Assante Scholar Award Winners Announced at SANS ICS Summit

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — June 9, 2026 — SANS Technology Institute (SANS.edu) is proud to announce that Anthony Candarini and Andrew Dettmar, both graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Industrial Control Systems Security, have been named recipients of the Assante Scholar Award.

Named in honor of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) cybersecurity pioneer Mike Assante, the Assante Scholar Award is presented annually to outstanding students in SANS.edu programs with an ICS focus. The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, technical excellence, leadership, and a commitment to advancing the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.

The awards were presented by Tim Conway, Director of the ICS curriculum at SANS, during the SANS ICS Summit held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on June 9, 2026.

Anthony Candarini earned the Graduate Certificate in Industrial Control Systems Security from SANS Technology Institute and is a licensed Professional Engineer whose career spans more than two decades in critical infrastructure operations and cybersecurity. Before transitioning full-time into cybersecurity, Candarini managed vital transportation systems for major transit agencies across North America, including New York City Transit, Houston Metro, and the Charlotte Area Transit System. In 2023, he joined Mandiant, part of Google Cloud, as an ICS/OT Security Consultant and Rail Subject Matter Expert, bringing deep operational expertise to the cybersecurity field. Through his work, he has helped bridge the gap between infrastructure operations and cyber defense while earning multiple GIAC certifications, including GICSP, GRID, GDAI, and GCFA.

"It is an absolute honor, and Mike Assante's legacy is an incredible inspiration to take action and work hard within the ICS community as both a cyber security advocate and by supporting others in the field to the best of my abilities," said Anthony Candarini.

Andrew Dettmar earned the Graduate Certificate in Industrial Control Systems Security from SANS Technology Institute and is an ICS/OT Cybersecurity Consultant with more than a decade of experience in the power industry and industrial cybersecurity. After beginning his career in electric utility operations, Dettmar transitioned into OT cybersecurity, where he has spent the last several years helping organizations secure critical infrastructure environments. He currently works with Mandiant's ICS/OT team, delivering advanced security assessments, digital forensics, incident response, and penetration testing services to industrial clients around the world.

“Having spent much of my career working with CIP compliance, Mike Assante's legacy has always been present,” said Andrew Dettmar. “Receiving this award is both a huge honor and a source of inspiration.”

Ed Skoudis, President of SANS Technology Institute, said, “Mike Assante helped define the field of industrial cybersecurity through his leadership, vision, and dedication to protecting critical infrastructure. Anthony and Andrew exemplify those same qualities, and we look forward to the impact they will continue to make throughout their careers.”

About the SANS Technology Institute

The SANS Technology Institute, America's premier college for cybersecurity, delivers distinguished career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs, characterized by a world-class faculty of highly skilled information security practitioners, hands-on cybersecurity courses regularly updated for real-world relevance, and industry-recognized GIAC certifications earned within each program. SANS.edu offers innovative online and in-person course delivery options, including 100% online options for all its programs. Master's degree students at SANS.edu conduct leading-edge cybersecurity research, enhancing the state of the art in information security practices. The college also houses the Internet Storm Center, the world's leading global cyber threat detection network, where bachelor's degree students gain hands-on experience as Apprentice Handlers.

The SANS Technology Institute's emphasis on real-world skills, mentorship, and cutting-edge curriculum ensures graduates are equipped to defend against today’s evolving cyber threats.

For more information about SANS Technology Institute and its programs, visit sans.edu.