Overview

Ampex Data Systems is a small business that specializes in systems for acquiring, exploiting and protecting data by offering cost-effective solutions for data recording, on-board storage, cyber security, data management, machine learning and other associated technologies. Ampex’s new facility, Cyber and Electronic Analysis, Development, and Integration Laboratory (CEADIL) is designed to provide state-of-the-art development, testing, modeling, simulation, and training for the full spectrum of cyber and electronic equipment, applications, and personnel, with an emphasis on cyber operations and airborne/ground-based control systems and associated networks.

Mr. Aaron Fansler is the Chief Technologist for Cyber and ISR for Ampex. Mr. Fansler is developing the BLUE Line of cyber and electronic warfare capabilities for Ampex Intelligent Systems business unit.

Aaron’s specialties include studying and evaluating critical infrastructures such as the electric power grid, water and POL pipelines for potential vulnerabilities and critical interdependencies. Since 2002, Aaron has worked in the arena of assessing and exploiting potential vulnerabilities with Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Smart Grids, and Microgrids. From 2006 to 2008, while working at the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) Aaron developed and established a methodology to bring together different types of assessments (i.e., physical, pen‐testing, insider threats) and created CIIVA (Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies Vulnerability Assessment). The end result was a methodology that assessed not only the potential network vulnerabilities with control systems but also showed the correlations/interdependencies between the various critical infrastructures.

Recently, Aaron has developed and received a provision patent for his SCADA Network Independent Endpoint Protection (SNIEPR) tool which is a first of its kind ICS defensive capability.

Aaron obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado, a Master’s degree from Capitol Technical University in Information Assurance and is currently working on his Ph.D., in Computer Science w/emphasis in Machine Learning at the University of Idaho.