Rittal to demonstrate the importance of physical IT security at Cybersec Europe
Rittal, a global player in enclosure technology and IT infrastructure, will be present at this year’s Cybersec Europe. With its product portfolio designed for the housing, climate control and security of servers and data centres, the market leader at the trade fair aims to emphasise the importance of sound physical IT security, which companies should not overlook when setting up the necessary cybersecurity to protect their data. Koen Van Hende, product manager IT infrastructure at Rittal, looks forward to interacting with partners and customers at Cybersec, gathering valuable market insights to further strengthen the Rittal portfolio.
The urge of physical and digital security
What cybersecurity trends are shaping the industry?
Koen Van Hende: Companies are investing millions in digital security, implementing initiatives aimed at training employees in recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats. That is the way forward. However, physical security is just as important as digital security. Not only is it crucial to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data through digital channels, but also to ensure that no one illegitimately gains physical access to the server racks housing those data. This can be achieved through monitoring, access control, and other security measures. Raising awareness about these solutions is essential, making employees understand the risks and the importance of physical security. For Rittal, that is one of our goals at Cybersec Europe.
Industry implements more IT applications
Additionally, we notice that IT applications get implemented more frequently in industrial environments. This creates additional challenges, as traditional IT solutions, such as standard server cabinets, are often unsuitable for these conditions. Factors like IP and IK ratings or risk of impact damage or damage through dust, corrosion, erosion and extreme temperature fluctuations are often ignored. These aspects are well known in the industrial sector and are considered essential requirements. However, in the IT sector, they are less familiar, as IT solutions have traditionally been deployed in controlled environments such as “white spaces.” Therefore it is important to increase awareness and better align IT solutions with the specific demands of industrial environments.
Increasingly higher demand for cooling capacities
How does your organization address cybersecurity opportunities?
Koen Van Hende: The challenges posed by cybersecurity drive us to continuously innovate and develop solutions that can withstand future cyber threats while supporting new technological advancements. That’s why we are heavily investing in direct liquid cooling, integrating water cooling directly into server racks in data centers. As racks demand increasingly higher cooling capacities—especially for AI applications—we continue to push boundaries and seize new opportunities to benefit the market.
Allignment with market needs
Why is Cybersec Europe an essential industry event?
Koen Van Hende: As a manufacturer, we are eager to become inspired by new market insights, allowing us to incorporate them into our product development. Cybersec Europe is therefore the ideal opportunity for us to engage directly with customers and experts, exchange ideas, and assess whether our innovations align with market needs.
At the same time, this trade show allows us to showcase our products in a real-life environment, giving businesses a tangible view of the available possibilities. Visitors traditionally highly appreciate this physical aspect, as it provides them with a hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of our solutions.
Sharing challenges
What is the value of in-person networking and knowledge sharing?
Koen Van Hende: In-person meetings allow for deeper, more candid conversations, which generate lasting professional relationships. They also encourage spontaneous idea exchanges that rarely take place in virtual formats. Networking accelerates collaboration on emerging threats and solutions. It helps align industry efforts toward shared challenges. That’s why I am personally looking forward to attending Cybersec Europe.
