Industrial Defender and Itron are working together to offer Security Event Management for Itron’s OpenWay smart meter system. Industrial Defender’s security technology will be used to manage the data from Itron’s meters, allowing Itron to provide enhanced security to electricity providers using their system.

From MSNBC, here’s what leaders at both companies had to say about the importance of the deal:

Advanced metering infrastructure has the potential to significantly transform key aspects of the utility business. As a cornerstone of an Intelligent Grid, AMI also has the potential of making the grid more vulnerable to cyber attacks," said Zarko Sumic, vice president and distinguished analyst at Gartner. "Consequently, a common understanding of security implications and common cyber security framework must be established across diverse organizations during an Intelligent Grid effort."

"Itron is dedicated to providing the most robust security available to protect our utility customers and their end users," said Russ Vanos, vice president of marketing for Itron. "Industrial Defender’s solution provides a complete security event management capability specific to AMI, further enhancing our energy management and measurement technologies as we work toward development of the Smart Grid."

"As a leading technology provider to global energy and water companies, Itron is empowering bulk electricity providers to more effectively monitor, control, and report on security and performance information," said Brian M. Ahern, president and CEO, Industrial Defender. "By leveraging Industrial Defender’s control system and SCADA expertise, Itron is now able to focus on enabling the Smart Grid, providing operational efficiencies, and allowing end-customer participation in energy management and conservation efforts."