New IT Security Consulting Services Help Power Companies Meet Reliability Standards

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The utility industry's ongoing adoption of smart grid digital technology is bringing many conservation and cost-saving benefits, and with them some unprecedented cyber security threats. To help electric utilities meet these evolving challenges and opportunities, Verizon Business unveiled on Wednesday (Nov. 18) a new suite of professional consulting services.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has established critical infrastructure protection (CIP) standards for the nation's bulk energy system. Verizon is offering compliance and readiness assessments to help utilities meet the 2010 NERC CIP requirement to be Auditably Compliant (AC) - the highest level of compliance - subject to spot checks and audits.

"Smart grids require savvy professionals to protect these digital networks from cyber threats," said Rilck Noel, vice president and managing director for Verizon Business' global energy and utility practice. "As the power industry employs more Internet protocol (IP)-based controls and machine-to-machine communications to monitor and control power generation, transmission and distribution, we can apply our security, IT and IP communications expertise to help accelerate the adoption of smart grids."

(NOTE: To listen to a podcast about Verizon Business' role serving the utility industry, visit: www.verizonbusiness.com/resources/media/index.xml?urlid=130469. To view a video, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ41KLjYnsI.)

The new consulting services join Verizon Business' existing portfolio of managed security services and professional security services that help utilities identify and mitigate risks to critical cyber assets, including data, applications, IT systems and networks. Under Verizon's security management program (SMP), experts assess and analyze an organization's security practices and procedures.

Verizon Business takes a 360-degree approach to security. This covers the Verizon network, or cloud; across the edges of the network, where applications are handed off to a customer's premises; as well as the devices connected to a customer's network. Using ISO 27002 controls, SMP can assess security at key layers of an extended utility enterprise including employees, customers, partners and suppliers.

Stimulating Smart Grid Adoption

Verizon provides the essential wireline and wireless technology that will underlie the secure, efficient and effective delivery of energy via smart grid and smart meter initiatives. Through a dedicated team of sales, service and technical experts, Verizon Business can aid electric utilities' secure transformation to a network-based, data-centric power industry. For more information, visit http://www.verizonbusiness.com/us/solutions/utility/.

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world's most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today's extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees - enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world's largest businesses and governments - including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions - rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

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SOURCE Verizon Business

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