MAC Solutions will host the ‘Connect Secure Analyse’ Conference at Villa Park on 18th March 2020. The event will provide delegates with critical information, advice and guidance on how they can design their production systems by creating secure, high performance OT (operational technology) networks for their automation assets.

The conference is targeted at Control System, Manufacturing IT and Cyber Engineers who design resilient systems for this new reality:

  • Ethernet dominating the shop floor.
  • Real-time production data flowing into IoT clouds.
  • Smartphones in our pockets giving us a world of data at our fingertips.
  • Nation-states and hacker gangs targeting automation systems.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet knowledgeable experts, exchange ideas with other manufacturers and to take time to review their Industrial Control Systems strategy. The Connect Secure Analyse Conference 2020 is a one-day conference and exhibition that includes a variety of presentations from industry specialists, as well as a question-and-answer session with a panel of experts. A range of topics will be covered in the day’s agenda, including:

  • Inray and Skkynet will demonstrate the best way to integrate OPC into your IT network.
  • Keith Christie-Smith of OPSWAT will discuss how to protect against malware entering your site via USB devices and other file transfer mechanisms.
  • Dave Hammond of MAC Solutions will help you think through your OPC communications options and the transition from DA to OPC UA.
  • Andy Thorogood of MAC Solutions will explain how change management software can improve your resilience against cyber-attacks and ‘bad actors’.
  • Santos Muro of MAC Solutions will consider your networking technology options and the pitfalls to be avoided.
  • Tim Ricketts of MAC Solutions will discuss how OT-based deep package inspection can negate reconnaissance malware planning their attacks.

John Pritchard, managing director at MAC Solutions comments: “In today’s connected world, with the Industrial Internet of Things and increased adoption of industry 4.0, businesses must deal with more and more connected devices. Secure design is key to success here and should not be ignored.”

“Historically, there has been a convergence between IT and OT. There is now a real need for data from the plant floor to the top floor business systems. To date, this has been achieved by connecting firewalls to control the traffic flow and allowing production data to be made available for business information needs. However, if you have a misconfigured firewall, your OT network is at risk from the Internet, as PLCs and automation equipment will be exposed to external infiltration. The Connect Secure Analyse Conference is a great opportunity for delegates to learn more about the technologies and software that are now available to ensure your control system is fit for this new environment.”