Eric is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in the field of SCADA and ICS security. As the inventor of the Tofino Firewall, Eric and his partner Joann guided the product through its evolution from academic research project and high-tech startup to successful acquisition by Belden in 2011. Along the way, the Tofino product received numerous industry awards and was licensed by industry giants such as Honeywell, Schneider Electric, and Caterpillar. Today it is the most widely deployed ICS-specific firewall in the world. Eric is also known for his leadership in international standards and research on data security in industrial environments. As the founder of the BCIT Critical Infrastructure Security Centre, he shaped it into one of North America's leading academic facilities in industrial security, culminating in a SANS Institute Security Leadership Award in 2006. Eric provides technology and market guidance to companies entering the ICS/SCADA markets, as well as security policy guidance for established companies and government agencies involved in the operation of key critical infrastructures.