Bringing OT Security to the Forefront at UNCW’s Cybersecurity Conference
As operational technology (OT) environments become increasingly connected, organizations face new challenges in securing the wireless networks that support critical operations. At the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s 8th Annual Cybersecurity Conference, GPA’s Scott McNeil helped address those challenges through a hands-on workshop focused on industrial and maritime wireless security.
A Practical Approach to Industrial Wireless Security
Leading the workshop, "Securing the Industrial Airspace: OT and Maritime Wireless Security,” Scott McNeil guided attendees through the process of building, securing, and comparing industrial wireless networks using multiple industrial radio technologies. Participants configured Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 6 networks using modern security protocols, explored device management and access control strategies, and discussed the operational tradeoffs that influence wireless security decisions in real-world environments.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, the session emphasized hands-on learning. Attendees worked directly with industrial networking technologies while evaluating how wireless architectures impact availability, segmentation, recovery, legacy system support, and overall operational resilience.
Connecting Cybersecurity to Real Operations
One of the workshop’s key themes was that wireless security extends well beyond selecting encryption settings. In industrial and maritime environments, cybersecurity decisions must balance security requirements with operational realities.
Throughout the session, participants examined how radio frequency (RF) environments affect wireless communications and explored the risks posed by transient and competing wireless systems. Discussions connected technical configuration choices to broader operational concerns, including situational awareness, ship-to-shore communications, and infrastructure reliability.
Supporting the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Hosted by UNCW’s Center for Cyber Defense Education, the conference brings together industry leaders, government organizations, technology providers, and academic institutions to explore emerging cybersecurity challenges and workforce development opportunities. The event features presentations, panels, and workshops covering topics such as cloud security, incident response, zero trust architecture, artificial intelligence, industrial control systems, operational technology, IoT security, and maritime cybersecurity resilience.
By sharing practical experience from the field, Scott McNeil helped bridge the gap between academic learning and the cybersecurity challenges organizations face every day. Sessions like these provide valuable opportunities for students and professionals to gain hands-on experience while building a deeper understanding of how cybersecurity principles apply within industrial and critical infrastructure environments.
GPA’s Commitment to Knowledge Sharing
At GPA, we believe advancing industrial cybersecurity requires collaboration across industry, academia, and government. Scott McNeil's participation at UNCW reflects GPA’s ongoing commitment to sharing expertise, supporting workforce development, and helping organizations secure the operational technologies that power critical industries.
We are proud to see GPA team members contributing to conversations that strengthen cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the industrial and maritime sectors.
