WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- President Obama on Wednesday (Feb 12) released the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cyber Framework. The following statement should be attributed to Craig Silliman, Verizon senior vice president, public policy:

"Verizon has long focused on protecting the security and privacy of our customers, as well as protecting our networks. All businesses - large and small - need to keep their cybersecurity defenses updated to respond to continually evolving cyberthreats, but not all businesses have the tools or resources to do so. We applaud the administration for bringing together a wide range of stakeholders to create this cyber framework, which provides a useful tool for companies as they consider the right mix of cyberdefenses to protect themselves and their customers."

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with nearly 103 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with more than $120 billion in 2013 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 176,800. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon's online News Center at newscenter.verizon.com. The news releases are available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit newscenter.verizon.com/corporate/feeds.

SOURCE Verizon