Annual CERIAS Security Symposium Closing Keynote IT, OT, IoT — It's Really Just the T: An International and Historical Perspective

Apr 02, 2025

Download: MP4 Video Size: 352.6MB  
Watch on YouTube

Abstract

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the lines between Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have become increasingly blurred. While these domains were once distinct, they now converge into a single, interconnected technology ecosystem—one that presents both unprecedented opportunities and critical security challenges.

In this keynote, Michael Clothier, Chief Information Security Officer at Northrop Grumman, brings 30 years of global cybersecurity leadership to explore how organizations can rethink their approach to securing "technology" as a whole, rather than as separate silos. Drawing on his extensive experience across the U.S., Australia, Asia, and beyond—including securing mission-critical defense and aerospace systems, leading enterprise IT transformations, and integrating cybersecurity across diverse industries—Michael will examine the evolution of security challenges from historical, international, and cross-industry perspectives.

Key discussion points include: From Air-Gapped to Always Connected – A historical view of how IT, OT, and IoT security challenges have evolved and what we can learn from past approaches.
The Global Cybersecurity Landscape – Insights from securing critical infrastructure across Asia, Australia, and the U.S., and the lessons we can apply to today's interconnected world.
Breaking Down the Silos – Why treating IT, OT, and IoT as distinct domains is outdated and how a unified security strategy strengthens resilience.
National Security Meets Enterprise Security – Perspectives from both military and private-sector leadership on protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical systems.

As cybersecurity professionals, we must shift our mindset from securing individual components to securing the entire technology ecosystem. Whether you are safeguarding an industrial control system, an aircraft, or a corporate network, the fundamental security principles remain the same. By applying an integrated approach, we can better protect the critical systems that power modern society.

Join Michael for this thought-provoking keynote as he challenges conventional thinking, shares real-world case studies, and provides actionable strategies to redefine cybersecurity in an era where everything is just "T."