PALO ALTO, CA, April 16, 2008 -- Based on its recent analysis of the cyber risk management solutions market for process control & SCADA environment, Frost & Sullivan presents Industrial Defender Inc. with the 2008 Global Frost & Sullivan Company of the Year Award.
The leader in Cyber Risk Protection™ for critical infrastructure process control and SCADA environments, the Award recognizes the company's integrated Defense in Depth™ cyber security solution, which is the result of its seventeen years of industry expertise and knowledge of the real time process control /SCADA environment.
"Protecting critical infrastructure assets -- electricity, water, and transportation -- from the prying web of hackers, malicious and non-malicious users and terrorists has become the priority for critical infrastructure plant asset owners and operators all over the world," says Frost & Sullivan Industry Manager Shibu S. L. "Industrial Defender is the leading vendor in the industry, with a comprehensive offering of network security professional services, technology and managed security services specifically targeting the process control and SCADA market."
Industrial Defender's cutting edge solutions have delivered unprecedented customer satisfaction. As a one stop shop for all cyber security needs for process control and SCADA, the Defense in Depth approach of the company enables efficient assessment, mitigation and management of cyber security risk within the critical infrastructure domain.
One of the main challenges associated with protecting critical infrastructure facilities is that most legacy critical infrastructure plants were never designed with cyber security in mind as there was no requirement for the plant network to connect to the corporate IT network, Internet or provide remote access to employees or vendors. The need for business intelligence is creating an appetite for real-time data which requires that plant networks be connected to the corporate headquarters network in order to facilitate access to data in near real-time fashion from the plant. Companies are also embracing newer technologies like remote access and ERP systems to facilitate employee productivity gains. All of these productivity gains are good for business but have significantly increased the risks and vulnerabilities within the critical infrastructure process control and SCADA environment.
Frost and Sullivan's research on process control and SCADA system vulnerabilities shows that the level of awareness of cyber security risk is less than ideal compared to most industries. The major reasons include inability to quantify returns on investment, legacy infrastructure and cost of protection.
Industrial Defender takes a proactive approach towards educating users. The company is also expanding its reach by partnering with other technology vendors through its 'Industrial Defender Enabled Partner Program'.
"The creation of a proven cyber security ecosystem for process control/SCADA networks adds value for partners and customers by enhancing cyber security protection of third party technology devices that are deployed on the process control SCADA network," notes S. L.
With more than 1,900 global technology deployments, Industrial Defender has made critical infrastructure protection its number one priority. The company protects over 25 percent of the U.K power generation including the largest coal fired power plant, Europe's longest metro line, and also over 10,000 miles of oil and gas pipe line in North America. These are outstanding testimonials of the company's ability to drive unsurpassed customer value for its growing global customer base.
For its innovative solutions, reliable operations and customer focus, Industrial Defender is the rightful recipient of the Company of the Year Award in risk management solutions for process control and the SCADA environment.
Each year Frost & Sullivan presents this Award to the company that has demonstrated unparalleled excellence within its industry in terms of business development, competitive strategy and customer satisfaction. The Award recognizes outstanding management and consistent growth as well as high quality products and/or services and positive social and economic impact on local and national communities.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
Industrial Defender Inc., a global leader in Cyber Risk Protection™, is the first company to offer a completely integrated Defense in Depth™ cyber security solution designed to protect the real-time process control and SCADA environment in a flexible and cost effective platform.
Frost & Sullivan, the Global Growth Consulting Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth.
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