Michael Keating

Background

About Michael Keating

Technology has been my passion for the last 20 years as a professional, and for years more as an enthusiast before that. In this time, there have seen many challenges, but also many possibilities. I’ve seen technologies improve as well as fall away. Products have started from humble beginnings, to the vast set of services we see today. But not everything evolves at the same pace; some things are as old as they are new. From gadgets to business technology improvements, to Operational Technology challenges, the ever changing face of how we use technology systems allows us to work smarter on a global scale. It also challenges us to do better locally, and focus on securing our environments without compromising capability and scale, in order to deliver the very best for the people who need it the most. The flow from device data to information is becoming critical for businesses, and how that data is consumed is challenging how we build our technology. In 2024, I’m proud to be working in the rail industry, focusing on Operational Technology infrastructure architecture and Cyber Security, including designing systems using international standards for securing OT and ICS infrastructure. It is critical that the cyber security of OT systems is not compromised in the process of connecting and integrating to IT systems, while ensuring operations and safety aren’t affected. These lessons should not be learned the hard way. I also specialise in delivering security solutions for OT systems using Commercial Off the Shelf tools, system architecture and integration, and service management with an Operational Technology context. My knowledge and experience in legacy systems, cloud systems, service desk solutions and infrastructure design and management all play a part in securing and running critical infrastructure.