Statement on the Passing of Mike Assante

For those of you who didn't know about former Naval Intelligence Officer Michael Assante, he was a pioneer and a giant in the field of industrial control system cyber security. And if you're unfamiliar with industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA), etc., think of the systems that enable electricity to be generated, transmitted, and distributed to your homes and businesses. They were, a few years ago, essentially unprotected systems, vulnerable to attack and hijacking.

He was a passionate leader in getting the utility industry to pay attention to protecting critical infrastructure and testified on the need and focus on cyber security in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. He made an impact.