Ernest Wohnig, Senior Vice President and John M. Abeles, President & CEO“Critical infrastructure encompasses a large number of complex and interdependent challenges,” explains Abeles. Taking supply chain in the energy sector as an example, there are numerous functions, processes, vendors, and procurement chains that underpin power generation, transmission, and distribution. “The first requisite is to identify critical assets of the power grid and the key nexuses in supply chains that maintain those critical assets, thus ensuring the seamless functioning of the infrastructure. This reduces the problem, based on risk methodology, to a manageable challenge.” As a technology-agnostic consultancy, System 1 leverages a number of proprietary and industry-based methodologies, models, and standards such as NIST, C2M2, and ISO to deliver pioneering cybersecurity services to clients based on their enterprise ecosystems.
System 1 was borne from the energy sector understanding the protection of critical assets and functions.
Drawing on a recent engagement, Wohnig recalls the efforts of a System 1 team conducting a critical infrastructure assessment for a Fortune 200 energy company. The firm was uncertain of which physical and digital assets were critical in terms of both its internal business operations and externally as key components of multiple nations’ energy infrastructures. Having established the support of the c-suite and the executive leaders of the various HQ functions and regional subsidiaries, System 1’s team engaged stakeholders across the client’s organization gaining key insights into the business’ operations and structure. Using these insights, the System 1 team identified factors and criteria unique to the client and their market, built an innovative model measure, established the critical assets that they held, the associated business impacts, and performed their audit program.
Both executives emphasize that System 1’s key success differentiator is its team of seasoned management and technical experts who have spent significant stints of their professional careers in the risk management and technical cybersecurity industries. Possessing extensive experience in the various cybersecurity and risk disciplines, System 1’s teams continue to deliver remarkable cybersecurity and infrastructure protection services, across industries and continents. Wohnig also takes pride in highlighting that System 1’s diverse set of experts develop innovative result-oriented solutions that minimize risk, optimize the organization’s cybersecurity governance and architecture, and ensure cost-effective yet secure business operations. All while accounting for the ever-accelerating rate of change and evolving risk in the CIP realm; exemplified by the rapid integration of AI, IoT, cloud infrastructures, and managed service models.
Company
System 1
Headquarters
North Bethesda, MD
Management
Ernest Wohnig, Senior Vice President and John M. Abeles, President & CEO
Description
System 1, Inc. is a cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security consulting firm, which advises business leaders in the federal & state government and critical infrastructure sectors. The company provides strategic advice, assistance, and solutions to its public and private sector clients. System 1’s competent team comprises management and technical experts who focus on advancement and change through the prism of people, processes, and technology; providing an integrated solution tailored to each client’s unique business risk tolerance, existing organizational risk management processes, and the evolving cybersecurity risk environment
