Webinar: Bridging IT–OT Gaps: OT-Led Data Transformation in Action

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The Hidden Cost of IT/OT Disconnection – Why Most Integration Strategies Fail

Why Most IT/OT Cyber Security Strategies Are Already Outdated

Cyber attacks on industrial infrastructure have surged in recent years, yet most cyber security strategies are still built for an outdated IT/OT model.

  • 57% of industrial organizations lack real-time visibility into OT security threats. (McKinsey & Co.)
  • Ransomware attacks on OT systems increased by 300% in the past two years. (Cyber Security & Infrastructure Security Agency, CISA)
  • More than 60% of IT/OT security breaches occur due to weak access controls in OT environments. (ARC Advisory Group)

The problem? Most organizations are applying traditional IT security models to OT environments. This approach is flawed and leaves companies vulnerable.

The Three Biggest Mistakes in IT/OT Cyber Security

1. Assuming IT Security Controls Can Be Applied to OT

  • IT security focuses on data protection, firewalls, and endpoint security.
  • OT security must prioritize system uptime, equipment integrity, and real-time access control.
  • One-size-fits-all security does not work.

2. Lack of Real-Time OT Threat Monitoring

  • Many organizations only audit OT security periodically rather than monitoring threats in real time.
  • Industrial ransomware attacks often go undetected for weeks.

3. Overlooking the Human Factor

  • Cyber criminals are increasingly targeting operations personnel through social engineering and phishing attacks.
  • Security training must extend beyond IT teams—OT operators need to recognize cyber threats.

How to Modernize IT/OT Cyber Security for the Current Threat Landscape

1. Implement Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) in OT Environments

  • Ensure that only authorized personnel can access OT systems.
  • Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for remote system access.

2. Deploy Continuous OT Network Monitoring

  • Use real-time AI-driven security analytics to detect anomalies.
  • Monitor SCADA and industrial control system (ICS) traffic for signs of compromise.

3. Build an Adaptive Security Framework for IT/OT

  • Apply Zero Trust principles to both IT and OT environments.
  • Implement segmented network zones to isolate critical operations from IT breaches.

Case Study: How Quebec Iron Ore Strengthened IT/OT Security

The Challenge:

  • Remote access to OT systems was unsecured, increasing cyber risk.
  • No real-time security visibility across multiple operational sites.

The Solution:

  • Integrated real-time security monitoring across all IT/OT environments.

The Results:

  • 60% reduction in security vulnerabilities within the first year.
  • Faster detection and response to cyber threats.
  • Full compliance with international security regulations.

Why IT/OT Security Needs to Be an Executive-Level Priority

IT/OT cyber security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a business risk.

Cyber security risks in industrial environments are evolving faster than most organizations can keep up with. The increasing connectivity of IT and OT systems has expanded the attack surface, leaving many companies exposed to ransomware, operational sabotage, and compliance failures.

Join Dexcent for a live webinar where we’ll uncover the hidden vulnerabilities in IT/OT security and show you how to protect your operations from emerging cyber threats.

Date: April 16, 2025
Moderator: Andrew Capper, VP of Industrial Digital Transformation, Dexcent
Panelists: Andrew Nelson, President of AANelson Inc., Rajesh Rao, Data Management & Integration Consultant and Usama Al-Shiraida, Director of Digital Transformation Consulting & Services at Dexcent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The most overlooked cyber security risks in IT/OT environments—and how to address them.
  • How industrial leaders are implementing Zero Trust Security models to prevent attacks before they happen.
  • A blueprint for securing IT/OT integration without compromising uptime or operational efficiency.


With cyber attacks on industrial systems increasing by 300% in the past two years, organizations can no longer afford to treat IT and OT security separately. This webinar will provide the insights you need to build a resilient, future-proof cyber security strategy.

Register Now for the Webinar: Data Integration in Action

Andrew Capper

Vice President, Industrial Digital Transformation

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Andrew Capper is Vice President of Industrial Digital Transformation at Dexcent, helping industrial organizations improve data-driven decision-making by optimizing the data journey, reuniting siloed information, and delivering a trustworthy version of the truth.

With more than 25 years of experience, he is known as a results-driven leader who delivers on commitments and tackles complex information management challenges with a practical, human-centric approach. His work spans digital transformation strategy and roadmaps, governance, digital maturity assessments, and performance measurement through clear KPIs and metrics. Andrew is a NAIT graduate with training in Instrumentation Engineering Technology and Security Systems, and he brings a strong focus on safer, more effective operations from data producers through to data consumers

Nader Asgharinia

MP, P.Eng.

Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications.

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Nader Asgharinia, PMP, P.Eng., is Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications at Dexcent, leading the delivery of complex, mission-critical solutions with a clear focus on client experience and operational excellence. With more than 30 years in business execution and over 25 years managing multi-million-dollar programs for mission-critical and SCADA systems, he brings a pragmatic, delivery-at-scale approach to every engagement. Nader is recognized for building high-performing teams, driving disciplined portfolio execution, and delivering measurable business outcomes, including significant growth in program portfolios and team capacity over time. He holds a B.Sc.(Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Type in the UK, a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Calgary, completed Georgetown University’s Director’s Program, is a Professional Engineer in Alberta, and a Project Management Professional.

Gerrit Nel

CISSP, CISM – Vice President, Cyber Security

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Tobias (Gerrit) Nel, CISSP, CISM, is Vice President of OT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Services at Dexcent, leading the development and delivery of practical services and solutions that integrate, complement, or replace OT infrastructure and protect OT assets from cyber threats. He is known for building resilient security frameworks, governance processes, and integrated solutions that reduce risk and support compliance across diverse industries. Gerrit has over 40 years of relevant IT/OT experience and has built and delivered highly skilled and high-performance delivery teams. His strengths include Cyber Security roadmaps, security architecture, incident response, and alignment to standards such as IEC 62443, NIST, and NERC CIP. Furthermore, he has deep foundational technical experience in Networking and OT infrastructure systems architectures that he leverages in building and leading successful delivery teams. Gerrit holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Johannesburg and brings deep cross-sector experience supporting clients in oil and gas, mining, chemical, healthcare, financial, and government environments.

Jaydeep Deshpande

P.Eng. – President

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Jaydeep Deshpande, P.Eng., is a seasoned and decisive executive with over 25 years of experience driving operational excellence, profitability, and market growth in national and multinational organizations. As President, he is recognized for his strategic leadership, disciplined execution, and ability to lead organizations through change. Jaydeep is passionate about developing people, building strong leadership teams, and fostering a positive, performance-driven culture. His expertise spans strategic planning, business diversification, financial management, and organizational transformation, with a consistent focus on delivering growth-oriented, profitable results. He holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Project Management Professional (PMP), and has completed the CMA Accelerated Accounting Program, bringing deep financial and strategic insight to executive decision-making.

Karim Amarshi

Chairman of the Board

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Karim Amarshi is Chair of Dexcent’s Board of Directors, providing governance leadership and strategic oversight to support the company’s long-term strategy and executive team. With nearly 40 years as an entrepreneur and owner-operator, he is recognized for building high-performance organizations and forging strategic alliances across Information Technology, government, health care, education, and energy. He is the former co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s leading enterprise Information Technology solution providers, where he led the organization through three successful mergers and helped scale long-term client and vendor partnerships. Karim remains active across a diverse business portfolio, serving as a founding principal, officer, and advisor to organizations spanning Information Technology, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and real estate in Canada and internationally.

Yasmin Jivraj

FCIPS, I.S.P. | Board Member

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Yasmin Jivraj, FCIPS, I.S.P., is a Board Member at Dexcent, providing executive guidance and strategic oversight to support corporate management and long-term business direction. Over a 35-year career, she has held senior leadership roles across private, public, and non-profit organizations, with a track record of building operating foundations and driving profitable growth. Following a 15-year tenure as a co-owner and President of one of Canada’s leading strategic Information Technology solution providers, she expanded her governance leadership through active board service in post-secondary education and community-focused organizations. She is recognized for decisive, purpose-led leadership, clear communication, and deep expertise in technology, business models, and methodologies that help enterprise organizations advance digital transformation.

Nadir Jivraj

CEO, Board Member

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Usama is a digital transformation leader with more than two decades of experience helping industrial organizations improve safety, reliability, and performance.

He has led multi-disciplinary teams across mining, oil and gas, power, and other asset-intensive industries, with a consistent focus on value to the customer and changes that work in real operating environments.