Management Perspectives

Closing the IT/OT Security Gap

The connections between IT and OT environments can be exploited with serious impacts to manufacturing. Too many manufacturers are leaving their operations exposed to cybersecurity threats, because their IT and OT teams are not working together to address security.

Does this sound like your organisation?

We will share examples of companies doing the wrong thing and leaving themselves exposed - and what to do to bring IT and OT together to secure your operations.

In this webinar you will learn:

Why you need to invest in security - and what that looks like
The role of cybersecurity in your digital transformation
How to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap
How to secure your IT/OT environment

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Presenters

Gert Thoonen

Principal Application Engineer, Rockwell Automation

With over three decades of experience securing critical infrastructure and industrial control systems across EMEA, China, and the USA, Gert Thoonen specializes in hardening OT environments against emerging cyber threats. Currently, as a DBA Candidate at Istec University (expected 2026), his doctoral research focuses on “Developing an Integrated Risk-Based Framework for OT Cybersecurity: Bridging Regulatory Gaps in Middle Eastern Oil & Gas Critical Infrastructure.” This work aims to create actionable strategies that address both business and technical challenges in OT security, with a special emphasis on regulatory compliance and operational resilience. As Principal Architect at Rockwell Automation, Gert spearheads secure ICS/SCADA integration strategies, aligning with IEC 62443, NIST, CIS, and local Cybersecurity Frameworks. His certifications include CISSP, CISM, CEH, CND, PMP, IEC62443 Expert, PECB Senior Lead SCADA Security, where Areas of Expertise are Industrial Control System Security, OT/IT Convergen

Connect:

Axel Hammer

Senior Manager, EY

Axel supports clients leveraging new possibilities through digitalization, while safeguarding future business models and products.

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