Colin Dunn (Fend)

Overview

Colin Dunn is a prominent American engineer and entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of Fend Incorporated. His work primarily focuses on integrating critical infrastructure into the industrial internet of things (IIoT) in a secure manner. Fend is notable for its development of innovative cybersecurity solutions, particularly data diode technology, which serves to protect industrial control systems from cyber threats. Dunn's leadership and vision have positioned Fend as a crucial player in the realm of infrastructure cybersecurity, addressing vulnerabilities in sectors such as power generation, water treatment, and building management systems.

Recent Developments

March 2024: Colin Dunn and Fend Incorporated were highlighted in discussions around the unique challenges and solutions in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure, particularly given the political landscape of a U.S. election year. Source
January 2023: Fend's involvement in Smart City projects continued to grow, with Dunn emphasizing the importance of securing cyber-physical systems to prevent disruptions in urban environments. Source
2022: The Fend team received the ESTCP Project of the Year award for their work in developing low-cost data diodes for Department of Defense facilities, recognizing their contribution to infrastructure security. Source
April 2022: Fend participated in several cybersecurity conferences, showcasing their advancements and engaging in dialogue about protecting infrastructure from cyber threats. Dunn spoke about the necessity of incorporating simple, physics-based cybersecurity solutions into Industrial IoT systems. Source

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Colin Dunn
Born	Not publicly available
Nationality	American
Occupation	CEO, Engineer, Entrepreneur
Known For	Founder of Fend Incorporated
Net Worth	Not publicly available
Education	B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Virginia; MBA, Penn State University
Residence	Arlington, Virginia, USA

Early Life and Education

Colin Dunn was born and raised in the United States, though specific details about his early life, such as his place of birth, remain largely private. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Virginia, graduating in 2003. His passion for mechanical design and its application in improving building systems was evident during his undergraduate years. Furthering his education, Dunn earned an MBA from Penn State University between 2007 and 2009, where he honed his skills in business management and strategy. This combination of engineering and business acumen laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures, especially his focus on sustainable technologies and infrastructure resilience.

Career and Notable Achievements

Colin Dunn's professional trajectory is marked by a blend of engineering expertise and entrepreneurial spirit:

2003-2006: Worked as a Mechanical Engineer at URS Corporation, gaining hands-on experience in designing systems crucial for building operations.
2006-2007: Furthered his engineering practice at SmithGroup, specializing in sustainable infrastructure.
2009-2011: Progressed to The Cadmus Group as a Project Manager, where he developed tools to improve infrastructure efficiency.
2011-2017: Held a managerial position at Noblis, leading projects that involved complex engineering solutions including those for government entities like the Department of Defense.
2017-Present: Founded Fend Incorporated, where he has been pivotal in advancing data diode technology aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity of critical infrastructure. Under his leadership, Fend has become a pioneer in offering affordable and efficient solutions for protecting industrial assets from cyber threats.

Current Work and Impact

As of 2024, Colin Dunn continues to lead Fend Incorporated with a focus on innovative cybersecurity technologies that bridge physical and digital safety protocols. His impact is felt across sectors that rely heavily on secure data transmission and infrastructure resilience. Fend's data diode products, which use light-based, one-way data streams to prevent unauthorized data access, have significantly lowered the risk of cyberattacks in critical infrastructure sectors. This technology has proven essential in safeguarding operations of power plants, water treatment facilities, and industrial buildings, thereby contributing to community safety and operational continuity.

Conclusion

Colin Dunn stands out as a significant figure in the field of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. His commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions that protect essential systems from cyber threats highlights his influence in both engineering and entrepreneurial domains. As the world increasingly relies on interconnected systems, Dunn's contributions through Fend Incorporated promise a more secure and resilient infrastructure landscape. His efforts not only safeguard current assets but also set the stage for safer innovations in the future, ensuring that technological advancements remain shielded from potential digital threats.