Dean Parsons

For as long as Dean can remember, he has always had a passion for cyber defense, so his decision to go into the field was a natural progression. He grew up ethically hacking computer systems of all types using his own custom-compiled Linux systems and custom C code hacking tools. From a young age, he wrote security tools such as password crackers in Python, host-based intrusion detections systems, network sniffing tools, intelligent port scanners, and kernel module and exploits, among many others. Dean’s passion for this type of work is rooted in protecting the greater good. He recognizes the crucial need for more defenders in the industry as adversaries continue to specifically target ICS and critical infrastructure.

To support himself while earning his bachelor’s degree in computer science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Dean worked as a security consultant performing Linux hardening, writing networking applications, and performing ethical hacks and vulnerability assessments for industrial marine and offshore engineering firms, among others. Dean now has more than 20 years of technical and C-suite leadership-level experience. He has worked in both Information Technology and ICS/OT Cyber Defense in the telecommunications, oil and gas, manufacturing, water and wastewater, and energy sectors in countries all over the world.

As the CEO and Principal Consultant of ICS Defense Force no day looks the same for Dean. One day you might find him dissecting packets and writing policies, while on the next he might be presenting to a board of directors or to professionals at a security conference. Dean will be the first to tell you that ICS cybersecurity starts with safety and is driven by it. To ensure this safety, he has built ICS security teams and processes for practical defense across multiple ICS sectors. These teams have been effective in performing ICS incident response and playing key roles in preserving the safety and reliability of operational technology and ICS operations. Dean has integrated cybersecurity as mandatory ICS-physical and on-site safety training for engineering staff. This training is ever more important as adversaries make brazen moves to target the ICS safety systems designed to keep people and physical assets safe.

“I’m an ambassador for defending our industrial systems, and an advocate for safety, reliability and cyber protection of our critical infrastructure,” Dean explains. “Every ICS class I teach I empower every student to ask questions and get involved in the always up-to-date conversation. Using this approach and sharing my experiences from the field creates memorable moments to effectively deliver the course content. It prepares students for SANS GIAC certifications while simultaneously helping them retain critical knowledge long after the class ends, which is super important for practical ICS defense.” He also reminds you to keep in mind Yoda’s famous expression: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

Dean is the CEO and Principal Consultant of ICS Defense Force and brings over 20 years of technical and management experience to the classroom. He has worked in both Information Technology and Industrial Control System (ICS) Cyber Defense in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, electric generation, transmission, distribution, and oil & gas refineries, storage, and distribution, and water management. Dean is an ambassador for defending industrial systems and an advocate for the safety, reliability, and cyber protection of critical infrastructure. His mission as an instructor is to empower each of his students, and he earnestly preaches that “Defense is Do-able!” Over the course of his career, Dean’s accomplishments include establishing entire ICS security programs for critical infrastructure sectors, successfully conducting industrial-grade incident response and tabletops, ICS digital forensics, and ICS/OT Cybersecurity assessments across multiple sectors. As a SANS Principal Instructor, Dean teaches ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response, is a co-author of the SANS Course ICS418: ICS Security Essentials for Managers and an author of SANS ICS Engineer Technical Awareness Training. He is a faculty member of the SANS Technology Institute, an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and multiple winner of the National Cyber League competition. Dean is also a member of the SANS GIAC Advisory Board and holds many cybersecurity professional certifications including the GICSP, GRID, GSLC, and GCIA, as well as the CISSP®, and holds a BS in computer science. When not in the field, Dean spends tine chasing icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland on a jetski, or writing electric 80s inspired synthwave music in this band Arcade Knights.