At the 2023 SANS ICS Security Summit, Tim Conway was honored as the recipient of the SANS Michael J. Assante ICS Security Award. This prestigious award, named in memory of Michael J. Assante, recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the field of industrial control system (ICS) security.
Tim, the Technical Director of ICS and SCADA programs at the SANS Institute, has been a driving force in the ICS security community for decades. His contributions to securing critical infrastructure, educating the next generation of defenders, and shaping the industry’s approach to ICS cybersecurity have been profound.
The award was presented by Alex Assante, son of Mike Assante, alongside Robert M. Lee, Faculty Fellow at SANS Institute and CEO/co-founder of Dragos.
“Tim is more deserving of this award than any other person; he is undeniably a leader in the ICS community, and I’m honored beyond words to be able to present this award in my father’s name to a man I hold the highest amounts of respect and love for,” said Alex Assante.
Robert M. Lee echoed the sentiment, stating, “Tim is a master role model for the ICS mission. He looks for excellence throughout his community and continually provides opportunities for others to grow. He has had a profoundly impactful career working on a global scale, and he has gotten the industry to where it is today. The ripple effect of Tim’s impact is so expansive that I do not think it can be measured.”
In a moment of humility and gratitude, Tim Conway reflected on the significance of the award.
“I’m humbled, and I thank all of you,” he shared. “To have something like this with Mike’s name on it means the world to me. This field and this industry mean everything to me from a critical infrastructure and national protection perspective. But I wouldn’t be where I’m at in my life without faith, family, and friends.”Tim’s career and contributions embody the spirit of the award—relentless dedication, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the security of industrial control systems. His leadership continues to shape the future of ICS security, ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure for generations to come.