Are You Prepared for the Future of OT Security? Meet BlastWave at S4x25!

The S4x25 Conference is the ultimate gathering for those on the frontlines of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. Hosted by Digital Bond, this event is known for bringing together top cybersecurity experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss, debate, and develop strategies for protecting critical infrastructure. And in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever.

BlastWave is heading to S4x25 to engage with the best in OT security, share insights, and demonstrate why our approach to Zero Trust security is precisely what industries like oil & gas and manufacturing need to combat the growing cyber threats. But before we dive into that, let’s look at some of the most significant recent cybersecurity developments affecting OT environments.

The OT Cybersecurity Headlines You Can’t Ignore

Cyberattack on Halliburton: A Wake-Up Call for Oil & Gas Security

In August 2024, Halliburton, a global oilfield services giant, fell victim to a significant cyberattack that disrupted operations at its north Houston campus and interfered with global network connectivity. The breach resulted in unauthorized access and data exfiltration, leading to a pre-tax charge of $35 million and impacting adjusted earnings. This incident underscores the vulnerabilities in OT environments and highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures.

Forescout 2024 Threat Report: What’s Coming in 2025

The Forescout 2024 Threat Report outlines the growing cyber risks for OT in 2025, primarily driven by geopolitical instability and the rising financial toll of cyberattacks. Key takeaways include:

• A 114% increase in observed attacks compared to the previous year, totaling 900 million attacks.
• Increasing attacks on OT protocols such as Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
• A push for IT-OT integration, requiring enhanced security solutions.
• More frequent breaches targeting critical infrastructure.

These trends align directly with BlastWave’s mission—to secure industrial networks with a zero-trust approach that eliminates common attack vectors.

‍CISA’s 30 New ICS Advisories (January 2025): The Expanding Threat Landscape

‍The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released 30 new advisories in January 2025 addressing vulnerabilities in Industrial Control Systems (ICS). These advisories, issued across multiple dates throughout the month, highlight critical security gaps in OT-heavy industries like energy, manufacturing, and logistics.

Organizations failing to implement CISA’s recommended mitigations risk operational shutdowns, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. The advisories underscore the increasing cyber threats facing industrial environments and emphasize the urgent need for robust security solutions.

‍We Protect Your Firewalls (And Everything Behind Them)

‍Let’s face it—legacy security solutions like VPNs and firewalls are relics of the past. Attackers easily bypass them, exploiting vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and outdated protocols. Traditional firewalls create a false sense of security, leaving industrial networks exposed to sophisticated threats that can circumvent perimeter defenses.

At BlastWave, we take security beyond traditional firewalls with BlastShield—a modern, Zero Trust solution purpose-built for OT security. Our approach eliminates common attack vectors, reduces complexity, and provides a frictionless yet highly secure environment for critical infrastructure.

‍Why Traditional Security Solutions Are Failing

• Firewalls create visible attack surfaces – By design, open firewall ports provide entry points for adversaries to scan and exploit.
• VPN vulnerabilities – Attackers use stolen credentials, phishing, and session hijacking to gain unauthorized access.
• Lateral movement risks – Once inside, attackers can easily navigate across networks and escalate privileges due to a lack of segmentation.
• High maintenance and complexity – Traditional security stacks require constant updates, complex policies, and still leave gaps.

What Makes BlastShield Different?

• Phishing-resistant authentication: No usernames, passwords, or MFA codes to steal.
• Cloaked network architecture: No open ports or exposed attack surface makes your network undiscoverable to attackers.
• Ultra-secure remote access: Provides secure remote connectivity without the credentials vulnerabilities associated with traditional VPNs.
• Software-defined microsegmentation: Creates secure zones and conduits, preventing lateral movement by isolating devices and users and reducing attack surfaces.
• Easy deployment: Easy migration within the existing infrastructure without requiring costly rip-and-replace upgrades.

By eliminating these common vulnerabilities, BlastShield ensures that even if attackers get past perimeter defenses, they won’t get far—because there’s nowhere to go.

‍If you’re serious about OT security, it’s time to rethink how you protect your network.

‍Meet Us at S4x25

‍BlastWave will be at S4x25 to talk about the future of OT cybersecurity, demonstrate how BlastShield secures critical infrastructure, and answer your most challenging security questions.

Want to learn more? Schedule a meeting with us at S4x25 or visit our website: BlastWave.com.

Let’s redefine OT security together. See you in Miami!