USA Cyber Security Project Team Member Jim Shank from PSEG Nuclear was recently recognized as a finalist for the prestigious Americas Information Security Leadership Award in the category of Senior Information Security Professional.

(ISC)-2, the world’s largest information security professional body, recognized Shank for creating an industry-standard, cyber security control implementation strategy to help nuclear facilities protect their digital computer and communications systems and networks.

“It was truly an honor to be recognized by my peers,” said Shank. “But this was a group effort with support from the PSEG Nuclear cyber security assessment team and the USA Cyber Security Project team.”

The cyber security strategy developed by Shank provides clear and detailed direction on how to interpret and adapt cyber security control standards for nuclear licensees, resulting in more consistency and uniformity. The strategy has been adopted by other USA fleet members and was recently shared with other nuclear licensees at a leadership workshop to build industry alignment.

According to Shank, the information in the strategy is being incorporated into an assessment tool that PSEG Nuclear is using for detailed cyber security assessments for plant critical digital assets – to ensure their logical protection, demonstrate regulatory compliance and further enhance public health and safety.

The annual (ISC)-2 awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of private and public sector industry leaders outside of the U.S. federal government throughout the Americas.

USA Cyber Security Project Team Member Jim Shank (right) with his finalist award along with USA Board Chairman Tom Joyce.