Webinar Aims to Boost Cybersecurity for ASEAN SMEs

Webinar Aims to Boost Cybersecurity for ASEAN SMEs \\[n]In an era where digital transformation is reshaping the manufacturing landscape, operational technology (OT) cybersecurity has become a critical concern for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Southeast Asia. Transicon, a UK-based industrial automation and control system solutions provider with over five decades of experience, is teaming up with Siemens to offer a free webinar on July 21. This session is part of their ongoing Industry Masterclass series, designed to equip SMEs with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their operations from cyber threats. \\[n]The webinar comes at a time when the manufacturing sector in ASEAN countries is increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. According to recent data, a significant number of manufacturers in the region have experienced cybersecurity incidents, leading to production downtime and financial losses. In Thailand, for instance, a growing number of factories are integrating legacy systems with modern, connected technologies, which can create new vulnerabilities if not properly secured. Similarly, in Vietnam, the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has outpaced the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, leaving many facilities exposed. \\[n]Niall Sephton, a senior project engineer at Transicon, highlights the common misconception that strong IT security automatically translates to secure OT systems. "Many of the control systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) still in use in ASEAN factories were installed decades ago, long before cybersecurity was a consideration," he explains. "As these systems become more connected, the risks grow, often without anyone on site realizing it." \\[n]The webinar, hosted in partnership with the Manufacturing Revenue Growth Summit, will be led by Transicon's head of business development, Laura Hayton, and will feature Niall alongside Marie Aylward, a cybersecurity and networking sales specialist at Siemens. The session will focus on the key differences between IT and OT security, common vulnerabilities in real-world manufacturing environments, and practical, phased approaches to improving cybersecurity without disrupting operations. \\[n]Marie Aylward emphasizes the importance of addressing people and processes, not just technology, in securing OT environments. "For many SMEs, the most significant vulnerabilities come down to human factors and procedural gaps, not just the technology itself," she says. "This masterclass is about helping manufacturers understand the full picture and providing them with a practical route forward." \\[n]The webinar is free to attend and open to operations managers, engineering managers, production leaders, maintenance and controls engineers, and anyone responsible for the security and resilience of manufacturing systems. Registration is now open, and participants can expect to gain valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture. \\[n]For ASEAN manufacturers, this masterclass offers a crucial opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and protect their operations from the growing threat of cyber attacks. By understanding the unique challenges and implementing a comprehensive, phased approach, SMEs can build a more resilient and secure manufacturing environment. \\[n]Register now at [https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3n3E8nK-SA6SjpO0kpg7NQ#/registration](https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3n3E8nK-SA6SjpO0kpg7NQ#/registration) to secure your spot and take the first step towards a more secure future.