Operational technology environments face a rapidly escalating threat landscape. Ransomware groups now routinely target industrial control systems, and the convergence of IT and OT networks has expanded the attack surface for critical infrastructure operators across energy, manufacturing, water, and transportation. In this IIoT World analysis, we examine the most pressing OT cybersecurity challenges facing plant operators today, from legacy protocol vulnerabilities and flat network architectures to insufficient visibility into east-west traffic inside the Purdue model. You will find practical strategies for segmenting OT networks, deploying intrusion detection at the industrial demilitarized zone, and building an incident response plan that accounts for safety-critical processes.
On May 8, 2025, Fortinet is hosting the OT Thought Leadership Security Summit in Houston, a must-attend event for asset owners, cybersecurity professionals, and operational leaders across the energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure sectors.
As cyber threats targeting operational technology (OT) environments grow more sophisticated—driven by nation-state actors, hacktivism, and geopolitical instability—the need for collaboration, strategy, and modernized security is greater than ever. Fortinet’s Rod Locke, Director of Product Management, emphasizes the urgency: “We’re seeing real-world cyber impacts on operations, and this event is designed to provide guidance, perspective, and tools to prepare and respond.”
The summit agenda is packed with practical insights, starting with an overview of the industrial threat landscape and evolving risks (Sean Curry, Cavalry Solutions), followed by expert sessions on incident response war stories (John Simmons, Fortinet) and managing OT risk (Michael Freeman, Armis).
Key panels will explore:
- Self-assessed risk and regulatory alignment with experts from Fortinet, Dragos, Honeywell, and Huntsman International.
- Operationalizing OT resiliency with leaders from ExxonMobil, NOV, Waste Management, and the City of Euless.
- A Washington policy update with Patrick Miller from Ampyx Cyber, offering clarity on government expectations.
The day concludes with a fireside chat on cybersecurity maturity and a networking lunch—giving attendees a chance to connect with peers and thought leaders in the OT security space.
Who should attend: Asset owners, CISOs, plant managers, and OT security teams across the public and private sectors, especially in Texas and Oklahoma.
Location: Houston, TX
Time: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Sponsored by Fortinet
Related articles:
- Elevating OT Cybersecurity Through Managed Services: A Strategic Framework
- Driving OT Cybersecurity Investments: Perspectives from the Former US Secretary of Defense
FAQ
1. What is the Fortinet OT Thought Leadership Security Summit?
Fortinet hosted the OT Thought Leadership Security Summit on May 8, 2025, in Houston, TX. The event targets asset owners, CISOs, plant managers, cybersecurity professionals, and OT security teams across energy, utilities, and critical infrastructure sectors.
2. What topics does the summit agenda cover?
The summit addresses the industrial threat landscape and evolving risks, incident response case studies, and OT risk management. Key panels explore self-assessed risk and regulatory alignment, operationalizing OT resiliency with leaders from ExxonMobil and Waste Management, and a Washington policy update on government expectations.
3. Who are the featured speakers at the summit?
Speakers include Rod Locke, Director of Product Management at Fortinet, Sean Curry of Cavalry Solutions, John Simmons of Fortinet, and Michael Freeman of Armis. Panels include representatives from Dragos, Honeywell, Huntsman International, NOV, and City of Euless.
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