William "Art" Conklin, Associate Professor, Department of Information & Logistics Technology and Director, Center for Information Security Research & Education at the University of Houston was the first recipient of the annual SANS Michael J. Assante ICS Security Award. Dr. Conklin was honored at the SANS ICS Security Summit which took place on March 20-21, 2017 in Orlando, Florida.
Dr. Conklin influenced the ICS security community for more than a decade, leading programs to produce the next generation of capable cyber warriors in the ICS security space. He has been a driving advocate for ICS security education across several national initiatives and has created a graduate level program in SCADA security as part of the University of Houston's Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
The first ICS Security Lifetime Achievement Award was issued in honor of the great achievements of the late Ernest (Ernie) A. Rakaczky, Jr.* (1956 - 2015) - "A true pioneer in the field of Industrial Control System security"
*Ernie Rakaczky, Jr. was best known by his peers as an advocate with a passion for progress, innovation, and investment in the ICS field. Ernie served on the GICSP steering committee, where his expertise and insight directed the formulation of the certification. The award was established in 2016 in the memory of Ernie Rakaczky and recognizes his extensive passion for progress, innovation, and investment in the ICS field. The award selection panel seeks individuals who exemplify Ernie's passion and impact to the field of ICS security.