Industrial Platform Cyber Security Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Today, the Industrial Platform Cyber Security (IPCS) community gathered for its biannual meeting, which included a special moment to celebrate a remarkable milestone: its 10th anniversary. IPCS is an active community of professionals united by a shared goal: to strengthen the cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems, thereby enhancing the safety of critical infrastructures. The community is built on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and this meeting highlighted its ongoing commitment to these principles.      

Highlights from the Meeting

Opening and Welcome 

The meeting began with an opening address by Johan Assies, who reflected on the significance of the day and set the stage for the discussions ahead. This was followed by a welcoming speech from Eric ten Bos, emphasising the importance of collaboration and shared efforts to enhance cybersecurity within critical infrastructures. 

Celebrating 10 Years of IPCS 
As part of the programme, a session led by Johan Assies and Marcel Jutte reflected on IPCS’s 10-year journey. They highlighted the network’s growth, and achievements and shared their vision for the future, underscoring IPCS’s role as a cornerstone in advancing industrial cybersecurity.

Strengthening Collaboration with CVNL 
One of the key announcements was the intensified collaboration between IPCS and CVNL (Cyberveilig Nederland) in the Operational Technology (OT) domain. As part of this partnership, existing CVNL working groups will be integrated into the IPCS framework, further strengthening collective efforts. Marcel Jutte will lead by representing the working groups within the overarching IACS coalition, ensuring cohesive coordination and representation. 

Welcoming New Members and Staff 
The event also introduced the new project secretary and welcomed the latest IPCS members, demonstrating the community’s ongoing growth and dynamism. 

Inspiring Presentations 
Attendees enjoyed insightful presentations, including: 

• A session by Bert Willemsen and Menno Cadee from Axite, exploring emerging technologies and strategies to enhance cybersecurity in industrial contexts. 

• Jeroen Slobbe from BDO gave a talk that provided a broader perspective on cybersecurity's financial and operational aspects. 

Updates on Standardization and Certification 
Key updates in the field were shared, covering: 

• Progress on IEC 62443 standards, presented by Marcel Jutte. 

• Developments in CYRA and OT certification, shared by Rianne Boek (CCV). 

Networking and Collaboration 
The event concluded with a networking session during the traditional closing borrel, offering participants a chance to exchange ideas, strengthen connections, and reflect on the day’s discussions. 

Looking Ahead 

The biannual gathering highlighted the IPCS community’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in tackling industrial cybersecurity challenges. With intensified collaboration with CVNL and a clear focus on innovation, the community is well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead.

Since early 2024, Security Delta has taken on the role of secretary for IPCS.  Are you interested in joining? The IPCS platform welcomes experts with proven experience in the OT domain. For more details, please reach out to Frank van Summeren, Innovation Liaison at HSD, via frank.vansummeren@securitydelta.nl.