ARNHEM, THE NETHERLANDS and THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS and AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - Oct 10, 2012) - Alliander, DNV KEMA and KPN, together with TNO and Radboud University, are setting up a new European cyber security knowledge centre, the European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS). They announced this today at the Metering, Billing/Transmission & Distribution SmartGrids Europe 2012 Conference in Amsterdam. ENCS will engage in research, testing, knowledge sharing and training in the field of cyber security for critical infrastructure such as energy, water and telecom networks with the objective of helping infrastructure owners to improve their protection against cyber crime. In view of the cross-border nature of cyber crime, ENCS is seeking to involve as many parties as possible in this mission.
Protection against cybercrime
ENCS will make a contribution towards the optimal protection of European critical infrastructure against cyber crime. Critical infrastructure is becoming steadily more reliant on ICT and is thus increasingly vulnerable to cyber crime such as hacking. There is a growing need for new cyber security solutions and methods to protect these networks against such threats. ENCS is responding to this need by creating knowledge and resources as well as facilitating cooperation between -- as yet mainly -- European players in energy distribution, telecom, consultancy and public services with a view to the realisation of user-oriented solutions.
ENCS provides four integrated services: Research & Development, Cyber Testing, Training and Information & Knowledge Sharing. In carrying out its activities, ENCS will also make use of the knowledge and expertise of affiliated organisations such as other specialised knowledge institutes, universities and industrial parties. The primary focus of ENCS will be on a research & development programme aimed at the needs of critical infrastructure managers and security officials who are responsible for protecting critical infrastructure. In addition, ENCS will also seek to promote knowledge sharing between the affiliated members. ENCS offers a test facility for the extensive testing of systems designed to protect infrastructure and systems against cyber crime. Finally, ENCS will organise training programmes to enhance cyber security awareness among critical infrastructure owners and policymakers, as well as to provide more insight into realistic scenarios and develop new cyber security concepts.
International approach
All critical infrastructure owners, suppliers of ICT and smart grid applications, private and public knowledge institutes and public sector parties in Europe can become members of ENCS -- because the challenges posed by cyber security are both national and cross-border in scope. The avoidance of cyber security incidents through research, testing, education and cooperation requires, first and foremost, targeted cooperation and an international approach.
About Alliander
Network company Alliander, which employs approximately 7,000 staff, comprises the Liander, Endinet and Liandon companies. Network operators Liander and Endinet distribute electricity to 3.1 million customers and gas to 2.7 million customers in an area extending to over a third of the Netherlands. Liander and Endinet are responsible for maintenance, expansion and renewal of their grids in the provinces of Gelderland, Friesland, Noord-Holland and parts of Zuid-Holland, Flevoland and Noord-Brabant. Liandon provides services relating to the construction and maintenance of complex energy infrastructures.
About DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability
DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, with more than 2,300 experts in over 30 countries around the world, is committed to driving the global transition toward a safe, reliable, efficient, and clean energy future. With a heritage of nearly 150 years, we specialize in providing world-class, innovative solutions in the fields of business & technical consultancy, testing, inspections & certification, risk management, and verification. As an objective and impartial knowledge-based company, we advise and support organizations along the energy value chain: producers, suppliers & end-users of energy, equipment manufacturers, as well as government bodies, corporations and non-governmental organizations. DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability is part of DNV, a global provider of services for managing risk with more than 10,000 employees in over 100 countries. For more information on DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, visit www.dnvkema.com.
About KPN
KPN is the leading telecommunications and IT service provider in The Netherlands, offering wireline and wireless telephony, internet and TV to consumers. KPN offers business customers complete telecommunications and IT solutions. KPN Corporate Market offers global IT services and is the Benelux market leader in the area of infrastructure and network related IT solutions. In Germany and Belgium, KPN pursues a multi-brand strategy in its mobile operations and holds number three market positions through E-Plus and BASE.