In this session, we dive into the dark realities of nation-state cyber operations targeting research laboratories, industrial manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. Through three real-world case studies, we’ll examine how sophisticated attackers exploit both system vulnerabilities and human errors—misconfigurations, misuse, and insider threats—to gain access to high-value environments.

These aren’t just theoretical risks. The consequences of these breaches include stolen intellectual property, halted operations, damaged equipment, and in some cases, physical harm. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how cascading failures unfold and why human and operational factors remain the most overlooked aspects of securing complex environments.

We’ll end with actionable strategies to harden your systems—focusing on security-driven standard operating procedures, real-time monitoring technologies, and resilient equipment architectures. If your organization touches critical infrastructure, scientific research, or OT environments, this talk will leave you with the insights you need to prepare for the threats already knocking on your door.