Stonesoft, the network security vendor, today announced the addition of Phil Lerner as Vice President of Technology for North America. Lerner will be responsible for leading technical solution engineering for customer engagements.

“Phil’s two decades of experience as a consultant, partner and manufacturer of advanced security solutions will greatly enhance Stonesoft’s ability to support our customers,” says Richard Benigno, Senior Vice President of Stonesoft North America.

Lerner previously held senior technical leadership positions over cyber security at Cisco Systems, the New York Police Department and Dimension Data North America.

“Stonesoft is delivering significant technological advancements in network security,” says Lerner. “Cyber security is a critical and foundational component of any IT project and Stonesoft is driving security awareness, advanced cyber security research and development, and network security solutions in the marketplace.”

Phil earned his MS-CIS with a heavy concentration in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics from Boston University. Phil has been an Adjunct Professor at St. John’s University since 2009, where he currently teaches advanced wireless security to undergraduates.

Phil is also the principal technical editor for Network Security 1st Step, published by Cisco Press 2012.

He is also currently heavily certified/credentialed as ISC2 CISSP, SANS GFSP, SANS GIAC GAWN, ABCHS CHS-IV, ISACA CGEIT, BECCA CCO, FITSI FITSP-M, EC-Council ECSA and EC-Council C-EH.

About Stonesoft Corporation

Stonesoft Corporation (NASDAQ OMX: SFT1V) delivers software based, dynamic and customer driven network security solutions that secure the information flow and simplify security management. The company’s product portfolio consists of the industry’s first transformable Security Engine, standalone next generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, and SSL VPN solutions. At the core lies Stonesoft’s Management Center which unifies the management of entire networks.

Stonesoft serves private and public sector organizations requiring high availability, ease of management, compliance, dynamic security and protection of their critical digital assets and business continuity against today’s rapidly evolving cyber threats. Stonesoft is a recognized researcher of advanced evasion techniques used in targeted cyber attacks to bypass security. Stonesoft has the highest customer retention rate in the industry due to low TCO, ease of management, and overall customer excellence. Stonesoft’s customer base covers more than 6,500 mid- or large-sized organizations across various industries and geographical markets.

Founded in 1990, the company’s track record is well recognized by certifiers, industry analysts and demanding customers. The company’s corporate headquarters are based in Helsinki, Finland and North American headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.stonesoft.com.