Same Threats, Higher Stakes: Getting Started in OT/ICS Cybersecurity

NEW LOCATION!

Please take note of our new location at University Center of Greenville (UCG). ISSA will be hosted in room 410. To get there, enter at the University Center of Greenville (UCG) main door with reception on your left. Look for the ISSA signs directing you to room 410 on the second floor.

This month, Mike Holcomb will be giving his talk "Same Threats, Higher Stakes: Getting Started in OT/ICS Cybersecurity"

Talk Abstract:

You already know how to defend networks. But what if the "server" is a 20-year-old PLC dosing chemicals at a water plant? What if patching takes years, not days, and an ill-timed reboot stops a production line?

Welcome to Operational Technology (OT). These are the industrial control systems (ICS) that keep the lights on, the water clean, and the factories running. Attackers have noticed. Defenders are scarce. And IT security pros are well placed to close that gap, once they understand what's different.

In this fast-paced 60-minute session, you'll learn:

• Why the CIA triad gets flipped when availability and safety come first
• The OT essentials: PLCs, HMIs, historians, and protocols that were never built with security in mind
• Which IT skills transfer directly, and which "best practices" could cause real-world harm
• What real attacks on industrial systems teach us about how adversaries operate
• A practical roadmap: free resources, hands-on labs, and next steps you can start this week

No OT experience required. Bring your IT know-how, and leave with a clear path into one of the most important and in-demand corners of cybersecurity.

Bio

Mike Holcomb is an independent consultant focused on OT/ICS cybersecurity, an educational content creator, and an international speaker. Prior to supporting clients full-time through UtilSec, he was a Fellow of Cybersecurity and the OT/ICS Cybersecurity Global Lead for one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, providing him with the opportunity to work in securing some of the world’s largest OT/ICS environments, from power plants and commuter rail to manufacturing facilities and refineries.
As part of his community efforts, Michael founded BSidesICS/OT, with multiple events planned globally for 2026. He has his master’s degree in OT/ICS cybersecurity from the SANS Technology Institute. Additionally, he maintains cybersecurity and OT/ICS certifications, including CISSP, GRID, GICSP, GCIP, GPEN, GCIH, ISA 62443, and more.
He was awarded the SANS Difference Maker Award for Practitioner of the Year: ICS/OT Defender for 2025 and BEER-ISAC's Community Builder Award in 2026.
He posts regularly on LinkedIn and YouTube to help others learn more about securing OT/ICS and critical infrastructure.
You can find out more information about Mike and his resources at mikeholcomb.com.

Event venue & nearby stays

University Center of Greenville (UCG), 225 South Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, United States

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