Quick Facts
VirgoBiography
Alan Paller (September 17, 1945 - November 9, 2021) was the founder and former president of SANS Technology Institute, the specialized cybersecurity college and graduate school. He was also known as the founder of the SANS Institute, a professional cybersecurity training school that annually provides training to over 40,000 cybersecurity technologists. Paller helped establishing of the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation, an organization that hosts hacking challenges aimed at high school and college students, promoting their participation in the field.
Career
Paller co-founded the SANS Institute in 1988, and he also held the position of the President Emeritus at SANS Technology Institute as well as the President of the National Cyber Scholarship Foundation. His influence on the industry was recognized through various accolades and appointments, including testifying before the US Senate and House of Representatives and receiving the Azimuth Award in 2005. In 2010, he was named as one of seven people “worth knowing in cyber security” by the Washington Post.
Legacy
National Cyber Scholarship Foundation awards students who have demonstrated their abilities through GFACT certification exam with the Alan Paller Honor Scholarship by giving both financial award and the status of Scholar with Honors.
Center for Internet Security honors his memory through the Alan Paller Laureate Program. The Program awards eligible organizations, academic institutions, or individuals.