Cybersecurity in DCS Selection: Insights from Slawomir Kukla

SPEAKERS

Slawomir Kukla Security Associate Manager, Accenture

ABOUT THE SESSION

At the Oil & Gas Automation and Digitalization Conference 2023, Slawomir Kukla, a seasoned OT/ICS Security Associate Manager at Accenture, shared his unique perspective on the increasingly critical role of cybersecurity in Distributed Control System (DCS) selection. With 14 years of experience in developing and delivering automation systems across Poland and Europe, Slawomir is renowned for his ability to engineer purpose-fit solutions in control, safety, and auxiliary systems, while also tackling the complex security landscape within industrial control systems (ICS). 
 

Cybersecurity as a Strategic Priority in DCS Selection: 
As industrial environments grow more interconnected, the process of selecting a DCS has evolved beyond operational functionality—it now heavily leans on cybersecurity resilience. Slawomir emphasized that while DCS vendors bring cutting-edge innovations to the table, safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber threats must remain a top priority. 

He explored how gaps often emerge between vendors and end-users in their understanding and interpretation of cybersecurity standards. Bridging these gaps requires collaboration, open communication, and shared responsibility, ensuring that the final system meets not only technical needs but also robust security requirements. 
 

The Role of RFQs in Shaping Secure Solutions: 
A core element of Slawomir’s presentation centered on how Requests for Quotation (RFQs)—when infused with well-defined cybersecurity requirements—can influence the outcome of DCS procurement. While such specifications may lead to increased initial project costs, they are ultimately a proactive investment that mitigates the risk of costly breaches, downtime, and reputation damage. 

Slawomir shared compelling case studies demonstrating how precise cybersecurity expectations shaped vendor responses. These examples illustrated the impact of requirements on pricing, solution design, and vendor transparency. More importantly, they revealed how such requirements act as a litmus test for evaluating a vendor’s commitment to cybersecurity excellence. 
 

Balancing Innovation and Resilience: 
Slawomir’s session reinforced the idea that digital transformation in oil and gas must walk hand-in-hand with cyber resilience. The DCS of the future is not just a system to improve efficiency—it must be a fortress capable of withstanding evolving threats. Organizations must demand both technological advancement and security assurance from vendors, paving the way for safe and sustainable industrial operations. 
 

Key Topics: 
 

• Understanding the cybersecurity challenges between DCS vendors and end-users. 
• How cybersecurity-related requirements in RFQs can affect system pricing and complexity. 
• Real-world case studies on how specific cybersecurity clauses shaped vendor responses and strategies. 

For more on this conference or to access the session, reach out to us at info@ptnevents.com. 

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