#United States #Cybersecurity #Downers Grove #CompTIA #IT/OT

CompTIA Webinar Explores IT/OT Divide in Critical Infrastructure

On September 22, 2026, CompTIA, a leading global provider of vendor-neutral training and certification, announced an insightful webinar focused on the increasing risks to critical infrastructure caused by the persistent divide between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) teams. This event, titled "Investigating the IT/OT Disconnect: A Deep Dive", is set to take place on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. CDT. With organizations increasingly reliant on integrated systems, the disconnect between those responsible for network and operational security is more relevant than ever.

Dr. James Stanger, CompTIA's chief technology evangelist, expressed critical concerns about the evolving technological landscape. As IT and OT systems converge, those responsible for safeguarding them often take fundamentally different approaches to risk management and incident response. Dr. Stanger underscores that organizations failing to bridge this gap could find themselves inadequately prepared to combat modern threats to their infrastructure.

Joining Dr. Stanger for this timely discussion are industry veterans Syed Shahabuddin, recognized for his expertise in securing critical infrastructure at Darktrace, and Blake E. Gilson, IT planning and strategy manager at ExxonMobil, known for his contributions in cybersecurity and workforce development in the OT sector. Their combined insights promise to be invaluable for attendees concerned with cybersecurity and risk management strategies.

According to a recent CompTIA report, a staggering 94% of companies indicated a significant focus on operational technology security. Despite this, many organizations still grapple with the challenge of aligning risk priorities between IT and OT personnel. As technology becomes ever more integrated, this disconnect in risk perception is increasingly problematic. Dr. Stanger urges organizations to foster environments where IT and OT professionals can create a unified risk vocabulary and establish comprehensive response protocols.

The webinar will cover a variety of pressing topics, including:

• - Reasons behind differing risk interpretations among IT and OT professionals
• - Common misconceptions that each group holds about the other
• - Strategies for developing a shared risk vocabulary to enhance cooperation
• - Methods to boost communication and accountability during incident responses
• - Practical tips for educating and aligning teams in their approaches

The call to action includes an invitation for cybersecurity leaders to register for this webinar and learn effective ways to align IT and OT teams. By doing so, organizations can enhance their resilience, improve incident responses, and ultimately reduce risks across critical infrastructure environments.

As organizations march towards a future of increasingly integrated systems, it becomes imperative for teams to collaborate seamlessly. Those who miss this opportunity risk leaving their critical infrastructure vulnerable in a rapidly changing threat landscape.

To learn more about the importance of IT and OT collaboration and register for the webinar, visit CompTIA's official website. It is an essential step for professionals aiming to fortify their organization's defenses against emerging threats.

CompTIA remains dedicated to empowering professionals through its industry-recognized certifications and innovative training solutions, helping build a skilled workforce capable of navigating the complexities of modern technology environments.