Cybersecurity – Importance and Challenges
Thursday, 8 May
Room 204
Keynote Speaker Series
This keynote session will be kicked off with two leading security experts (Neil Wakeling of SBM Offshore and Shaun Wolski of SLB) painting a vivid picture of the evolving cyber threat landscape, breaking down how hidden vulnerabilities in industrial networks can spiral into full-scale operational chaos. Through real-world case studies, Neil will highlight how risk assessments are absolutely a fundamental component, making it clear that complacency is the enemy and proactive risk evaluation is the key to survival. Systematic risk assessments enable countermeasures to be deployed in proportion to risk; but more importantly the insight gained drives awareness, buy-in and both technical and procedural enhancements. For the second half of the session, Shaun will transition into a high-stakes journey through the Top 10 Must-Do Security Actions to protect OT environments from cyber threats. To drive the message home, the audience will see a striking 3D simulation of a potential rig cyber-attack—machines failing and operations grinding to a halt. The impact is undeniable: failing to assess risk and implement these critical security measures isn’t just a technical oversight—it’s a direct threat to safety, productivity, and business survival.
Session Chairperson(s)
Moderator(s)
Sponsoring Society:
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)