In a recent interview conducted by Dark Reading’s Kelly Jackson Higgins, Carmine Valente, the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Con Edison, shed light on the evolving landscape of IT and Operational Technology (OT) security. The convergence of these two realms is becoming increasingly crucial as organizations face a rising tide of cyber threats, including ransomware and sophisticated supply chain attacks.
Valente’s insights provide a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that come with securing critical infrastructure in the digital age. As the Deputy CISO of a prominent New York-based electric utility, he is at the forefront of defending against cyber threats that could have far-reaching consequences on both operations and public safety.
One of the key takeaways from Valente’s interview is the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of security. AI not only enhances defense mechanisms by enabling rapid threat detection and response but also poses new challenges as threat actors leverage AI to launch more sophisticated attacks.
The intersection of IT and OT security is no longer a distant possibility but a present reality. The integration of interconnected systems and technologies has blurred the traditional boundaries between these domains, necessitating a holistic approach to security that encompasses both IT and OT environments.
As organizations strive to fortify their defenses against an ever-evolving threat landscape, CISOs like Carmine Valente play a pivotal role in orchestrating comprehensive security strategies that safeguard critical assets and infrastructure. By fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate risks and strengthen their cyber resilience.
The insights shared by Valente underscore the imperative for cybersecurity professionals to stay abreast of emerging threats and technologies, proactively adapting their security postures to defend against evolving risks. As the digital ecosystem continues to expand, the convergence of IT and OT security will remain a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity practices.
In conclusion, the convergence of IT and OT security represents a paradigm shift in how organizations approach cybersecurity. By heeding the insights of industry leaders like Carmine Valente and embracing a unified security mindset, businesses can navigate the complexities of the modern threat landscape with confidence and resilience.