Rising Threats Demand Smarter Security: Tips For Evolving Automation Software In Our Cybersecurity-First Era

Automation software is evolving rapidly as cybersecurity threats increase and industry standards continue to mature.
June 16, 2026
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Standards such as IEC 62443, ISO 9001, and CMMC are shaping how vendors design, develop, and maintain software, while communication protocols continue to evolve to support modern security requirements.

Some technologies have advanced significantly, with OPC evolving to OPC UA to support encryption and certificate-based security, and BACnet/SC introducing secure communication through authentication and encryption. Others, such as SNMP, have progressed more gradually across versions, with SNMPv3 introducing enhanced security capabilities.

Understanding how these standards and technologies are evolving is critical for organizations that rely on automation systems to run operations safely and efficiently. In response to these changes, automation software vendors are rethinking development practices, security models, and product lifecycle strategies to meet rising expectations for quality, reliability, and protection. This shift includes the adoption of secure development lifecycles, automated testing, and stronger authentication methods for system access.

This session explores how automation software vendors are responding to these shifts and what those changes mean in practice. Attendees will gain insight into modern secure development approaches, evolving communication standards, authentication strategies, and the growing need for continuous updates to maintain both functionality and security.


Key Topics:

  • Industry standards shaping automation software development (IEC 62443, ISO 9001, CMMC)
  • Evolution of communication protocols for secure data exchange (OPC UA, BACnet/SC, SNMPv3)
  • Secure development practices and automated testing frameworks
  • Authentication methods and access control strategies for automation systems
  • Continuous updates and release strategies for security and performance
  • Practical cybersecurity best practices for real-world automation environments

Josh Obal

Senior Product Security Lead

Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions

Josh Obal is the Senior Product Security Lead at Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions, where he heads the Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT). In this role, he leads security incident response efforts, coordinates internal and external communications, and drives initiatives around security compliance, certifications, and secure development lifecycle (SDL) practices. He also oversees ongoing monitoring and reporting of secure development activities across the organization.

With a strong background in software engineering and team leadership, Josh brings hands-on expertise across both front-end and back-end technologies. He has successfully managed software development teams and projects, while also playing a key role in the planning and execution of ISO 9001 and IEC 62443 compliance programs.

Josh combines deep technical knowledge with a practical, process-driven approach to security, helping organizations strengthen product resilience while aligning with industry standards and best practices.

Chris McNamara

Head of Content

Automation World

Chris McNamara joined Automation World in early 2026, after a role leading communications for a data-analytics firm focused on energy distribution. Prior, he served as editor-in-chief for Smart Industry magazine, covering the breadth of digital transformation in the industrial space. Chris' contributions can be found in AW's print and online editions and custom projects, including webinars and podcasts. Earlier in his career, Chris held editorial-leadership roles in the education field, the information-system vertical, and in zoology.