Speaker:
Michael Clothier
Northrop Grumman

Abstract: In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the lines between Information Technology (IT), Operational Technology (OT), and the Internet of Things (IoT) have become increasingly blurred. While these domains were once distinct, they now converge into a single, interconnected technology ecosystem—one that presents both unprecedented opportunities and critical security challenges.

In this keynote, Michael Clothier, Chief Information Security Officer at Northrop Grumman, brings 30 years of global cybersecurity leadership to explore how organizations can rethink their approach to securing "technology" as a whole, rather than as separate silos. Drawing on his extensive experience across the U.S., Australia, Asia, and beyond—including securing mission-critical defense and aerospace systems, leading enterprise IT transformations, and integrating cybersecurity across diverse industries—Michael will examine the evolution of security challenges from historical, international, and cross-industry perspectives.

Key discussion points include: From Air-Gapped to Always Connected – A historical view of how IT, OT, and IoT security challenges have evolved and what we can learn from past approaches.
The Global Cybersecurity Landscape – Insights from securing critical infrastructure across Asia, Australia, and the U.S., and the lessons we can apply to today's interconnected world.
Breaking Down the Silos – Why treating IT, OT, and IoT as distinct domains is outdated and how a unified security strategy strengthens resilience.
National Security Meets Enterprise Security – Perspectives from both military and private-sector leadership on protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and critical systems.

As cybersecurity professionals, we must shift our mindset from securing individual components to securing the entire technology ecosystem. Whether you are safeguarding an industrial control system, an aircraft, or a corporate network, the fundamental security principles remain the same. By applying an integrated approach, we can better protect the critical systems that power modern society.

Join Michael for this thought-provoking keynote as he challenges conventional thinking, shares real-world case studies, and provides actionable strategies to redefine cybersecurity in an era where everything is just "T."

About: Capt Michael William Clothier is a Medical Service Corps Officer 452d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California. Captain Clothier manages Aeromedical Evacuation services for enroute healthcare services via fixed-wing aircraft in support of contingencies, humanitarian missions, and defense support of civilian authorities' response. In addition, he is the Officer in Charge of Squadron's Self Inspection Program where he manages the 33 checklist, 142 inspection items, and trains unit members on the Management Internal Control Tool. Captain Clothier is also a member of the Wing Inspection Team performing inspections in support of the Wing Commanders priorities. Captain Clothier enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in June 2016 as an Air Freight Processor and graduated from the Air Transportation Apprentice Course at the Transportation and Logistics School, Fort Lee, Virginia in February 2017. Captain Clothier was assigned to the 50th Aerial Port Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California. He was selected to perform additional duties as a Hazardous Materials Inspector and a Joint Inspector ensuring all cargo was airworthy for flight. During Captain Clothier's four years of service in the Air Force Reserve he graduated with a Master of Science in Information Technology in 2019 and was commissioned in June 2020 as a Health Services Administrator with the 452d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California. Captain Clothier is serving as the Officer in Charge of the Unit Self Inspection Program. He has served for three years as the Officer in Charge of the Alert Facility during Nuclear Operations Readiness Inspections for OPLAN 801X directed by USSTRATCOM, a high priority Wing mission assuring nuclear deterrence. He also served as the Director of Operations for the USSOUTHCOM's RESOLUTE SENTINEL 2023 Aeromedical Evacuation Team, 64th Air Expeditionary Squadron, Headquarters Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), Chiclayo Air Base, Republic of Peru. Prior to his current position Captain Clothier was the Officer in Charge of Logistics, 452d Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, California.

The weekly security seminar has been held every semester since spring of 1992. We invite personnel at Purdue and visitors from outside to present on topics of particular interest to them in the areas of computer and network security, computer crime investigation, information warfare, information ethics, public policy for computing and security, the computing "underground," and other related topics. More info