Women4Cyber Finland

This event will be held in English.

Attention all cyber enthusiasts.

Welcome to learn what OT systems are, how they operate and differ from IT systems and participate in the OT workshop.

Designed for anyone interested in Industrial Control Systems and Operational Technologies, though some prior experience in networks and cybersecurity is beneficial.
Industrial Control Systems and Automation Systems are controlling vast amount of our modern society around us, from traffic lights to grocery store warehouses, and from manufacturing plants to electricity grids. But what actually are these OT systems, and how do they work? What is a Programmable Logic Controller and what does it do?

During this session we talk about OT systems in general, what are they, why are they different than IT systems, and do some basic exercises in simulated OT environment.

Please note: Participants should take their own laptops with them. An OT platform needs to be downloaded and installed before coming to the workshop.

Instructions have been sent to participants, please check your emails.

Please note that we can accommodate dietary restrictions for those who get a spot before 18.05.2026. However, due to some constraints, we may not be able to make special food arrangements for those who get a spot after this date. We appreciate your understanding.

Agenda

16.30 - Doors open, food and refreshments
17:00 - Welcome by Elisa and W4CFI
17:05 - Introduction to OT systems and environments, Karo Vallittu, Principal OT Security Lead, Elisa Santa Monica
17:45 - Break
18:00 - Introduction to workshop platform and guided exercise
18:50 - Break
19:00 - OT Workshop
21:00 - Event ends

We have no-show policy:

If in any unforeseen circumstances, you are unable to participate and do not cancel, please be reminded that you will not be allowed to participate in any upcoming events for the next 6 months.

If you are in the waiting list, we recommend checking your status in the meetup occasionally. Sometimes we have issues with email notifications.

If you need to cancel your Participation, please update your RSVP status in Meetup to “Not going” by 17 May 2026.

Photos and social media

Please note that pictures from the event will be shred in our social media channels. You can opt out from being photographed at the event.

How to enroll?

The venue requires prior registration. To enroll in the event click “Attend” in Meetup.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at events [a] women4cyberfinland.com.

Warm Welcome!

This event is aimed at mid- to senior-level women in cybersecurity. Signing up on Meetup does not guarantee a spot. We will review signups and send confirmation emails manually.

This event brings together mid‑senior women in cyber to explore how our thinking evolves over time: the shift from execution to perspective, from technical depth to strategic influence, and from learning the rules to understanding when they must be bent.

Please note that we can accommodate dietary restrictions for those who get a spot by 22.05.2026. However, due to some constraints, we may not be able to make special food arrangements for those who get a spot after this date. We appreciate your understanding.

Agenda
17.00-18.00: Doors open, dinner and drinks
18.00-18.30: Talk by Laura Kankaala - “FAFO (F*** Around and Find Out)”
From 18.30: Open discussion and networking

Our speaker, Laura Kankaala will share insights shaped by real world experience, including:

• How mindset and priorities change after several years in the field
• Mistakes that became turning points
• Balancing expertise with influence
• What she wish she had known earlier in her career
• How seasoned professionals build authority and perspective

Laura Kankaala works as Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure. She specialises in understanding the latest scams, hacks, malware and fraudulent behaviours in cyber crime and current threats that affect everyday internet users. Her background primarily lies in offensive security - ethical hacking. She's also known for her appearance in Finnish hacking TV documentary Team Whack.

After the talk, we’ll continue the conversation at the tables with open, honest, experience driven discussions among peers who understand the weight and complexity of this work.
This evening is designed to recognise and celebrate the women who are shaping security, not just implementing it.

We see you. We value your expertise. And we hope you’ll join us for a gathering built for women like you.

We have a no-show policy
If you are not able to participate and do not cancel, you will not be allowed to participate in upcoming W4CFI events for the next six months.

Photos and social media
Please note that pictures from the event will be shared in our social media channels. You can opt-out from being photographed at the event.