

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“Every office building has a muster point for emergencies but in today’s remote and hybrid work environments, where do teams go when the emergency is a cyberattack? Mode is that digital muster point.” said Jason Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Mode.

Kevin Banks, Chief Operating Officer at iON United, emphasized the significance of this partnership: “Cyber incidents demand rapid, coordinated responses, and having a trusted platform like Mode ensures that organizations can communicate securely when it matters most. This partnership reinforces iON’s commitment to delivering robust cybersecurity solutions that empower our clients to maintain business continuity in the face of evolving threats.”

Learn More About Mode’s Cyber Response Platform

Learn more about Mode’s cyber response platform by visiting mode.io.

About Mode Software Inc.

Mode Software Inc. is a leading developer of cybersecurity platforms, dedicated to helping cybersecurity and incident response leaders ensure secure and reliable communication during cyber crises. Based in Calgary, Alberta, Mode is committed to advancing the field of cyber resilience through purpose-built platforms.

Follow Mode on LinkedIn

About iON United

iON United Inc. is a Canadian cybersecurity company dedicated to protecting the brands you know. Specializing in both IT and OT cybersecurity, iON delivers industry-leading solutions that safeguard organizations across diverse industries. With a focus on proactive security, deep expertise, and a collaborative approach, iON helps businesses navigate an evolving threat landscape with confidence.

Contact Information

For media inquiries, please contact:

Daniel Curci

Chief Marketing Officer

contact@mode.io