Is cybersecurity a physics-based problem?

Many assume that cyber vulnerabilities are a function of mistakes and errors in design of systems and software. This talk proposes the idea the cybersecurity is a function of complexity that has its roots in the world of physics. We will discuss the theory behind this idea and the practical implications this may have in design of systems that support critical infrastructure.

Speakers

Nicholas Seeley 

Vice President of Infrasrtucture defence SEL 

Nicholas C. Seeley is the vice president of the infrastructure defence division at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. (SEL). Nicholas joined SEL in 2004 and has held the positions of engineering supervisor in SEL’s engineering services division and senior research engineer in SEL’s research and development division. In his current role, he is responsible for a division of engineers, scientists, and support staff to perform research, develop products, and perform engineering services work across the globe. Prior to joining SEL, Nicholas worked for American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, where he focused on transmission substation protection and control. Nicholas currently holds several patents in the United States related to electric power systems. He has written numerous papers in the area of protection, automation, control, and security of electric power systems and has published multiple articles in the IEEE Industry Applications Magazine. Nicholas holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Akron, and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Idaho.