Closing Keynote

“IT, OT, IoT — It’s Really Just the “T”: An International and Historical Perspective”

Abstract:
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the lines between Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have become increasingly blurred. While these domains were once distinct, they now converge into a single, interconnected technology ecosystem—one that presents both unprecedented opportunities and critical security challenges.

In this keynote, Michael Clothier, Chief Information Security Officer at Northrop Grumman, brings 30 years of global cybersecurity leadership to explore how organizations can rethink their approach to securing “technology” as a whole, rather than as separate silos. Drawing on his extensive experience across the U.S., Australia, Asia, and beyond—including securing mission-critical defense and aerospace systems, leading enterprise IT transformations, and integrating cybersecurity across diverse industries—Michael will examine the evolution of security challenges from historical, international, and cross-industry perspectives.

Key discussion points include:

• From Air-Gapped to Always Connected – A historical view of how IT, OT, and IoT security challenges have evolved and what we can learn from past approaches.
• The Global Cybersecurity Landscape – Insights from securing critical infrastructure across Asia, Australia, and the U.S., and the lessons we can apply to today’s interconnected world.
• Breaking Down the Silos – Why treating IT, OT, and IoT as distinct domains is outdated and how a unified security strategy strengthens resilience.
• National Security Meets Enterprise Security – Perspectives from both military and private-sector leadership on protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical systems.

As cybersecurity professionals, we must shift our mindset from securing individual components to securing the entire technology ecosystem. Whether you are safeguarding an industrial control system, an aircraft, or a corporate network, the fundamental security principles remain the same. By applying an integrated approach, we can better protect the critical systems that power modern society.

Join Michael for this thought-provoking keynote as he challenges conventional thinking, shares real-world case studies, and provides actionable strategies to redefine cybersecurity in an era where everything is just “T.”

Bio:
Michael Clothier is the Chief Information Security Officer(CISO) for the Aeronautics Systems (AS) Sector at NorthropGrumman, where he leads the sector’s global cybersecuritystrategy. He is responsible for safeguarding mission-criticalaerospace and defense technologies, ensuring regulatorycompliance, and mitigating evolving cyber threats. With 30years of experience in cybersecurity and IT leadership, Michael has successfullydeveloped and implemented enterprise-wide security programs that align riskmanagement with business objectives in highly regulated industries.

Since joining Northrop Grumman in 2017, he has spearheaded cybersecurity initiativesthat enhance digital resilience, integrating cutting-edge security technologies whilefostering a culture of proactive defense. He collaborates closely with business leaders,IT, engineering teams, and government stakeholders to embed security into everyaspect of operations. His leadership ensures that cybersecurity remains a strategicenabler of technological innovation and national security.

Before Northrop Grumman, Michael held several executive IT leadership roles acrossthe Asia-Pacific region, including:

• Group Infrastructure Director (Acting CIO) at Leighton Asia, India, and Offshore(Hong Kong) – Managed IT strategy across 14 countries, overseeing a $30M+budget and leading an 84-member IT team. He executed large-scale digitaltransformation initiatives, strengthened cybersecurity frameworks, and deliveredmulti-million-dollar IT programs on time and under budget. His role involvedextensive travel across Asia to support IT operations at 70+ project sites.
• IT Infrastructure / Program Director at RCR Tomlinson (Perth, Australia) – Led a$22M IT transformation, including cloud migrations, infrastructure modernization,and cybersecurity-driven network redesigns. His initiatives resulted in significantcost savings and improved IT governance. He played a key role in integratingtechnology systems following company mergers and acquisitions.
• Solutions Design Lead at CPB Contractors (formerly Leighton Contractors,Sydney, Australia, 2008–2011) – Designed and implemented international cloudinfrastructure projects, leading large-scale data center and virtualizationprograms. He played a pivotal role in aligning technical infrastructure withbusiness objectives, supporting high-profile global projects.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Michael serves as a Captain in the U.S. AirForce Reserve with the 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, contributing tomission readiness and national security efforts. His dual expertise in military and civiliancybersecurity provides a unique perspective on securing critical systems againstevolving threats.

Michael holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of New SouthWales, Sydney, and a Master of Science in Information Technology from WaldenUniversity. His background blends technical expertise, strategic vision, and operationalleadership, ensuring cybersecurity is not just a safeguard but a business enabler.

Passionate about protecting mission-critical systems, fostering innovation, andstrengthening cybersecurity resilience, Michael continues to drive global securityinitiatives that advance digital defense and operational excellence.