In this episode, Aaron is joined by Paul Shaver, an experienced OT security consultant from Mandiant, part of Google Cloud. Together, they navigate the nuanced landscape of operational technology (OT) cybersecurity.   The episode begins with Aaron recalling a critical incident at a power plant that underscores the potential pitfalls in OT environments. This sets the stage for a rich discussion on the evolution of OT technology, with Aaron and Paul reminiscing about primary domain controllers...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow addresses the pressing issue of cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. With their limited budgets and resources, these enterprises are often prime cyberattack targets. Aaron explains why these businesses are particularly vulnerable, the potentially devastating impacts of a cyber incident, and practical measures they can adopt to strengthen their cybersecurity without incurring significant costs. Listeners will uncover insights on establishing...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow is joined by Clint Bodungen, Director of Cybersecurity Innovation at Morgan Franklin Cyber and founder of Threatgen, alongside Michael Welch, Managing Director at Morgan Franklin Cyber. Together, they delve into the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Aaron kicks things off by discussing the importance of iterative processes and tabletop exercises in enhancing decision-making and preparedness. The conversation then...

In Episode 29, host Aaron Crow is joined by cybersecurity expert Jori VanAntwerp to delve into Power Grid Security and Redundancy. This episode explores the segmented design of the US power grid, addressing the challenges and necessary upgrades to mitigate cyber vulnerabilities. Jori highlights security monitoring gaps, the impact of hardware updates, and the cost implications of modernizing infrastructure. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of asset inventory and collaborative...

This episode delves into the world of cybersecurity with the esteemed guest, Ken Foster. With over 30 years of experience and a career that began in the Navy, Ken has comprehensive expertise in managing firewalls and antivirus systems and addressing today’s complex cybersecurity challenges. This episode, hosted by Aaron Crow, explores the evolving cybersecurity industry, emphasizing the crucial roles of mentorship and networking. Ken and Aaron discuss the strategic importance of aligning...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow takes a deep dive into the essential aspects of cyber hygiene.  As part of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month spotlight, Aaron discusses actionable steps to enhance your digital safety, whether at home or work. This episode covers everything from the significance of strong, unique passwords and multifactor authentication to keeping your software updated and recognizing phishing attacks.  Aaron also provides expert advice on securing home networks and introduces...

In this episode, Aaron Crow engages in an insightful conversation with Dennis Maldonado, Director of Technology for Harris, Fort Bend ESD 100. The discussion emphasizes the importance of resiliency in technology environments and how strategic planning can safeguard against unforeseen disasters without necessitating a complete technological overhaul. From his extensive experience, Dennis shares how effective communication and collaboration were critical during events like Hurricane Harvey. He...

Welcome to Episode 25 of the Protect It All podcast, titled "Funding OT Cybersecurity: Priority Setting and Practical Approaches." In this episode, host Aaron Crow tackles the pressing issue of securing Operational Technology (OT) systems in critical sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Although often overshadowed by IT security, the increasing number of OT system attacks makes it clear that underfunding is no longer an option. Aaron explores the unique challenges of OT...

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by Christopher Stein from Royal Caribbean Group to delve into the fascinating evolution of maritime technology. This discussion explores the dramatic journey ships have taken from their analog origins to becoming digitally advanced behemoths of the seas, emphasizing the critical importance of safety and redundancy. Listeners will understand how automation has revolutionized ship operations, allowing for reduced crew workload and...

In this insightful episode of Protect It All, titled "Why Cybersecurity Matters: Protecting Our Food Supply from Digital Threats with Kristin Demoranville," host Aaron Crow and guest Kristin Demoranville tackle the critical yet often overlooked role of cybersecurity in the food and agriculture industry. Kristin stresses the need to shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity measures to protect our complex food supply chains and ensure resilience. The discussion covers real-world cyber...

In this episode of Protect It All, titled "Tackling Tech Troubles: Inside the DFW Airport Cyber Incident and Wider Industry Challenges with Evan Morgan," host Aaron Crow explore the complexities of widespread tech issues, focusing on a recent cybersecurity incident at DFW Airport that affected over 1,000 machines. Guest Evan Morgan, founder of Cyber Defense Army, discusses the challenges of resolving such large-scale incidents and the importance of standardization and AI in...

In Episode 21 of "Protect It All," titled "Cybersecurity in Critical Industries: Lessons from Medical Devices to Automotive," host Aaron Crow is joined by experts David Leichner and Shlomi Ashkenazy to explore the multifaceted world of cybersecurity across various critical industries.    The conversation starts with Shlomi sharing a transformative personal experience in London, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's passions. David follows with a moment of realization about the critical...

In this episode of "Protect It All," hosts Aaron Crow and Neal Conlon discuss the upcoming Lone Star Cyber Shootout. Set to take place on September 6, 2024, at the prestigious Staccato Ranch in Florence, TX, this episode highlights the unique blend of cybersecurity expertise and personal development that participants can anticipate.   Neal and Aaron share their captivating professional journeys and discuss how their diverse backgrounds converge at the crossroads of trust, cybersecurity, and...

In Episode 19 of "Protect It All," titled "Lessons from CrowdStrike: Managing Risks in IT and OT Environments," Host Aaron Crow gets into the recent CrowdStrike Falcon platform incident that caused widespread system crashes and blue screens of death on Windows machines. Drawing from his extensive IT and OT experience, Aaron explains that the issue stemmed from a routine update error, not a cybersecurity attack. He explores why it had such a significant impact on major entities like airlines...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow dives into critical infrastructure and industrial control systems with special guests Matthew Miller and James Warne. Together, they introduce ResetCon—an upcoming conference to close the gap between technical research and practical applications in cybersecurity. Our listeners get an exclusive discount for attending ResetCon this year! Visit https://rstcon.org/2024/ and use the code PrOTect to receive a 10% discount on your tickets.   The discussion highlights...

Welcome back to *Protect It All*! In Episode 17, host Aaron Crow is joined by Andrew Ginter, VP of Industrial Security at Waterfall Security Solutions, to dive deep into secure remote access for Operational Technology (OT) systems. They explore the cutting-edge HERA (Hardware Enforced Remote Access) technology, which offers a revolutionary approach to remote control via TPM hardware, unidirectional gateways, and stringent encryption protocols.  This episode covers everything from the critical...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow delves into IT OT convergence, a crucial yet often misunderstood topic. Listeners will gain insights into the distinct differences between IT and OT, the challenges of integrating these fields, and the reasons behind the historical mistrust between IT and OT teams. Aaron discusses how technology might be similar, but the roles and impacts are starkly different—with IT focusing on corporate environments and OT handling mission-critical operations like power...

In this episode, Aaron Crow and special guest Joseph Perry dive deeply into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. The episode explores the integration of commercial off-the-shelf systems into OT environments, highlighting how this transition brings similar security challenges from the IT sector into play. Throughout their discussion, Aaron and Joseph tackle the complex vulnerabilities, the resistance to adopting new technologies, and the critical necessity of tailored security measures....

In this episode, our host, Aaron Crow, explores the intriguing world of OT cybersecurity products.   This episode explores the key differences between IT and OT, the challenges faced in OT environments, and how some IT products can actually be adapted for OT use.   Aaron explains why availability and safety take precedence in OT settings, from power plants to manufacturing lines, and how traditional IT cybersecurity measures need to be tailored for these unique environments. He also discusses...

Welcome to Episode 13 of Protect It All! This episode features Philip Huff, a professor at UA Little Rock and a cybersecurity expert. He explores the promise of AI in education, especially for robotics and automation, while cautioning against the erosion of educational rigor. Philip and host Aaron Crow discuss the importance of hands-on learning and real-world experience in aligning educational standards with industry needs. They delve into the role of industry partnerships, the necessity of...

In this episode, our host Aaron Crow, sits down with Dr. Anmol Agarwal, a distinguished security professional at Nokia and adjunct professor specializing in machine learning. Together, they dive deep into machine learning, AI, and cutting-edge telecommunications technologies. They uncover how vast amounts of data are crucial for training machine learning models to detect anomalies and prevent cyber threats, particularly in the telecommunications industry. Dr. Agarwal also sheds light on the...

In this episode, host Aaron Crow interviews Kevin Walter, an expert in vehicle security, about the growing cybersecurity and safety risks in modern vehicles. Kevin, with a master’s degree in cybersecurity and extensive experience in vehicle systems like the CAN bus, shares his insights into the hidden vulnerabilities within today's cars. The discussion covers key topics such as the challenges automakers face in updating vehicle software, the real-world implications of vehicle...

In Episode 10 of Protect It All, titled "Tools and Techniques for Better Network Visibility and Vulnerability Management with Kylie McClanahan," host Aaron Crow and guest Kylie McClanahan dive into the critical elements of enhancing cybersecurity through advanced tools and strategies. Kylie, CTO of a company specializing in this field, shares her insights on overcoming the challenges of consistent naming conventions, accurate vendor data, and breaking down silos for effective communication...

Summary The conversation covers various topics related to cybersecurity, including offensive security, IoT devices, hidden threats in cables, advanced hacking devices, privacy concerns with smart devices, cyber hygiene, securing personal data, risks of social media platforms, importance of cybersecurity education, government regulations, and trends in cybersecurity for 2024. The conversation explores the prevalence of social engineering attacks and the effectiveness of generative AI in social...