ISSA Central Plains Chapter
November 4^th 2022

Central Plains Chapter Meeting:

"OT/IoT", Samuel Alva

Presentation: OT/IoT is critical to the operation of U.S. critical infrastructure, which is highly interconnected and mutually made up of dependent systems of systems. I will briefly address OT/IoT systems which are made up of Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Building Automation Systems (BAS), Physical Access Control Systems (PACS), Transportation Systems, and Physical Environment Monitoring/Measurement Systems. I will address the similarities and differences between IT and OT/IoT systems. I will briefly discuss OT/IoT defense-in-depth strategies which will allow you to identify gaps in security in the OT/IoT lifecycle.

Speaker Bio: Samuel Alva serves as the Cybersecurity Advisor for region IIV. As a CSA, Samuel contributes to the development of the national risk picture by assisting with the identification, assessment, monitoring, and minimizing of risk to critical infrastructure. Samuel engages as a physical and cyber technical security advisor with Federal, State, local, tribal and territorial government mission partners and members of the private sector stakeholder communities. CSAs serve as the link to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) infrastructure protection resources; coordinate security and resiliency assessments, training, and provide a vital link for information sharing in steady-state and during incident response.

Prior to DHS, Samuel worked in the civilian sector as director of business development and weapons and tactics. His roles in included developing new and continuing business in the State of Kansas. He also conducted numerous risk and vulnerability assessments to include physical and cyber infrastructure analysis. Samuel has expertise in electronic security systems to include surveillance systems, access control systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and advanced sensor technology. Samuel also teaches cyber-physical system fundamentals at Wichita States University, it's a first of its kind, bridging the gap between cyber and physical security.

Samuel is also a retired member of the Kansas Air National Guard, with over 21 years of service. Samuel served many roles in Air Force and Kansas Air National Guard to include Security Forces Team Member, Phoenix Raven Team Member, and a Member of 177 th Information Aggressor Squadron. As a Phoenix Raven, Samuel helped detect, deter and counter threats to AMC aircraft by performing close-in aircraft security, advising aircrews on force protection measures. The 177 th Information Aggressor Squadron is an NSA-certified Red Team unit, responsible for conducting full-spectrum threat assessments to identify and mitigate physical and network vulnerabilities for participating Department of Defense units.

Samuel has earned an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force, Associate of Applied Science in Information Systems Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Security Management from Southwestern College, and a Master of Arts degree in Security Administration from Southwestern College.

The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA)® is a not-for-profit international organization of information security professionals and practitioners.  It provides education forums, publications and peer interaction opportunities that enhance the knowledge, skill and professional growth of its members. We hope the ISSA will provide a chance to interface with other IT professionals and further your awareness of security practices and technologies.

This meeting is open to the general public with no expectations of membership.

Date:
Time: Location:

Friday, November 4^th, 2022
1:00 pm until 3:00 pm
Friends University Business & Technology Bldg - Rm 202
Corner of Hiram & Maple, Wichita, KS 67213
Or join us via Zoom Video Conference!