The verdict from Munich is in: the manufacturing sector is ready for a radical shift in OT security. This year’s ManuSec Europe saw a record turnout, with the venue packed with over 400 IT and OT security professionals. Amidst this high-calibre crowd, swIDch stood at the forefront of the conversation, engaging with experts who are increasingly looking for practical, robust alternatives to outdated authentication methods.
Modern From the opening session to the final networking hour, it was clear that the industry is moving away from theoretical discussions and towards actionable security that works on the factory floor.
The centrepiece of our stand was a live technical demonstration that grounded our technology in reality. Rather than simply discussing security in the abstract, our team showcased the functional logic of our One-Time Authentication Code (OTAC) technology integrated with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
The demonstration allowed visitors to see exactly how our OTAC Trusted Access Gateway (TAG) brings centralised, high-assurance authentication to the device level. By requiring an OTAC for local and remote login to PLCs and HMIs, the OTAC Trusted Access Gateway (TAG) effectively replaces insecure static credentials. This solution is easy to implement and requires no firmware changes, providing a tangible answer for those seeking security that is both uncompromising and operationally viable.
The momentum from our booth was further amplified by Dr. Godfrey Gaston MBE, our Cyber Security Principal. Speaking to an attentive audience of approximately 100 industry experts, Dr. Gaston’s spotlight session, "Redefining OT Security," challenged the room to rethink the very foundation of endpoint access.
He addressed the inherent risks of static credentials and the limitations of conventional MFA in industrial settings. The session resonated strongly, leading a wave of attendees back to our stand to see the OTAC Trusted Access Gateway (TAG) in action and discuss how it can be seamlessly deployed to protect their existing critical assets.
The conversations we had in Munich were a testament to a shifting mindset. The priority for OT leads is no longer just high-level strategy, but the practicalities of securing access to critical assets.
Whether discussing the security of remote maintenance or strengthening local console access, the focus remained on simplicity, reliability, and absolute security. Our team demonstrated that by integrating the OTAC Trusted Access Gateway (TAG) with critical hardware, organisations can effectively eliminate the risks of shared passwords and unauthorised access without disrupting production or replacing legacy systems.
We leave Munich with a wealth of insights and a reinforced commitment to our mission. The high level of engagement during our PLC demonstration and the reception of Dr. Gaston’s session confirm that swIDch is tackling the industry's most pressing challenges head-on.
Ready to see the OTAC Trusted Access Gateway (TAG) in action?