Security Vitals will be collaborating with Merit Network, Inc.’s cyber range to conduct product reviews for SC Magazine
Pontiac, MI – Security Vitals has been awarded a new contract with Haymarket Media, publisher of SC Magazine. After an extensive search and review process, Haymarket Media selected Security Vitals as the firm to conduct SC Magazine product reviews beginning in 2018. This latest venture reinforces Security Vitals’ thought leadership in the InfoSec community.
“We have a great opportunity to validate the value of information security technology, and our alignment with Merit Network provides an outstanding framework for ongoing testing,” said Rob Cote, President of Security Vitals.
Reviews will be conducted through collaborative efforts between Security Vitals and Merit Network, Inc. Security Vitals will utilize Merit Network’s Cyber Range to conduct the monthly product reviews. By leveraging Merit Network resources, Security Vitals will have access to leading-edge technology for security product evaluations.
“The Cyber Range is always looking to partner with innovative organizations, so we’re excited to partner with Security Vitals and especially proud that they came to us with the idea of helping test equipment and inform the public about technology,” said Dr. Joe Adams, VP Research and Cybersecurity at Merit Network.
The first Group Test, covering offerings that help address ransomware, will be published online as part of SC Magazine’s April coverage.
“The SC Media team and I look forward to working with Security Vitals, as well as Merit Network’s Michigan Cyber Range, to continue providing readers with critical insights into cybersecurity solutions,” said Illena Armstrong, VP, editorial, SC Media. “Since 2006, our former Technology Editor and current Editor-at-Large Peter Stephenson and I have worked tirelessly to ensure that our independent and unique Group Tests, First Looks, and Innovators of the Year profiles meet the needs of security professionals who seek guidance in their buying decisions. Through this new partnership, we expect to not just uphold our lofty standards, but surpass them as we evolve and enhance our Product Review offerings.”
Security Vitals believes that this new partnership will leverage its team’s experience to evaluate a wide variety of security product categories. Through this process, they will gain additional exposure to evolving technologies that could ultimately benefit their clientele.
“This is a great opportunity to leverage our team’s experience and background to add clarity around the evolving mix of security products,” commented Cote. “We look forward to reviewing the different product groups and providing insights that will help security professionals determine what products will best meet their specific needs.”
SC Magazine has a great reputation, and its product reviews reach a broad audience base. By being involved with this widely known organization, Security Vitals further expands its own brand and capabilities. Through the initial work on the product reviews, Security Vitals anticipates that there will be future opportunities with Haymarket Media and Merit Network as needs evolve.
In seeking a new partner, SC Media sought the advice of close industry contacts and members of their editorial advisory board, which ultimately led them to seek out RFPs from several organizations. After much consideration, Security Vitals was determined to be the best fit — not only because of their industry knowledge, technical/product acumen, and adherence to a strictly vendor neutral stance, but also because of past work that Security Vitals’ President Rob Cote performed with us for a few previous Group Tests.
As it stands today, the new SC Media Product Reviews team is composed of a formidable group of seasoned industry experts who add experienced, robust, and knowledgeable perspectives to our existing editorial crew. SC has retained our long-time Labs Manager Judy Traub, and, of course, added Rob, who as SC’s Program Director, brings 30 years of experience in the tech industry. Michael Diehl, whose 18 year of industry experience includes work with multiple MSSPs and various private enterprises, has been named Technology Editor. Matthew Hreben is our Security Technologist, and Dan Cure will serve as Technical Writer.
The product review contract is an annual agreement. Reviews will be completed monthly, and will include anywhere from three to 15 products. Security Vitals will be expected to conduct group tests and emerging product category reviews, one-off first look stand-alone reviews, the annual Innovators Product Review special, and the Hall of Fame that is a part of the annual Product Review.
About Security Vitals
Security Vitals is a cyber security solutions firm that helps organizations identify and effectively mitigate risk. Offering a blend of technology and consulting services, Security Vitals helps clients address the many challenges related to ongoing compliance and IT risk. securityvitals.com
About SC Media
SC Media is cybersecurity. We’ve lived it for more than 25 years, sharing industry expert guidance and insight, in-depth features and timely news, and independent product reviews in various content forms in partnership with and for top-level information security executives and their technical teams. scmagazine.com
About Merit Network
Merit Network is a non-profit, Member-owned organization governed by Michigan’s public universities. Founded in 1966, Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. After 50 years of innovation, Merit continues to provide high-performance services to the educational communities in Michigan and beyond. merit.edu