Bridging OT and IT with Security in Mind

Bridging OT and IT with Security in Mind with Parisa Saqib

Modern infrastructure runs on two very different types of technology. IT (Information Technology) manages data, users, and communication. OT (Operational Technology) controls the physical systems that move trains, treat water, and keep the lights on.

As cities and industries connect these systems for better data analysis and control, they also increase complexity and expand the attack surface. This talk looks at how IT and OT are structured, how they show up in places like Vancouver transit, utilities, and even personal tech like smartwatches, and what happens when they are poorly integrated. We will cover the Purdue model, the CIA triad, and real-world examples that highlight both the value and the risk of convergence.

No industrial background required.

Parisa Saqib is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Capilano University. She holds a diploma in Industrial Networks and Cybersecurity (INCS) focusing on Operational Technology and is currently pursuing further studies in digital forensics in Information Technology. Passionate about both operational technology (OT) and Information technology (IT) security, Parisa is especially interested in how these two areas intersect and the unique challenges involved in protecting complex, integrated environments. She enjoys exploring both industrial systems and traditional IT infrastructures and is committed to expanding her expertise across both domains by exploring OT security pentesting and analyzing the behavior of the systems.

Big thanks to Microsoft for hosting us!