NERC Compliance Featured Article
NERC Compliance Provider AlertEnterprise Now Sponsoring NESCO
February 07, 2012
Headquartered in the Silicon Valley, AlertEnterprise powers NERC (News - Alert) CIP 004, an end-to-end solution that offers total NERC compliance. Through integrating cyber security with risk management, automated management of training and personnel risk assessments, this innovative solution offers a high level of information about personnel who have permission for access to Critical Cyber Assets.
The company provides users with a suite that is made up of a central repository containing a detailed list of personnel comprised of both employees and contractors within the company with physical and/or cyber access to critical assets. In addition, this repository has the ability to both to track and store all personnel that have access to NERC assets, and can streamline CIP access request methods for all employees to ensure that approval requests are sent directly to all appropriate management.
Today, the company revealed that is now sponsoring security initiatives that are being developed by the National Electric Sector Cybersecurity Organization (NESCO). Operated by EnergySec, NESCO is an independent public-private partnership that receives funding directly from the U.S. Department of Energy.
"AlertEnterprise is leveraging its experience in security, risk and compliance for the energy grid to assist organizations in taking a proactive, rather than reactive approach to cybersecurity threats," said AlertEnterprise CEO Jasvir Gill in a statement. "AlertEnterprise has a game-changing vision to secure the electric grid from acts of sabotage and threat. We will work with EnergySec, through NESCO, to promote new security methodologies and best practices for the bulk electric grid and its critical infrastructure."
According to a press release, this sponsorship will allow NESCO to expand its cyber security best practices.
"Utilities must use a holistic approach including both physical and electronic security to ensure reliability of critical operations. Sponsorships from companies such as AlertEnterprise demonstrate strong support from the software community for EnergySec's efforts through the NESCO to advance security in the electric sector and beyond," EnergySec CEO, Patrick Miller added. "In addition to a significant financial contribution to NESCO's initiatives, AlertEnterprise has provided thought leadership, best practices and expertise highly useful to NESCO and its participants."
NESCO enables utilities, federal agencies, regulators and researchers to come together and collaborate on ideas in relation to vulnerabilities and threats within cyber security.
Earlier this week, TMCnet reported that the NERC compliance provider recently received two awards at the GSN Homeland Security Awards Dinner: the GSN Homeland Security Award for Best Privileged User Management Solution and the GSN Homeland Security Award for Best Logical Physical Security Software Platform. To see the full report, click here.
Jamie Epstein is a TMCnet Web Editor. Previously she interned at News 12 Long Island as a reporter's assistant. After working as an administrative assistant for a year, she joined TMC (News - Alert) as a Web editor for TMCnet. Jamie grew up on the North Shore of Long Island and holds a bachelor's degree in mass communication with a concentration in broadcasting from Five Towns College. To read more of her articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Carrie Schmelkin