In the energy sector, the stakes are high when it comes to cybersecurity. Unlike other fields where malware could cause havoc and delay services, attacks within the energy sector could potentially cut off electricity to millions of customers in the United States and around the world. Leo Simonovich, VP and Global Head of Industrial Cyber and Digital Security at Siemens Energy, is focused on ensuring that doesn’t happen. Simonovich is responsible for setting the business’ global strategy, with a focus on cybersecurity in the oil and gas and power sectors. Prior to joining Siemens in 2015, he led the cyber risk analytics practice area at Booz Allen Hamilton.

“Siemens is known as a 170-year-old engineering company,” Simonovich explains. “But we’ve become one of the largest industrial software companies. And by necessity, we’ve also become a security company.” Since Siemens assets were hit with Stuxnet in 2010, it’s been on a journey to secure its system and 400-plus factories around the world. “Ultimately, we took that knowledge to our customers. Today, we are recognized as a leader in industrial cybersecurity.”