Cyber / Physical Control Systems - Securing the Converged OT/IT Environment

Session Abstract

As ships and ports evolve into connected digital ecosystems, this session explores the growing cybersecurity risks at the IT–OT intersection. A real-world "war story" sets the stage for discussion on securing vessel management systems, defending against kinetic cyberattacks, and mitigating risks in proprietary maritime hardware.

Session Takeaway

Attendees will gain actionable insights into strengthening controls across both digital and physical maritime systems.

Session Speakers

Marco Ayala - Moderator

ABS Consulting

Marco "Marc" Ayala is Technical Director in the Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at ABS Consulting, with over 30 years of experience in instrumentation, automation, control, and safety systems across energy, oil and gas, chemicals, maritime, and offshore industries. An ISA Fellow (2025) and ISA Executive Board member, he is recognized for advancing global standards and integrating cybersecurity with cloud, edge, and AI technologies. He has trained more than 1,000 professionals worldwide through multiple certification programs. Marc serves as President of the InfraGard Houston Members Alliance and InfraGard National Sector Chief for Energy, partnering with the FBI, CISA, and government stakeholders on critical infrastructure resilience. He is also Cyber & Threat Intel Chair for the AMSC Outer-Continental Shelf for the Gulf.

Bemi Anjous

Noble Drilling

Dr. Jack McCready

Maritime Stewardship and Safety & Security

Dr. McCready has multiple decades at the CG’s R&D Center, responsible for C4ISR research, and as Director for Strategic Analysis.

His expertise is in Maritime Stewardship and Safety & Security. He is a plankowner for DHS’s S Directorate, addressing problems affecting the Maritime Transportation System. His accomplishments include delivering new capabilities to resolve operational gaps consistent with CG Operational Missions.

In the private sector, Dr. McCready applies his experience to companies as a virtual CISO.

Chris Sistrunk

Mandiant, Part of Google Cloud

Chris Sistrunk is the Global Practice Leader for Mandiant’s Operational Technology (OT) Security Consulting team at Google Cloud Security. He has focused on protecting and securing critical infrastructure around the world for over 12 years. Before Mandiant, he was a senior electrical engineer at Entergy, focusing on transmission and distribution, SCADA systems, and cyber security for nearly 12 years. Chris is a Senior Member of the IEEE and a registered Professional Engineer in Louisiana.

Patric Dove

Siemens

Patric Dove began his career in the mid‑1990s working with PLCs, HMI, motion control, and emerging industrial Ethernet technologies. Over nearly 30 years, he has served as a Pre‑Sales Application Engineer, Automation Specialist, and Network/Cybersecurity Engineer. Patric earned multiple Siemens networking certifications, the GICSP, and ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert credentials, and is also an ISA/IEC 62443 Instructor. He specializes in industrial cybersecurity, Linux-based systems, and secure network architectures.