Protecting Critical Infrastructure Systems: Cybersecurity Expert to Keynote SME’s HOUSTEX 2015
DEARBORN, Mich. (PRWEB) February 03, 2015 -- Cybersecurity is a topic that is essential to any company; and those in manufacturing are seeing cases that are driving an even more essential need to address this area. Energy companies – including the oil and gas industry – were targeted in 41 percent of malicious software-attack cases in 2012*, despite the fact that the majority of these companies had safeguards and cybersecurity practices already in place. Chris Shipp, chief information security officer of Fluor Federal Petroleum Operations, is an industry leader on the topic of cybersecurity and safeguarding industrial control systems. He will keynote SME’s HOUSTEX event to address the threats facing manufacturers and how they can best prepare and protect their companies.
Shipp’s keynote presentation will feature a live demonstration in which he will hack from the Internet through a business network to take complete control of an industrial control system.
“The recent Energetic Yeti attack successfully hacked over 2,800 victims including control system manufacturers and those involved in the energy sector. This attack caused substantial loss of intellectual property and potential damage or disruptions to energy supplies,” Shipp said. “Manufacturing companies must gain greater awareness and take steps to further mitigate risk if they are to avoid loss of intellectual property, maintain secure manufacturing techniques, and remain viable in the current marketplace.”
Shipp has more than 15 years of experience in the field of information security and has provided cybersecurity training and support to the FBI, U.S. military and Department of Energy.
SME’s HOUSTEX event will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The event kicks off with keynote speakers, featured technologies and special presentations on Tuesday, Feb. 24 and wraps up on Thursday, Feb. 26. For more information, visit houstexonline.com, follow @houstex on Twitter or facebook.com/houstex.
*Department of Homeland Security
About HOUSTEX
HOUSTEX, produced by SME, is dedicated to displaying the customized technologies and processes that help manufacturers become more efficient and innovative. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors, the show floor will feature the latest products and services designed to help manufacturers meet the demand for better quality, tighter tolerances and lower cost in several key industries. The Heart of Manufacturing is this year’s theme, showcasing the importance of Texas as one of the largest manufacturing markets in the country and a key contributor to the critical oil and gas industry. Follow @houstex on Twitter or facebook.com/houstex.
About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg.
Beth Oates, SME, +1 313-425-3190, [email protected]
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