Professor Recognized as Cybersecurity Difference-Maker

The largest provider of cyber security training and certification to professionals at governments and commercial institutions has honored a Cal Poly Pomona College of Business Administration professor for his work in the field.

SANS Institute announced Computer Information Systems professor, Ron Pike, Ph.D., is a winner of the SANS 2017 Difference Maker Award, a way the company says it celebrates individuals who are quietly succeeding and making breakthroughs in advancing security.

According to John Pescatore, SANS Director of Emerging Security Trends, "The nominations for the 2017 SANS Difference Maker Awards represent some interesting trends in cyber security. From more innovative methods to increase the cyber security talent pool to creative, low cost ways of finding and fixing vulnerabilities, this year's winners have demonstrated they are working hard and making a difference in advancing security. We are honored to recognize these talented individuals for their outstanding achievements."

The SANS Difference Maker Awards were created to honor the unsung heroes in cyber security whose innovation, skill, and hard work have resulted in real successes in information security, according to SANS. Pike is headed to Washington D.C. on December 15 where a ceremony will take place during the SANS Cyber Defense Initiative.

“Dr. Ron Pike, Computer Information Systems at Cal Poly Pomona for his work, and showing real progress, in developing cyber security skills in college students by running competitive events that challenged students across a wide range of hands-on cyber security areas,” the SANS release said.

Pike is an advisor to the organization Students With an Interest in the Future of Technology. The club organizes a team for the annual Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, a national event where the country’s top colleges compete head-to-head.

In 2016, Pike coached the SWIFT team to a berth in the national finals after navigating through a field of difficult competitors to win the western region. Pike also served a key role in the conception and execution of the first student-run data center on a college campus.