Conference Description
Key Takeaways
- Dedicated OT cybersecurity conference for the European manufacturing sector, now in its tenth year
- Addresses ransomware threats, legacy system integration, and the convergence of IT and OT security
- Designed for CISOs, OT Security Managers, and senior decision-makers from automotive, pharmaceutical, food production, and industrial engineering organisations
- Features case studies, panel discussions, roundtables, and structured networking with peers and solution providers
- Virtual edition scheduled for November 2026; in-person event takes place in Munich in February 2027
Introduction
ManuSec Europe is a cybersecurity conference focused exclusively on the manufacturing industry, bringing together senior IT and OT security leaders to address the growing threat landscape facing European production facilities. Now marking its tenth edition, the event provides a platform for knowledge exchange at a time when manufacturers are accelerating their adoption of connected systems while simultaneously facing a surge in targeted ransomware campaigns and sophisticated cyberattacks. The conference examines how organisations can protect operational technology environments, integrate legacy infrastructure with modern digital systems, and build resilient security programmes despite persistent workforce shortages.
About This Event
ManuSec Europe operates across two formats in its upcoming cycle. A virtual edition is scheduled for November 2026, offering remote access to conference content and networking opportunities. The flagship in-person event follows in February 2027 in Munich, Germany, providing two days of intensive programming for attendees seeking direct engagement with peers and technology providers.
The conference structure combines keynote presentations with real-world case studies, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions. Structured networking breaks are integrated throughout the programme, designed to facilitate meaningful connections between security practitioners and solution vendors. This format reflects the event’s dual emphasis on practical learning and relationship building within the manufacturing cybersecurity community.
The Convergence of IT and OT Security in Manufacturing
Manufacturing environments present distinct cybersecurity challenges that differ substantially from traditional enterprise IT security. Operational technology systems—including industrial control systems, programmable logic controllers, and supervisory control and data acquisition platforms—were historically designed for reliability and safety rather than security. Many of these systems operate on decades-old protocols and cannot be easily patched or updated without risking production disruptions.
The push toward Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing has accelerated the connection of these legacy OT assets to corporate networks and cloud platforms. While this integration enables valuable capabilities such as predictive maintenance, real-time production monitoring, and supply chain optimisation, it also exposes previously isolated systems to network-based threats. Attackers who compromise IT infrastructure can now potentially pivot into OT environments, where the consequences extend beyond data theft to include physical safety hazards, production shutdowns, and supply chain disruptions.
ManuSec Europe addresses this convergence directly, examining strategies for establishing visibility across hybrid IT-OT environments, implementing network segmentation, and deploying monitoring solutions capable of understanding industrial protocols. The conference explores how organisations can balance the operational requirements of production systems with the security controls necessary to defend against modern threats.
Ransomware and the Manufacturing Threat Landscape
The manufacturing sector has become one of the most frequently targeted industries for ransomware attacks. Production environments are attractive targets because downtime carries immediate and quantifiable financial consequences, creating pressure on organisations to pay ransoms quickly. Unlike some industries where operations can shift to manual processes during an incident, modern manufacturing facilities often cannot function without their digital systems.
Beyond ransomware, manufacturers face threats including intellectual property theft, supply chain compromise, and attacks targeting safety systems. Nation-state actors have demonstrated interest in manufacturing targets for both espionage and potential disruption of critical infrastructure. The interconnected nature of modern supply chains means that a security incident at one manufacturer can cascade to affect customers, suppliers, and partners across multiple industries.
Conference sessions examine how organisations are responding to these threats through improved incident response planning, backup and recovery strategies tailored to OT environments, and threat intelligence sharing within industry sectors. Case studies from practitioners who have navigated real incidents provide attendees with insights that extend beyond theoretical frameworks.
Legacy System Integration and Modernisation Challenges
Many manufacturing facilities operate equipment with lifespans measured in decades. These systems often run outdated operating systems, use proprietary protocols, and cannot support modern security agents or endpoint protection tools. Replacing such equipment purely for security reasons is rarely economically viable, forcing security teams to develop compensating controls and defence-in-depth strategies.
The conference explores practical approaches to securing legacy environments, including network segmentation architectures that isolate vulnerable systems, passive monitoring solutions that provide visibility without requiring agents on endpoints, and secure remote access frameworks that enable necessary connectivity while limiting attack surfaces. Discussions also address the governance and risk management considerations involved in accepting residual risk from systems that cannot be fully secured.
As manufacturers invest in new digital capabilities, they must also consider how to architect these systems securely from the outset. Sessions examine secure-by-design principles for industrial environments, vendor security assessment processes, and contractual requirements that ensure suppliers meet appropriate security standards.
Workforce Development and the Skills Gap
The cybersecurity skills shortage affects all industries, but manufacturing faces particular challenges in recruiting professionals who understand both security principles and industrial operations. OT security requires knowledge of industrial protocols, safety systems, and production processes that most IT security professionals lack. Conversely, engineers with deep operational technology expertise may have limited exposure to cybersecurity concepts and threat landscapes.
ManuSec Europe addresses workforce challenges through discussions of training programmes, career development pathways, and organisational structures that bridge IT and OT security functions. The event provides opportunities for practitioners to learn from peers who have successfully built OT security capabilities within their organisations, sharing lessons on team structures, skill development, and collaboration models between security and operations teams.
Technology Solutions and Vendor Ecosystem
The conference features participation from a broad range of technology providers specialising in industrial cybersecurity. Companies including Claroty, Nozomi Networks, Dragos, and Armis offer platforms designed specifically for OT asset discovery and threat detection. Network security providers such as Fortinet and Forescout address segmentation and access control requirements. Consulting and advisory firms including KPMG, EY, Deloitte, and Kudelski Security bring expertise in risk assessment, compliance, and security programme development.
Additional participants span identity management, threat intelligence, incident response, and emerging security categories. This ecosystem reflects the maturing market for manufacturing cybersecurity solutions and provides attendees with exposure to technologies addressing various aspects of their security challenges.
Who Should Attend
ManuSec Europe is designed for senior security professionals responsible for protecting manufacturing operations. The target audience includes Chief Information Security Officers, OT Security Managers, Heads of IT Security, Directors of Cybersecurity, and Risk Managers from large manufacturing organisations. Attendees typically represent sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, chemicals, and industrial engineering.
The conference is particularly relevant for professionals navigating the intersection of IT and OT security, those building or expanding industrial cybersecurity programmes, and decision-makers evaluating technology investments to protect production environments. The executive-level focus ensures discussions address strategic and organisational challenges alongside technical considerations.