Bridging Cybersecurity and Industrial Automation
Making Industrial Control Systems Security Accessible
University of Idaho researcher developing curriculum that bridges the gap between cybersecurity education and real-world industrial systems protection.
Combining 15+ years of aerospace industry experience with cutting-edge academic research to solve critical workforce development challenges in cybersecurity.
Connect with MeThe Challenge I'm Addressing
The Gap
Cybersecurity professionals need to understand industrial control systems to protect critical infrastructure, but traditional PLC education creates barriers for non-electrical students.
My Solution
Accessible curriculum that makes industrial automation education available to cybersecurity students without sacrificing technical rigor or industry relevance.
Real Impact
University of Idaho faculty-approved curriculum with pilot testing scheduled Fall 2025. Interest from Idaho National Laboratory for workforce development applications.
Featured Research & Projects
Zero Trust & Industrial Network Performance Research
Status: ACTIVE RESEARCH | Phase: Multi-Phase Investigation
Current Research Initiative β University of Idaho
Investigating latency, jitter, and secure time synchronization challenges at the critical intersection of Zero Trust architectures and industrial control systems. Addressing fundamental questions about implementing modern security frameworks in real-time operational technology environments.
- Research Focus: Network performance characteristics in Zero Trust industrial environments
- Critical Infrastructure: Time synchronization security for safety-critical systems
- IT/OT Convergence: Bridging enterprise security models with industrial requirements
- Industry Impact: Informing secure architecture design for operational technology
- Academic Contribution: Industry-informed methodology addressing real-world implementation
Research Areas: Zero Trust Architecture, Industrial Control Systems, Time Synchronization, Network Performance Analysis, Critical Infrastructure Protection
Repository: github.com/tank208/latency-jitter-ztn
Arduino Opta PLC Student Training Platform
Status: Completed & Faculty Approved | Pilot Testing: Fall 2025
University of Idaho Research Grant Project
Complete curriculum making industrial automation accessible to cybersecurity students. Four comprehensive modules with instructor guides, assessments, and hands-on exercises.
- Faculty Recognition: Designated department PLC Subject Matter Expert
- Industry Interest: Idaho National Laboratory workforce development inquiries
- Educational Innovation: Zero electrical prerequisites while maintaining technical rigor
- Real-world Testing: Scheduled pilot deployment Fall 2025
Tech: Arduino Opta, Ladder Logic, IEC 61131-3, Modbus TCP, Educational Design
PLC-Bridge: Linux-Arduino Opta Interface
Status: Production Ready | Problem: Industry Linux-Windows Gap
Cross-Platform Industrial Solution
Python interface bridging Linux systems with Arduino Opta PLCs, addressing the reality that industrial environments predominantly use Linux while educational materials assume Windows dependency.
- Industry Reality: Linux dominates industrial automation environments
- Educational Gap: Most PLC tutorials assume Windows-only workflows
- Bridge Solution: Seamless Linux-PLC communication interface
- Lab Deployment: Enables Linux-based educational environments
- Professional Relevance: Matches real-world industrial Linux usage
Tech: Python, Linux Systems, Cross-Platform Development, Industrial Communication
Impact: Solves Windows dependency barrier for educational and industrial Linux environments
Connecting Different Worlds
For Industry
- Workforce development solutions
- Real-world validated curriculum
- Bridge between security and operations
- Practical implementation guidance
For Academia
- Research-backed educational methodology
- Complete instructional materials
- Faculty-approved curriculum design
- Scalable implementation framework
For Students
- Accessible learning pathways
- Career-relevant skills development
- No prerequisites barriers
- Industry-standard training
Let's Connect
Industry Professionals
Interested in workforce development partnerships, curriculum consultation, or discussing industrial cybersecurity training needs?
Academic Colleagues
Pursuing graduate research opportunities in cybersecurity education methodology. Always interested in connecting with faculty and researchers.
Students & Career Changers
Questions about transitioning to cybersecurity, industrial automation, or navigating educational pathways? Happy to share insights.
- Email: will@axiomsec.dev
- LinkedIn: william-hall-aa162921
- GitHub: github.com/tank208
- Location: Oldtown, Idaho, USA