RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – MCNC, the operator of the statewide fiber-based North Carolina Research and Education Network, is rolling out a new cybersecurity service in a project aimed at improving data security for school and healthcare networks as the cost of data breaches continues to climb.

It’s called Vital Cyber.

According to IBM, corporate data breaches cost $4.24 million per incident, the highest cost in the 17-year history of its cybersecurity report.

MCNC also announced a partnership with cloud-based security firm CrowdStrike to offer its customers the CrowdStrike “Managed Endpoint Protection Service” which aims to imrpove security for desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.

VitalCyber

“We have more than 40 years of experience helping North Carolina institutions with their toughest technology and security challenges,” said MCNC CEO Tracy Doaks. “Vital Cyber is uniquely qualified to provide world-class cybersecurity services and expertise to protect networks, technology, proprietary information, students, employees, patients, and clients.”

MCNC cited “more sophisticated and relentess” cyber attacks as the driving reason for the service.

“MCNC’s new Vital Cyber protects those in the education community in addition to other sectors such as health care and research organizations with a steadfast commitment to the operational health of their networks,” it added.

The CrowdStrike solution utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to allow “continuous, comprehemsive visibility” of endpoint devices.

“MCNC continues to partner with top-tier solution providers to deliver world-class cyber protections for our community,” said MCNC Chief Information Security Officer Chris Beal. “An endpoint protection strategy is essential for protecting against today’s complex cyber threats like ransomware. Every endpoint can be an entry point for attackers, and the number of endpoint devices is only increasing with the shift to remote learning, work, and health care. We are pleased to work with CrowdStrike to provide the very best Endpoint Protection Service available today to our clients.”

MCNC’s network links all the state’s Local Education Agencies as well as UNC system and numerous healthcare providers.

More security services are planned for release in June 2022.