ISA Pakistan Section has announced an upcoming technical webinar focused on the growing importance of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) convergence in modern industrial environments. Scheduled for June 30, 2026, the online session will bring together professionals, technology practitioners, students, and industry stakeholders interested in understanding how connected industrial systems can be secured while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience. The webinar, titled “IT/OT Convergence Building Secure, Connected & Resilient Industrial Operations,” aims to provide participants with practical knowledge and industry perspectives on one of the most significant technological developments shaping industrial cybersecurity and digital transformation efforts across various sectors.
The session will feature Ovais Ahmed as the keynote speaker, who will discuss the increasing need for stronger integration between IT and OT environments and the role such convergence plays in enhancing industrial cybersecurity. As organizations continue to adopt connected technologies, automation platforms, and digital systems within industrial operations, the boundaries between traditional information technology infrastructure and operational technology networks are becoming increasingly interconnected. This shift has created new opportunities for efficiency, visibility, and operational performance, while also introducing additional cybersecurity considerations. During the webinar, participants will gain insights into OT fundamentals and learn how industrial environments are evolving to support greater connectivity between systems that were historically isolated. The discussion is expected to address the changing nature of industrial networks and the importance of establishing secure communication channels across operational and business environments to support reliable and resilient operations.
The webinar will also examine evolving network architectures that support modern industrial ecosystems and the security challenges that emerge as organizations connect critical operational assets to broader enterprise networks. Industrial sectors increasingly rely on digital technologies to monitor processes, improve productivity, and enable data driven decision making. However, this increased connectivity can expose operational environments to cyber risks if appropriate safeguards are not implemented. Ovais Ahmed is expected to outline common security challenges associated with IT and OT integration, including visibility limitations, legacy systems, network segmentation concerns, and the protection of critical infrastructure assets. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore practical approaches for addressing these challenges while maintaining operational continuity and supporting organizational objectives. The session is designed to provide both technical and strategic perspectives that can help participants better understand the complexities involved in securing industrial environments.
Another key focus of the webinar will be the development of a resilient cybersecurity roadmap for industrial organizations. Participants will learn about strategies that can help strengthen security postures while enabling continued innovation and digital growth. The discussion will highlight the importance of planning, governance, risk management, and collaboration between IT and OT teams to create sustainable cybersecurity frameworks. By examining current industry trends and best practices, the session seeks to equip attendees with knowledge that can be applied within their own organizations and projects. The online webinar is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time. ISA Pakistan Section has invited interested participants to register in advance to receive a calendar invitation and secure their place in the technical session dedicated to building secure, connected, and resilient industrial operations.
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