The S4 Program Is Out!!!

This is the third edition of S4 [see 2007 and 2008 abstracts] and each year we try to focus on cranking up the technical content. The authors have really come through this year, and as in previous years I’ll preview a paper or two each week.

We also try to incorporate suggestions from S4 alumni and try one or two novel things each S4. Here are some new twists for S4 2009.

• We have added an Advanced Training Course the day before S4, on January 20th. Read the description of Security Testing of Control System Components.
• Alumni have suggested a free flowing Session. Our answer to that is The Great Debate: Is It Possible to Safely and Securely Connect Safety Systems to Control Systems? See the program for more detail on the format of this session.
• Back channel chat for all attendees. In past S4’s, Virtual Attendees could chat and discuss a presentation in real time. Now physical attendees will be able to join in.

A few other surprises will be revealed in the upcoming months including the keynote and an invited session. We have a theory and approach to S4 keynotes, I’ll share in a future blog.

S4 alumni registration has opened today, and general registration will open on October 15th.

We expect a sellout this year - - based on 35 physical attendees in 2007, 53 in 2008, increased interest in the field, and the trend of increasingly strong papers from researchers. Of course, that is also our hope. If you want to insure you can attend in person, register early.

We are offering the Virtual Attendee program again this year. Virtual attendees have been pleased with the experience, but of course miss the interaction with 55 top researchers and beautiful Miami Beach in January.