March 20, 2012
Security of Large Technical Systems
by Marcus Sachs
Vice President, National Security Policy at Verizon Communications
Abstract
The Industrial Age of the 19th and 20th Centuries was marked by the development and growth of machinery and technology designed to simplify or replace manual tasks. Early simple methods of mechanization and automation led to highly complex systems that required new techniques for control and management to prevent catastrophic failure or destruction. The post-World War II era, especially the early years of the Cold War, were characterized by an explosion of Large Technical Systems (LTSs), a term coined by technical historian Thomas Hughes in his book "Networks of Power: Electrification in Western Society 1880 – 1930". This talk looks at modern LTSs and asks a simple question: Can they be secured? In particular, can the Internet - the ultimate LTS - be secured? Or have we literally built a Frankenstein Monster that demands a change in how we define "security" in order to tame it?
As a bonus, the speaker will also reveal a few of the conclusions coming later this month in the annual Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report. Be sure to attend to get an early peek at the 2012 findings!
About the Speaker
Marcus Sachs is the Vice President for National Security Policy at Verizon in Washington, D.C. where he works closely with government and business stakeholders in task forces, working groups, committees, and trade associations as part of the National Security/Emergency Preparedness (NS/EP) community in the Nation's Capital. In January 2011 he was elected to be the Vice Chair of the US Communications Sector Coordinating Council. In November 2007 Mr. Sachs was named a member of the Commission on Cyber Security for the 44th Presidency. From August 2003 to December 2010 he directed the all-volunteer SANS Internet Storm Center.
Mr. Sachs' professional experience includes a 20 year military career in the United States Army, two years of federal civilian service at the White House and the Department of Homeland Security, and over six years as an executive in the private sector. He has appeared on several domestic and foreign television and radio networks as a computer security expert, has testified before the United States Congress, and is frequently quoted by the on-line and printed media. Mr. Sachs volunteered as the Director of the SANS Internet Storm Center and currently volunteers as the Corporate Evangelist of the Zeroday Emergency Response Team. He serves on the technical advisory board of SAGE Inc., the board of advisers of ThreatStop, Inc., and is a member of the National Cyber Security Alliance, Internet Security Alliance and DShield, Inc. boards of directors [more].
Please RSVP if you plan to attend.
Non-members are welcome without charge! Light refreshments will be served.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 6:30 PM
Government Printing Office
Room A138
732 N. Capitol St.
Washington, DC, 20401
Click here for details
