BSidesAugusta 2023

BSidesAugusta 2023

How Do We Secure Critical Infrastructure?
2023-10-07 , Track 4

The need for cybersecurity in critical infrastructure environments (e.g., energy pipelines, power plants, nuclear facilities, petrochemical sites, water treatment plants) is at critical levels. In this discussion, we’ll be looking at the current state of cybersecurity in these types of ICS/OT environments, including interesting developments in the ICS/OT attack landscape. We will also look at top ways to secure these specialized environments and reduce the risks associated with cyber attacks.

Michael Holcomb is the Fellow of Cybersecurity and the ICS/OT Cybersecurity Global Lead for Fluor, one of the world’s largest engineering, procurement, and construction companies. His current role provides him with the opportunity to work in securing some of the world’s largest ICS/OT environments, from power plants and commuter rail to manufacturing facilities and refineries. He is currently completing his Master’s thesis on the attack surface of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with the SANS Technology Institute. Additionally, he maintains cyber security and ICS/OT certifications such as the CISSP, GRID, GICSP, GCIP, GPEN, GCIH, ISA 62443, and more.

As part of his community efforts, Michael founded and leads the UpstateSC ISSA Chapter and BSides Greenville conference. He also wrote and taught all six cyber security courses for Greenville Technical College's cyber security program which focused on helping educate the cyber security practitioners of tomorrow. In 2023, he was awarded CyberSC’s MG Lester D. Eisner Award for Cyber Excellence in Leadership for the State of South Carolina.