New professional IT security consulting services from Verizon (News - Alert) Business aim to help electric utility and power companies meet reliability standards as well as cyber security challenges of adopting smart grid digital technology. 

 

In addition to the security services Verizon Business (News - Alert) has been offering for some time, this new offer includes assistance in meeting new critical infrastructure protection standards erected by  The North American Electric Reliability Corporation for the nation’s energy system.

 

“Smart grids require savvy professionals to protect these digital networks from cyber threats,” says Rilck Noel, vice president and managing director for Verizon Business’ global energy and utility practice.  “As the power industry employs more Internet protocol-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.”