7 Steps to Managing Enterprise Security Risks and Protecting Critical Infrastructure Using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Aug 12, 2015) - Cohesive Networks, a provider of cloud-class security and networking software, today announced a new white paper, The Chicago School of Cybersecurity: A Pragmatic Look at the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The in-depth look at the U.S. security guideline offers insights into risk-based security prevention for IT teams using Cloud services.

Created as a blueprint for managing cybersecurity risks, with mandates from the White House and Congress, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework is a unifying, single document that combines the best practices of preceding standards. Unlike the millions of other standards out there, the NIST Framework combines the best of existing rules, assessments, regulations and guidelines into a new type of cybersecurity reference guide.

Big Picture SaaS Security: Natural Gas Industry
LocusView Solutions, a Chicago-based subsidiary of the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), used Cohesive Networks' NIST-framework approach to pass penetration tests and compliance auditing. LocusView provides a mobile and GIS SaaS solutions to the natural gas industry. LocusView wanted to go beyond the standard regulatory compliance to achieve cost savings and repeat the audit process easily.

"As part of our in-depth audit, we wanted to look at a bigger picture than just the natural gas industry and current regulations," said Tim Hopper, GIS Professional at LocusView.

"The NIST Framework helps us plan for future compliance and security tracking. Plus, Cohesive Networks has helped us ensure our customers' critical data, applications, and networks are secure," said Mr. Hopper.

White paper walks through NIST Framework value, shows steps to implement
The Chicago School of Cybersecurity: A Pragmatic Look at the NIST Cybersecurity Framework white paper, available now, identifies seven steps enterprises from any industry can use to manage current cybersecurity risks and protect critical infrastructure.

"Organizations are spending more on legal defense to fight both data breaches and the increasing fears of lawsuits following customer or employee data loss, " said Dwight Koop, COO, Cohesive Networks and the white paper author. "To help prevent costly data breaches, IT teams can begin comparing their existing cybersecurity practices to the NIST framework, and quickly identify any gaps in pinpointing, assessing and managing risks in their networks."

The recent U.S. Cost of Data Breach Study from the Ponemon Institute reports that the average total cost of a data breach rose to $3.8 million in 2015. Additionally the cost of each individual lost or stolen record also increased in 2015 to $154.

White Paper Access:
To download a complimentary copy of The Chicago School of Cybersecurity: A Pragmatic Look at the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, visit here: cohesive.net/nist

About LocusView
LocusView Solutions, a Chicago-based subsidiary of the Gas Technology Institute (GTI), provides mobile and GIS solutions to the natural gas industry. LocusView technology is the result of industry-funded programs to develop next generation tools to ensure regulatory compliance, improve integrity and public safety, and reduce O&M costs. LocusView brings deep industry knowledge of codes, standards, and industry practices to provide comprehensive solutions for clients. Visit www.locusview.com for more information.

About Cohesive Networks
Cohesive Networks provides cloud-class security and networking software for enterprises. Over 1,200 customers use our VNS3 virtual appliances to build cloud-powered products and services on top of any cloud IaaS infrastructure. With VNS, you can extend networks into public, private and hybrid clouds to provide security, connectivity, and integration for your applications.

To find out more, visit www.cohesive.net

Cohesive is a member of the Open Data Center Alliance (ODCA), a member of the Amazon Partner Network, an Amazon Marketplace Seller, Microsoft Azure certified, a Google Cloud Platform Authorized Technology Partner, a CenturyLink Cloud Marketplace Provider, certified HP Helion Ready, and an IBM Business Partner.