Threat-Informed Operational Technology (OT) Defense

The SANS Institute, a training provider for cybersecurity professionals, will be hosting an online survey event to poll organizations that operate OT systems such as Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Distributed Control Systems (DCSes), SCADA and other control system environments that monitor or control processes and devices. The survey focuses on current views of OT and ICS cyber defense and will cover the following topics: 

• Actual and perceived risks
• The impact of cyber events
• The challenges of implementing OT cybersecurity
• OT cyber protection goals
• Investment levels for cyber defense

Speakers

Dean Parsons, Certified Instructor, SANS Institute

For over 20 years, Dean has worked in both Information Technology and Industrial Control System (ICS) Cyber Defense in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, and electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and oil & gas refineries, storage, and distribution. Dean is an ambassador for defending industrial systems and an advocate for the safety, reliability, and cyber protection of critical infrastructure.

Ian Bramson, Global Head of Industrial Cybersecurity, ABS Group

Ian Bramson heads the global cybersecurity organization at ABS Group, where he works closely with senior executives across the energy, industrial and maritime sectors to help minimize their cybersecurity risks. For over 20 years, Ian has helped organizations adapt to their digital environments and solve business challenges related to industrial cybersecurity, risk management and digital transformation. He has built successful companies, global sales organizations and cybersecurity programs across multiple industries.

Dr. Dennis Hackney, Solutions Development Director, Industrial Cybersecurity, ABS Group

With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Dennis specializes in the development and deployment of IT and OT cybersecurity products and services. Dennis designs new services and deliverables for a diverse range of industries, executing programs that address cybersecurity needs in specialized and industrial environments and supporting the advancement of compliance and technology solutions. Dennis holds a PhD in Information Security, as well as degrees in Electronic Systems Applied Sciences and Business Administration.

About SANS Institute

The SANS Institute (www.sans.org) was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. Today, SANS is the most trusted and, by far, the largest provider of cybersecurity training and certification to professionals in government and commercial institutions world-wide. Renowned SANS instructors teach more than 60 courses at in-person and virtual cybersecurity events and on demand. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to support and educate the global information security community.

About ABS Group

ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (ABS Group) and its operating subsidiaries provide risk management solutions and certification services worldwide that help clients address the safety, integrity, quality and environmental efficiency of critical assets and operations. Headquartered in Spring, Texas, ABS Group operates with more than 1200 professionals across the globe, serving the marine and offshore, oil, gas and chemical, government, power and energy and industrial sectors. ABS Group is a subsidiary of ABS (www.eagle.org), a leading marine and offshore classification society.