Verano, Inc. and Counterpane Internet Security have announced a strategic alliance to deliver a cybersecurity monitoring service to protect against vulnerabilities in the control environment.

"We understand how crucial it is for utility operations to run efficiently and without interruption at every level. Integrating Verano's Industrial Defender into our security operations center provides customers with a proactive and consistent monitoring and reporting solution necessary in today's real-time control environments," said Paul Stich, president and CEO of Counterpane Internet Security. "By adopting this comprehensive offering, utilities can also effectively comply with recent security standards implemented by NERC CIP."

Recent advancements to Verano's Industrial Defender, such as enhanced security agents, customizable reporting and increased scalability, combined with Counterpane's data monitoring, enable customers to achieve safe control systems and networks. Industrial Defender provides this protection without affecting the availability or reliability of critical SCADA and DCS assets.

"Until recently, mission-critical industries, including power transmission and distribution, water distribution and treatment, gas and liquid pipelines, mass transit systems and power generation companies, have not benefited from a comprehensive security monitoring service," said Brian Ahern, president and CEO of Verano. "Counterpane's security monitoring expertise complements our Industrial Defender offering for the real-time control environment, enabling operations personnel to focus on critical asset availability and reliability, while providing consistent protection from cybersecurity threats."