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
