The International Society of Automation (ISA) is making its final countdown to the 2024 ISA Automation Summit & Expo (ASE). Known as "the automation event of the year," the four-day experience will take place 30 September – 3 October 2024 in Charleston, SC. For automation professionals interested in cybersecurity or cybersecurity professionals seeking new perspectives, the event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the emerging challenges and best practices involved in securing critical sectors like the aerospace, automotive and maritime industries.

Attendees can sign up for industrial cybersecurity training that will take place Monday and Tuesday. A wide range of globally recognized experts in industrial automation are also slated to speak during the conference portion of the event on Wednesday and Thursday (2 October 2024 – 3 October 2024). Many of these speakers will share insights into operational technology (OT) cybersecurity — the conference has dedicated an entire track to cybersecurity, in addition to tracks for career skills and digital transformation. 

Cybersecurity Training Opportunities

ISA’s two most in-demand certification courses on industrial cybersecurity, IC32 and IC33, will be offered on-site at this event. These courses are part of the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program.

At the event, training will take place 30 September – 1 October 2024. Attendees can learn more and secure their last-minute spots here.

Keynote Speakers Offer New Insights

On both days of the conference portion of ASE 2024, the keynote speakers will highlight relevant themes:

2 October

"Beyond the Stars: How Digital Transformation Is Shaping the Future of Space Exploration"

Houston Green, space exploration engineer, The Aerospace Corporation, NASA Johnson Space Center

NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas, is a hub of human spaceflight activity and plays a pivotal role in many of NASA’s key programs. This presentation will outline the critical role digital transformation is playing in advanced lunar surface initiatives and astronaut training at JSC, all central to NASA's vision for the future of space exploration and human presence beyond Earth. 

3 October

"Data Security in Generating Renewable Energy"

James Clark, vice president of  information technology, South Jersey Industries Information Security 

James will present a success story on delivering a secure solution allowing data to traverse OT to IT to gain central visibility across an entire portfolio of farms generating renewable energy.  It is a very challenging project designed from the ground up, emphasizing cybersecurity for safety and compliance.

The Cybersecurity Track at ASE 2024

The critical sectors are becoming more automated — and they're encountering new cybersecurity risks as they enjoy the benefits of boosted connectivity. During the conference portion of ASE 2024, the cybersecurity track will include sessions on supply chain security, how to protect against ransomware attacks, how to ensure the safety and integrity of automated systems and much more. 

Attendees will be able to learn actionable strategies for communicating cybersecurity requirements to vendors and take a deep dive into secure-by-design principles. They'll have an opportunity to explore the latest innovations in generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, including how to use these technologies in in automotive part production, aerospace manufacturing, supply chain, international port security and cybersecurity threat tracking. They can also understand the complex cybersecurity challenges of digitalization in the maritime industry — and the key role of cybersecurity experts in risk mitigation strategies to help ensure safe and secure operations. 

Register Now

In-person conference registration for the 2024 ISA Automation Summit & Expo starts at 600 USD for ISA members or 750 USD for non-members. A post-event recording will also be available for 600 USD. To register — or to learn more about the on-site training, the cybersecurity track and more — visit ase.isa.org.