Belden and exida Combine Security Expertise to Offer Integrated Solution

ST. LOUIS--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Belden Inc. (NYSE: BDC), a global leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, today announced the signing of a global agreement with exida-a leading consulting firm specializing in industrial automation safety and cyber security services. The partnership will enable the two companies to combine their areas of expertise and offer a single, streamlined source for all of their customers' security needs.

While many think of deliberate attacks, like hackers, terrorists and malware, the reality is 80 percent of incidents that bring a network down are unintentional issues, like field configuration changes, malformed traffic, data storms or technician errors

Demand for reliable automation control systems, as well as secure delivery of and access to information, continue to be critical issues in business today. Belden recognizes the challenge of knowing where to start, how much security is needed, and how to implement the right security measures-and continues to build its end-to-end offering of industrial security solutions through innovation and strategic partnerships.

The Belden-exida partnership will provide automation suppliers, system integrators, manufacturers and end-users a simpler, more efficient process for securing their industrial network. With a single-source coordinating the details-from the initial security assessment to the installation of the solution-customers can optimize their industrial network resources, resulting in maximized uptime and enhanced operational productivity.

We've worked with exida for a number of years, tapping into their best-in-class risk analysis and security recommendations. Now, we've formalized that partnership and when our customers ask how much security do I need?'-we can make their next steps seamless, said Frank Williams, senior product manager at Belden's Tofino Security. exida's experience in the industrial setting is the ideal match to our existing portfolio of physical and cyber security solutions. Together, we will help ensure the uptime and reliability of our customers' networks is not compromised.

Companies can directly associate security measures with network reliability. While many think of deliberate attacks, like hackers, terrorists and malware, the reality is 80 percent of incidents that bring a network down are unintentional issues, like field configuration changes, malformed traffic, data storms or technician errors, said Williams. exida's analysis of the true threats to safety and security will help companies take the proper precautions to protect their network.

exida focuses on assessing new or existing control systems, as well as policies and procedures, to help customers identify and correct vulnerabilities. After collecting and analyzing the data, exida can train personnel and contractors to improve their cyber security countermeasures, among other services.

Our experience is unique in that we understand the devices, systems and applications used by industrial process control and factory automation engineers, as well as the IT side of security, said John Cusimano, director of the cyber security division at exida. After we perform our assessments or trainings, Belden can step in to address and resolve any security issues we identify. This partnership takes our combined services to the next level to deliver an all-in-one offering.

With similar philosophies on how to approach industrial security, Belden and exida both have an active role in defining cyber security standards, guidelines and best practices for several industry associations, including the International Society of Automation, International Electrotechnical Commission, Department of Homeland Security Industrial Control Systems Joint Working Group, American Public Transportation Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

An early innovator in industrial Ethernet, Belden knows Industrial IT and is delivering the next generation of industrial networking solutions. Its global brands-Hirschmann, GarrettCom and Tofino Security-are leading the way in the evolution to Ethernet/IP. With a purpose-built portfolio, Belden's wired, wireless and embedded products deliver the highest confidence of reliability, availability and security. In addition, excellent warranties and dedicated customer support minimize downtime, protect critical infrastructure and provide peace of mind.

About exida

exida is a certification and research firm specializing in safety critical/high availability automation systems, control system cybersecurity, and alarm management. exida has performed more process control certifications and assessments than any other company worldwide. exida's main offices are located in Sellersville, Pa., USA, and Munich, Germany and has worldwide operations with service centers in Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, and New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

About Belden

Belden Inc., a global leader in high-quality, end-to-end signal transmission solutions, delivers a comprehensive product portfolio designed to meet the mission-critical network infrastructure needs of industrial, enterprise and broadcast markets. With innovative solutions targeted at reliable and secure transmission of rapidly growing amounts of data, audio and video needed for today's applications, Belden is at the center of the global transformation to a connected world. Founded in 1902, the company is headquartered in St. Louis and has manufacturing capabilities in North and South America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit us at www.belden.com; follow us on Twitter @BeldenInc.

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