Mike Assante

I just can’t get Mike’s parting message to the ICS security community out of my mind. I can’t put aside the fact that, when he was obviously very near the end and probably very weak, as well as distracted with thoughts of the family he was leaving behind (including young children), his number 2 concern (after his family, I’m sure) was the unsung throngs of people working day by day to help make the grid more secure.

Notice he didn’t name any names, or ever say something like “…and I especially want to thank Joe Jones for his immeasurable contributions…” Instead, look at the first three sentences of his last paragraph, before the last sentence (which was a critical infrastructure joke, and quite timely): “Continue your hard work and be confident that it is noble to protect infrastructures and your organization’s value.  Your work is more important than most organizations understand, but we continue in it out of a sense of duty and passion.  You must carry on, keep sharing with each other, and use this forum to continue to help our community.”

Almost literally Mike’s last published thought was about the people who work for organizations that don’t bestow on those who labor in their security vineyards either the monetary or psychic rewards they deserve. His message: “Your work is important and noble. You must carry it on, but you’re not alone. There are many others doing the same thing. You can all support each other.”

Rest in peace, Mike.

  

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