By Misty Benjamin and Tabrie Cook
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has been named a 2018 SC Award finalist by SC Media in recognition of exceptional information technology (IT) security. The two categories for which INL received recognition are Best IT Security-related Training Program and Best Security Team.
Selected by an expert panel of judges, the annual SC Awards are seen as the industry gold standard of accomplishment for cybersecurity professionals, products and services.
"INL's cybersecurity team and training program focuses on people, processes and technology," said INL Chief Information Officer Robert Hillier. "We differentiate ourselves by effectively utilizing multiple channels and platforms to secure our networks and train our employees on safe cyber practices."
Team members realize that as threats evolve, they must continue to develop and manage an inclusive approach to protecting the organization's data. Because the team has actively branded itself through proactive problem-solving, INL employees value them as a trusted resource, rather than an enforcement arm. Key to this success is evolving the team's ability to be agile as they implement processes and controls, while remaining user friendly and whenever possible, invisible to end users.
Periodic cybersecurity training, disaster recovery planning and incident response exercises are key components to the lab's success in the awareness and management of security risks. Incident response planning includes INL end users, management and IT professionals, and extends to other national laboratories and the Department of Energy.
"Helping organizations manage risk in ways which are cost-effective, user friendly, and mission enabling takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Ensuring the nation's lead nuclear energy laboratory can continue forward safely is no easy task," said INL Deputy Chief Information Officer Darren Van Booven. "In a field where this hard work is often underappreciated, it is very rewarding to see the team be recognized with such high honors."
To view the complete list of winners and finalists, click here.
For over 25 years, SC Media has armed information security professionals with in-depth and unbiased information through timely news, comprehensive analysis, cutting-edge features, contributions from thought leaders, and independent product reviews in partnership with and for top-level information security executives and their technical teams.
