Speakers

Topic: Risks and Benefits of SCADA Security, an Economic Perspective

During these current market challenges, companies are focusing on mitigating their highest financial and operational risks. Security over a company’s information technology systems remains as one of the top risk areas requiring mitigation. SCADA systems, which are widely used within the energy industry, are receiving more attention as the security risks in these systems are becoming more public.

Kevin Henson will present real world risks and consequences of poor SCADA system security. Examples will be drawn from actual incidents that have taken place in the US and throughout the world. In particular, he will be highlight how SCADA system exploits can drive economic and system instability, and vice versa. He will conclude his presentation by sharing information on how to correctly implement SCADA security so the result can have a positive effect on a company’s bottom line.

Speaker: Kevin Henson, Senior SCADA Systems Consultant

Kevin Henson has a strong background in computer security and significant recent work involving SCADA systems security. While working for the Department of Homeland Security, he assisted in authoring several prominent security standards. During his career, he has worked on attack and compromise scenarios. In addition, he has detailed how such activities would represent a clear and present danger to the stability of large interconnected SCADA networks. During this period, he was a frequent guest lecturer at many conferences and forums (SANS, PCSF, IEEE etc.) focusing his presentations on the subject of cyber security for SCADA and the need for effective auditing and accountability. Kevin has just joined Accretive Solutions to provide security services related to SCADA and other IT systems.

Kevin graduated from UTD with a BS in Physics. He resides in Garland, Texas with his wife and two children. When not defending networks, he can be found leading Boy Scouts or teaching fencing.