The National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter’s 11th annual Cyber-Physical Systems Security Summit will bring military, industry, government and academic experts to Oakland University June 16-17 for two days of discussion centered on the fast-changing threats facing critical infrastructure, defense systems and connected technologies.
The summit, known as CPS3, is scheduled for June 16-17 at OU’s Oakland Center in Rochester. Organizers expect some 200 people to attend (CYBER (CPS3) Agenda | NDIA – Michigan Chapter).
Co-chairs Jennifer Tisdale and Dariusz Mikulski said this year’s program is designed around what they described as a more urgent threat environment, with sessions examining cyber conflict tied to geopolitical tensions surrounding the war with Iran, attacks on critical systems and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in both offensive and defensive cybersecurity.
Among the scheduled sessions are a fireside chat featuring Ryan Hilger, Ph.D., principal program manager for the U.S. Navy, a presentation on Iranian responses to “Operation Epic Fury” by John Doyle of Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, and a panel on foreign proximity threats to military and civilian assets.
The agenda also includes a capture-the-flag exercise introduction led by Sophia Kraus, a cyber engineer with General Dynamics Land Systems.
Tisdale said one of the defining differences this year is how prominently artificial intelligence is featured in the program.
“Rather than focusing only on traditional cyber tools and tactics, the summit will examine how AI is accelerating both attacks and defenses and forcing practitioners to respond faster to a growing volume of threats,” she said.
Mikulski said that reality is making cyber-physical security a broader public concern, not simply a defense issue.
“One of the summit’s priorities is helping attendees understand that cyber threats no longer stay confined to computer networks,” Mikulski said. “They can have immediate consequences for physical systems people rely on every day.
“The potential effects of attacks on power systems, water treatment facilities and other infrastructure are examples of why the summit will emphasize threats that can move quickly from the digital realm into everyday life,” he added.
Organizers said the event is also intended to connect defense-focused cybersecurity conversations with Michigan’s commercial strengths in automotive, manufacturing, mobility and emerging technology.
“Many of the issues discussed in military and government settings also have implications for civilian industries, particularly as vehicles, factories and other systems become more software-driven and interconnected,” Tisdale said.
That crossover is one reason the summit continues to draw engineers, cybersecurity practitioners, policymakers and researchers, according to the organizers.
“Michigan is well positioned to contribute because of its concentration of defense, automotive and advanced manufacturing expertise, all of which are increasingly dependent on secure connected systems,” Mikulski said.
Tisdale agreed, and said one of the goals for the summit is to keep it that way.
“One of the goals is to keep building a Michigan community that can share lessons across defense and civilian sectors while helping position the state as a player in cybersecurity, AI and cyber-physical systems innovation,” Tisdale said
