Critical infrastructure failures can have catastrophic consequences, as illustrated by the 2016 FedEx flight crash at Hollywood Airport caused by extended maintenance beyond manufacturer recommendations. In this session, Nasser Al-Alawi, senior OT cyber security expert at Petroleum Development Oman, will demonstrate how a life-cycle-based security assurance approach can prevent similar disasters in operational technology environments.

The session explores the crucial distinction between periodic audits and continuous assurance programs, presenting a practical framework that embeds security throughout an asset's life cycle - from acquisition to decommissioning.

The session will cover:

• Five essential best practices for engaging stakeholders at all organizational levels;
• How to implement "security walks" that transform management understanding and support;
• Strategies for embedding cybersecurity as a gatekeeper in all change management processes;
• Creating dynamic threat hunting programs that continuously feed a centralized risk register.