2025-04-26 –, Track 2
As the manufacturing industry embraces digital transformation, the line between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is blurring. This convergence brings new opportunities—and significant challenges. While IT security principles like Zero Trust, network segmentation, and patch management offer valuable insights, their direct application in OT environments can create unexpected risks and operational disruptions.
In this talk, we’ll explore how IT and OT are merging, discuss which IT security strategies translate well to industrial environments, and highlight the critical differences that make a one-size-fits-all approach impossible. With real-world examples from the factory floor, we'll examine where IT and OT can learn from each other—and where they must remain distinct to ensure both security and uptime.
Anthony George is the CEO and Chief Engineer of George Consulting and Engineering (GCE), an Industry 4.0 integration company specializing in the digital transformation of small and medium manufacturers. With a career spanning industrial automation, cybersecurity, and military service, Anthony has dedicated his expertise to modernizing legacy systems using AI, machine learning, robotics, and industrial data operations.
Before founding GCE, Anthony served as a Cyber Warfare Operator with the Kansas Air National Guard, where he was trained to defend the nation’s most critical infrastructure against cyber threats. With 14 years of experience as a DoD Systems Engineer and CISSP certification, he has worked extensively in securing and optimizing industrial environments. His experience includes enabling manufacturers to implement smart factory technologies, deploying Operational Technology as a Service (OTaaS), and integrating cybersecurity best practices into industrial automation.
Anthony is also involved in academia and workforce development, serving as an Adjunct Professor of Advanced Cybersecurity at Wichita State University and a Project Manager for Smart Factory at WSU Tech. His mission is to bridge the gap between traditional manufacturing and modern technology, ensuring businesses remain competitive in the rapidly evolving industrial landscape.