MCNC Names CISO, Expands Cybersecurity Team
Technology nonprofit further demonstrates commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions and customer service in North Carolina with leadership and increased personnel
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (July 27, 2017) – MCNC, the non-profit operator of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN), today reaffirmed its commitment to cybersecurity by promoting Chris Beal to the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The organization also will add two new positions to the security team to further develop and implement innovative cybersecurity solutions.
As CISO, Beal will direct MCNC’s efforts to provide customers with industry-leading best practices and security tools. Additional capabilities include assessments and monitoring of network vulnerabilities and risk posture, advisory services so organizations can best manage security risks and threats, and training and education opportunities to help NCREN users stay informed.
“Chris continuously demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the latest cybersecurity issues and solutions,” said MCNC President and CEO Jean Davis. “His promotion as well as the addition of two team members will allow MCNC to advance upon the foundational elements we've implemented over the past two years to benefit not just our customers but all of North Carolina.”
Beal joined MCNC in 2013 as Chief Security Architect. His broad responsibilities have included working with customers to build MCNC's internal security and risk management programs to ensure security policies, services, and strategies meet the needs of MCNC and the NCREN user community.
In 2016, Beal successfully led the development and implementation of DDoS protection capabilities on NCREN, including the deployment of multiple DDoS scrubbing centers on the organization’s 2,700-mile fiber network. This enhanced DDoS protection has successfully mitigated more than 150 DDoS attacks to date, and has yet to encounter an attack that the technology was not been able to suppress. Earlier this year, MCNC also successfully completed a Service Organization Controls (SOC) 2 Type II examination, a standard that not only defines what controls should be in place, but also verifies that MCNC is appropriately managing security risks. This standard demonstrates that MCNC is a trusted partner that is serious about data protection and effective operations. Accountancy firm Assure Professional performed the rigorous audit of MCNC’s organizational security controls and processes.
“Increased reliance on digital resources means that our customers depend on us to help protect these resources,” said Beal. “At MCNC, we want to leverage our knowledge and expertise to help our customers identify and address their pressing cybersecurity challenges. We will work with our constituents to carefully research and deploy solutions that keep our collective digital environments better protected against threats and vulnerabilities.”
For more about MCNC Security, visit here.
