Cyber Security in Critical Infrastructure

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the threat to our critical national infrastructure (CNI) has never been higher. The IET Cardiff chapter is organizing this high-level conference to address the vulnerabilities in our water, transport, and communication systems. This event brings together cybersecurity professionals, government officials, and engineering leads to discuss the evolving threat landscape, from state-sponsored actors to ransomware syndicates.

The keynote speech will focus on the convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT). Historically, these systems were siloed, but the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has created new entry points for attackers. We will examine the latest defense-in-depth strategies, including zero-trust architecture and network segmentation specifically tailored for industrial environments.

During the mid-day session, we will hold a simulated "war game" exercise. Participants will be divided into "Red" and "Blue" teams to respond to a simulated cyber-attack on a regional water treatment facility. This hands-on approach allows attendees to understand the pressure of incident response and the importance of clear communication protocols between engineering and IT teams. We will also discuss the legal ramifications of data breaches and the role of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in supporting private sector firms. The day will wrap up with a networking drinks reception, providing a secure environment to share experiences and best practices with peers who face similar challenges in protecting the nation's most vital services.