The ICS Security Summit was founded by Michael J. Assante, alongside SANS Founder Alan Paller, to unite those protecting the technologies that power industry and sustain our modern way of life. What began as a bold idea has become the global gathering place for ICS defenders—a community bound by shared purpose, real-world experience, and a relentless drive to secure critical infrastructure and the essential systems that keep operations running everywhere. Each year, when we come together, we don’t just continue Mike’s legacy—we strengthen it, forging new connections and advancing the mission of safeguarding civilization for generations to come.