The InsideIQ™ Building Automation Alliance Partners with Cylance, Inc. to Promote ICS Security Services for Buildings

LITTLETON, Colo., Aug. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance, an international alliance of independent building automation contractors, has partnered with cybersecurity provider Cylance, Inc. in order for member firms to offer high level building automation system (BAS) security practices, training and certification for their customers. By joining forces with Cylance, a global leader in cybersecurity technology and services, InsideIQ member firms can provide customers using industrial control systems (ICS) and BASs with security assessments, incident response, best practices in cybersecurity services and on-site training.

Cylance has identified that one of the most vulnerable and least thought about entries to the networks and physical presence of an organization is through ICSs and BASs, which are used to control the lights, heating and cooling, access controls and even elevators. As an alliance of leading building automation and security companies, InsideIQ has taken the initiative to ensure its members have the deepest expertise at their disposal to keep their customer's facilities protected.

"Long time InsideIQ member McKenney's, Inc. of Atlanta partnered with Cylance to bring to market an advanced understanding of physical, social and cyber threats to buildings and campus facilities," said Mark Balent, president of the InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance. "The Cylance cybersecurity solution ensures that essentially all elements of a building—from automated ID cards to doors, lights, thermostats, HVAC and elevators—will be protected. Through the collaboration of the InsideIQ Alliance, our member firms will be able to make this offering available to customers across the country."

InsideIQ plans to offer a comprehensive, hands-on training program to help customers understand, identify and rectify ICS vulnerabilities by applying best practices in security operations. By design, the training will bridge the knowledge gap between IT managers and facility operators regarding networks and ICS/BAS components.

"Often companies have no idea that their ICS/BAS is even accessible via the Internet to outsiders," said Terry McCorkle, technical director of Cylance. "Using the Internet to manage buildings is convenient, but it may come at a steep price, presenting new opportunities for hackers. We look forward to working with InsideIQ to help keep buildings safer."

SOURCE InsideIQ Building Automation Alliance