2025-06-21 –, Workshops - UC Conf. Rm. C (2nd Floor)
Blackout Warfare – What happens within a community when a threat actor targets the electric utility. How does this impact other daily life and operations that depend on computer technology to function.
The loss of power can have a devastating impact on a community, disrupting essential services and threatening public safety. In today’s digital world, cyber operations play a critical role in ensuring continuity of life during such crises. This goes beyond traditional backup systems and business continuity planning—modern society’s deep dependence on digital infrastructure means that cyber resilience is vital not just for organizations, but for entire communities. The interconnected nature of businesses, individuals, and public and private institutions makes them vulnerable targets, and any disruption can quickly cascade into widespread consequences. Strengthening cyber capabilities is essential to safeguard the safety, security, and stability of communities in the face of power loss and other emergencies.
Rob is a 27-year US Army veteran who retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2004. During his service, Rob was a Communications Intelligence Analyst conducting network exploitation. In 1993, after being assigned to San Antonio, Rob began working in computer network operations, focusing on defensive and offensive activities.
During this time, Rob assisted the Land Information Warfare Activity (LIWA) in developing the Army’s Computer Emergency Response Team (ARCERT) and the Army’s Blue Team. Additionally, Rob worked with the US Army Reserve Command in establishing its Reserve Component Computer Security Teams.
Rob was an Army certified instructor and an adjunct instructor for the National Security Agency