On October 30th, the Security Network Munich (SNM) held its monthly meetup at Accenture’s new Cyber Security Center in Munich, focusing on “Cybersecurity in Action: AI and OT Security for a Resilient Future.” The event brought together more than 60 cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts from across Munich’s vibrant security ecosystem. The evening followed the established SNM format: starting at 18:00 with two focused presentations, followed by open discussions over food and drinks. This approach has proven effective in creating an environment where practical insights take precedence over theoretical discussions.
The Evening’s Program
Opening and Community Welcome
The meetup began with a warm welcome from the Accenture team and the ASG Cybersecurity Lead Thomas Schumacher, who served as hosts for the evening. The registration limit had been reached well in advance, reflecting the strong interest in the chosen topics of AI and OT security.
First Presentation: “The Future AI-Ready Security Playbook”
Andy Schneider, Chief Security Officer for Central Europe at Palo Alto Networks, opened the technical program with his presentation on AI-ready security strategies. Drawing from over two decades of experience spanning CISO roles to leading Palo Alto Networks’ EMEA CxO team, Schneider brought field-tested perspectives on resilience, the current threat landscape, and AI-driven defense.
His presentation explored how AI is fundamentally transforming the cybersecurity landscape. Sharing concrete insights from Palo Alto Networks, Schneider underscored the scale of the challenge facing security professionals and the inadequacy of purely reactive approaches.
Schneider’s talk raised thought-provoking questions about the evolving nature of cybersecurity itself. When AI models produce false information or behave unpredictably, traditional security frameworks require adaptation. His insights into AI-driven defense strategies provided practical guidance for organizations looking to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Second Presentation: “OT Security in Action: From Fundamentals to Field Implementation”
The second presentation featured Markus Brändle, Managing Director in Cybersecurity at Accenture, and Dominik Busch, Security Innovation Principal Director at Accenture. Their joint demonstration on Operational Technology Security offered practical insights from global projects and real-world implementations.
The duo shared experiences from their industrial backgrounds and, with the help of a model factory, demonstrated how theoretical frameworks translate into practical protection for industrial systems. Their hands-on approach included live demonstrations that illustrated the increasing connectivity and vulnerability of OT systems.
Their presentation highlighted how OT systems, once isolated from cyber threats, have become critical vulnerabilities as they integrate with traditional IT infrastructure. The practical examples they shared resonated with attendees who face similar challenges in their own organizations.
The real magic: unscripted conversations
Following the formal presentations, participants engaged in the networking session that forms a crucial part of every SNM meetup. This informal setting allowed for deeper discussions about the topics presented and provided opportunities for attendees to share their own experiences and challenges.
The conversations that emerged during this phase often proved as valuable as the formal presentations. Participants could explore specific implementation questions, discuss real-world challenges, and learn from peers who have faced similar situations in their organizations.
Key Themes and Insights
The Evolution of Security Boundaries
Both presentations highlighted how traditional security categories are becoming less distinct. The integration of AI into security operations and the increasing connectivity of OT systems are creating new challenges that don’t fit neatly into established security domains.
Practical Implementation Focus
The evening emphasized practical, actionable insights over theoretical frameworks. Both speakers drew from real-world experience, sharing lessons learned from actual implementations rather than abstract concepts.
Community Learning and Collaboration
The format itself reinforced the value of peer-to-peer learning. The combination of expert presentations and open discussion created an environment where knowledge flows in multiple directions, with attendees learning from both speakers and each other.
Looking Ahead
The success of this meetup reinforces the value of regular, community-driven professional gatherings in the cybersecurity field. The next Security Network Munich meetup is scheduled for November 13th, continuing the monthly tradition of bringing together practitioners to share knowledge and experiences.
The evening at Accenture demonstrated how the combination of expert insights and community discussion creates a learning environment that benefits both newcomers and experienced professionals. As cyber threats continue to evolve, particularly with the integration of AI and the expansion of OT connectivity, such forums for knowledge sharing become increasingly valuable.
The Security Network Munich continues to provide a model for how professional communities can effectively support learning and collaboration in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Participation remains open to everyone, whether SNM members or simply those passionate about cybersecurity, maintaining the inclusive approach that has made these gatherings successful.
Disclaimer: This article was created with digital assistance: AI helped with research and formulation, while final editing and content responsibility remains exclusively with the author.