Cyberwarfare / Nation-State Attacks , Fraud Management & Cybercrime , Governance & Risk Management

Psychological Strategies for Bridging the IT-OT Divide

Ilionx's Trish McGill on Tackling Geopolitical Risks and Human Barriers
Trish McGill, IT/OT Cybersecurity and Compliance expert, Ilionx

Security leaders face significant challenges in securing OT environments, especially with increasing geopolitical disruptions and psychological barriers. Trish McGill, IT and OT cybersecurity expert at Ilionx, emphasized the importance of addressing these psychological factors to bridge the IT-OT divide.

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"Understanding the human element and the psychology behind resistance to change is crucial," McGill said. "Building trust and fostering communication between IT and OT teams are the first steps toward effective cybersecurity."

Organizations often grapple with the overwhelming nature of existing regulations and the need to maintain continuous operations. McGill recommends a nuanced approach that considers the unique needs and dynamics of both IT and OT teams.

Relationship management and patient, incremental implementation of cybersecurity measures will help the process. "If you don't look at the organizational change components, you can't implement cybersecurity measures," she said.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group, McGill discussed:

  • How geopolitical disruptions impact OT environments and strategies organizations can follow to mitigate risks;
  • Psychological obstacles to implementing effective security measures;
  • Techniques for fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams.

With over 20 years of experience in corporate, financial, oil and gas, chemical, manufacturing, government, military, and technology sectors, McGill is considered a leading trusted advisor and executive subject matter expert worldwide. She has long been relied upon to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity regulations across the globe and designed numerous strategies to implement realistic cybersecurity measures. She is a keynote speaker and panelist at various worldwide conferences, is a member of roundtables and guest speaker for a prominent cybersecurity vlog and podcast. She also invests in coaching cybersecurity interns during internships.


About the Author

Anna Delaney

Anna Delaney

Director, Productions, ISMG

An experienced broadcast journalist, Delaney conducts interviews with senior cybersecurity leaders around the world. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of the website for The European Information Security Summit, or TEISS. Earlier, she worked at Levant TV and Resonance FM and served as a researcher at the BBC and ITV in their documentary and factual TV departments.




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