True stories
from the people defending
critical infrastructure.
Real conversations about OT security, ICS protection, SCADA, IT/OT convergence, AI, compliance, and the human side of keeping critical systems running. Hosted by Aaron Crow, founder of Corvo Security. 117+ episodes and counting.
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THE FULL SPECTRUM OF CYBERSECURITY
OT, IT, AI, compliance, leadership, incident response, and the messy human dynamics where most security programs actually live or die.
Protecting power plants, water utilities, manufacturing, and transportation. Grounded in NIST 800-82 and the Purdue Model.
Bridging the gap between IT and OT teams, technologies, and the mindsets that often divide them.
AI, cloud, quantum, and automation in industrial environments. Practical impact, not breathless hype.
NERC CIP, SANS Five ICS Critical Controls, risk-based approaches that go beyond checkbox audits.
Building trust between teams, developing talent, and navigating the organizational dynamics that determine whether security actually happens.
Real breach stories, tabletop exercises, and lessons from the people who took the call at 2 AM.
Hosted by Aaron Crow.
Aaron is the founder of Corvo Security and a long-time operator in OT, ICS, and enterprise cybersecurity. He started PrOTect IT All because most of the cybersecurity world either ignores the operational technology side or treats it like a foreign country.
The show is a long-form conversation with the practitioners actually doing the work: incident responders, control system engineers, CISOs, regulators, vendors, and the occasional skeptic. No vendor pitches. No scripted talking points.
ON AIR NOW
The most recent six episodes, pulled live from the show feed. Each link opens the episode page on protectitallpod.com.
OT Pen Testing: Why Trust, Culture & Hands-On Experience Matter Most
Effective OT penetration testing isn't just about finding vulnerabilities, it's about building trust. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by Oren Niskin and Reynaldo Gonzalez for an engaging discussion on the evolving role of penetration testing in operational technology (OT) environments. Drawing from years of experience in industrial operations, IT, and OT cybersecurity, Oren and Reynaldo explain why successful OT security assessments require far more than technical expertise. They explore how trust, communication, and collaboration help bridge the gap between security teams and operations, making penetration testing a valuable business tool rather than something to fear. The conversation also highlights the importance of diverse career paths, hands-on learning, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. From network segmentation and risk communication to creating realistic lab environments, this episode offers practical lessons for anyone responsible for securing critical infrastructure. Key Learnings: Why trust is essential for successful OT penetration testing How IT and operational experience strengthen OT security teams The value of network segmentation in reducing cyber risk Why "doing nothing" is no longer an acceptable cybersecurity strategy How organizations can bridge the gap between safety, operations, and security Practical ways to develop the next generation of OT cybersecurity professionals Key Moments: 07:00 Oren's technology and security approach 15:04 Discussing network security measures 19:16 Building Trust in Business Relationships 26:17 Understanding and planning security architecture 30:16 Network management and rule assessment 33:39 Managing and Assessing Tool Overload 38:39 Analyzing tool overlap and complementarity 48:41 Building a trusting team culture 49:48 Encouraging Open Communication 56:34 Getting into cybersecurity without IT experience 01:04:56 Entry-level ICS training courses Whether you're an OT engineer, penetration tester, security leader, or just beginning your cybersecurity journey, this episode delivers practical insights into protecting industrial environments while building stronger relationships across teams. Tune in to discover why the most successful OT penetration tests don't just identify vulnerabilities they build trust, strengthen teams, and improve security for the long term. About the guests: Oren Niskin is Principal OT Security Engineer at GuidePoint Security. His 20-year arc runs from the US Navy as a Nuclear Electrician's Mate, to Electronics Technician on offshore drilling rigs, to office OT/IT management, to OT cybersecurity consulting at EY, and now into OT cyber engineering at GuidePoint. He also runs Packets Or It Didn't Happen, a YouTube livestream where he builds a factory-realistic PLC and HMI training kit on camera (the open-source PLC Trainer Kit), aimed at helping newcomers get hands-on with OT for under $500. Link to connect Oren Niskin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenniskin/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PacketsOrItDidntHappen PLC Trainer Kit (GitHub): https://github.com/oniskin/PLC-Trainer-Kit LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/17708001/ Reynaldo Gonzalez is a recognized cybersecurity thought leader with 18+ years of experience...
Cybersecurity Leadership: Why People Matter More Than Technology
The biggest cybersecurity challenge isn't technology - it's people. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Swapnil Kachave for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to build high-performing cybersecurity teams in an era of AI, automation, and increasing cyber threats. Having built and led Security Operations Center (SOC) teams across five industries, Swapnil shares why successful cybersecurity programs are driven by leadership, communication, and continuous learning - not just the latest tools. Together, Aaron and Swapnil explore the growing impact of alert fatigue, burnout, workforce development, and the changing role of AI in modern security operations. They also discuss why "people debt" can become just as dangerous as technical debt and how organizations can create resilient teams prepared for the future. Key Moments: Why cybersecurity leadership is fundamentally about people How to reduce alert fatigue and improve SOC performance The importance of mentoring, training, and career development How AI is changing security operations - and the skills teams need next Why communication and empathy make better security leaders How organizations can prepare teams for emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing Whether you're leading a SOC, managing cybersecurity programs, or just beginning your security career, this episode delivers practical leadership lessons that extend far beyond technology. Key Moments: 06:04 Dealing with alert fatigue 07:55 Navigating SOC career growth 13:54 From network admin to new opportunities 14:41 Diverse career path overview 21:02 Translating tech issues for executives 23:41 Importance of Soft Skills in Tech 25:50 Prioritizing practical knowledge over trends 31:03 Prototyping and learning new skills 35:26 Using AI to validate ideas 37:57 Human awareness vs. tech evolution 41:32 Quality assurance in AI responses 42:40 Discussing AI system reliability 46:05 Accelerating processes with AI tools Tune in to discover why investing in people is still the most effective cybersecurity strategy - only on Protect It All. About the guest : Swapnil Kachave is a cybersecurity operations leader with extensive experience building and leading Security Operations Center (SOC) teams across five industries. Passionate about developing people as much as technology, Swapnil specializes in security operations, incident response, and leadership development. They focus on helping organizations build resilient cybersecurity teams by balancing technical excellence with communication, mentorship, and continuous learning in an increasingly AI-driven world. How to connect Swapnil: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swapniilkachave/ Website: https://www.optiv.com/= Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected] Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep116 X: https://twitter.com/protectitall YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll FaceBook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at...
Conficker Still Exists? The Hidden OT Malware Threat Putting Critical Infrastructure at Risk
Some of the biggest cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure aren't new - they've simply never gone away. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes back Lesley Carhart for a fascinating conversation about why decades-old malware like Conficker continues to infect operational technology (OT) environments around the world. Drawing on nearly two decades of industrial incident response experience, they share real-world stories from the front lines of critical infrastructure, explaining why legacy systems, operational constraints, and workforce shortages continue to make remediation incredibly challenging. The discussion goes far beyond "just patch it," exploring the difficult risk decisions organizations face when uptime, safety, and cybersecurity all compete for priority. Aaron and Lesley also examine one of the industry's most pressing issues: the growing shortage of OT cybersecurity talent and the need to rebuild foundational technical skills for the next generation of defenders. Key Learnings: Why malware like Conficker still exists in modern OT environments The unique challenges of removing malware from industrial control systems Why patching isn't always possible in operational technology How legacy infrastructure creates long-term cybersecurity risk The growing OT cybersecurity skills gap - and how the industry can address it Practical lessons from real-world industrial incident response Key Moments: 05:47 Challenges with Old Industrial Systems 06:58 Struggles with malware cleanup 11:02 Challenges in Cyber Security Careers 16:19 Dealing with malware spread 17:53 Managing infection risk long-term 23:04 Challenges with nuclear hardware upgrades 27:05 Training the Next Tech Generation 29:33 Importance of Computer Basics 34:04 Discovering hidden technical issues 37:01 Troubleshooting in industrial environments 39:10 Malware and botnets era 42:20 Developing low-touch security solutions Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, energy, transportation, or any critical infrastructure environment, this episode provides practical insight into one of OT cybersecurity's longest-running challenges. Tune in to discover why yesterday's malware is still creating today's biggest industrial cybersecurity problems - and what organizations can do about it. About the guest : Lesley Carhart is a Principal Industrial Incident Responder at Dragos and a recognized expert in OT and industrial cybersecurity. With nearly two decades of experience in incident response, digital forensics, and threat hunting, they help organizations defend critical infrastructure from cyber threats targeting industrial control systems. Lesley is also a respected speaker, instructor, and advocate for cybersecurity education, regularly sharing their expertise with industry professionals and the next generation of defenders. How to connect Lesley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lcarhart/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hacks4pancakes Bluesky : https://bsky.app/profile/hacks4pancakes.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hacks4pancakes/ Website: https://tisiphone.net/ Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected]
OT Cybersecurity: Why Trust Beats Technology | Jacob McCune | Ep 114
The biggest challenge in OT cybersecurity isn't technology - it's earning trust. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Jacob McCune, a cybersecurity architect with more than 20 years of hands-on experience across both IT and OT environments. Jacob shares his unconventional journey from the help desk to securing critical infrastructure, highlighting the lessons that only real-world experience can teach. Together, Aaron and Jacob explore why communication, collaboration, and trust are often the deciding factors between successful cybersecurity programs and failed initiatives. The conversation also dives into the future of OT security, examining how AI, cloud technologies, and evolving architectures are changing industrial environments and why organizations need to rethink traditional approaches while keeping operational realities front and center. Key Learning: Why trust is the foundation of successful OT cybersecurity programs How practical experience shapes better cybersecurity decisions The importance of communication between IT, OT, and leadership teams Why compliance alone doesn't guarantee security How AI and cloud technologies are reshaping OT environments What the future may look like beyond traditional industrial architectures Key Moments: 05:18 Building a Power Plant Team 09:06 Balancing cybersecurity with business needs 11:01 Avoiding project delays during downtime 16:04 Importance of Broad Experience 17:59 A mentor's lesson on teamwork 23:41 Challenges with job postings and requirements 26:27 Managing risk and resource challenges 29:59 Helping Your Compliance Team 33:12 Dad's long career and expertise 36:44 Discussing cybersecurity risk management 39:44 Cloud resources and AI discussions 41:08 Exploring future solutions and technologies Whether you're building an OT security program, managing critical infrastructure, or looking to grow your cybersecurity career, this episode delivers practical lessons from years of real-world experience. Tune in to discover why people, trust, and communication remain the most valuable assets in modern cybersecurity only on Protect It All. About the guest: Jacob McCune is a cybersecurity architect with more than 20 years of experience across IT and OT environments, helping organizations secure critical infrastructure through practical, real-world security strategies. From starting his career on the help desk to designing enterprise security architectures, Jacob has built a reputation for bridging the gap between IT and OT through collaboration, communication, and trust. He is passionate about helping organizations move beyond compliance to build resilient cybersecurity programs that protect both people and operations. Links to connect Jacob : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-mccune-33a08984/ CornCon Cybersecurity Conference : https://corncon.net/ Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected] Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep114 X: https://twitter.com/protectitall YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll FaceBook:
AI for OT Cybersecurity: Real-World Strategies to Protect Critical Infrastructure
AI is changing OT cybersecurity - but success still depends on understanding your operations. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Vivek Ponnada for a practical conversation about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations defend critical infrastructure. With decades of experience in industrial automation and OT security, Vivek shares firsthand insights into the realities of protecting legacy control systems while preparing for a future increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation. Together, Aaron and Vivek discuss how organizations can use AI to improve visibility, accelerate threat detection, prioritize vulnerabilities, and strengthen operational resilience, without losing sight of the fundamentals that keep industrial environments safe. Key Learning: How AI is transforming OT cybersecurity and industrial operations Practical AI use cases for protecting critical infrastructure Why legacy systems remain one of the biggest OT security challenges How AI can improve vulnerability management and incident response The role of digital twins in strengthening cyber resilience Why trust, collaboration, and operational knowledge remain essential in OT security Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, energy, water, or other critical infrastructure, this episode provides practical insights into balancing innovation with operational reliability. Tune in to discover how AI can strengthen OT cybersecurity while helping organizations protect the systems that keep the world running. Key Moments: 06:43 AI and cloud adoption in OT 13:27 Controller logic changes and safety steps 21:24 Discussing Digital Twins for Security Use 26:51 Managing vulnerabilities at scale 32:41 Understanding Power Plant Limitations 37:17 Keeping up with plant changes 41:43 Automating infrastructure and maintenance 49:08 Rising importance of cybersecurity investment 52:16 Early days in cybersecurity and OT 01:00:03 Ransomware impacts on industries 01:01:53 Using GPUs for security and OT About the guest : Vivek Ponnada is an Operational Technology (OT) Security practitioner with global experience and currently serves as the SVP of Growth & Strategy at Frenos, the world's first Simulated OT Pentesting Platform. Having started his career in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as a Technician, Vivek became a Controls Engineer and commissioned Gas Turbines in Europe, Middle-East, Africa and South-East Asia. Post MBA, Vivek held multiple roles in Sales, Marketing & Business Development and Services covering ICS and OT Security solutions for Critical Infrastructure industries (Power, Oil & Gas etc.) at GE, XenonCyber Dynamics and Nozomi Networks. He was a co-lead for the Top 20 Secure PLC Coding Practices Project and regularly speaks at Information Security Conferences. Vivek has a C.Eng. from IEI, MBA from McCombs (UT Austin) and holds the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert & GICSP certifications. He is a member of the ISA, ISACA, Public Safety Canada ICS Security Symposium Advisory Committee and is a CS2AI Fellow. How to connect Vivek: Frenos: https://frenos.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1ot/ Frenos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Frenos_Security Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected]
OT Cybersecurity That Works: Defense in Depth, AI Risks & Protecting Critical Infrastructure
When it comes to OT cybersecurity, the fundamentals still matter - even in the age of AI. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Caleb Davis for a practical discussion on securing industrial environments where uptime, safety, and resilience are non-negotiable. From legacy control systems and tight budgets to AI-powered threats and open-source security tools, Aaron and Caleb explore the real challenges organizations face every day - and the strategies that deliver meaningful protection without requiring massive investments. A major focus of the conversation is defense in depth: building multiple layers of protection, fostering trust between IT and OT teams, and strengthening foundational cybersecurity practices before chasing the latest technology. You'll learn: Why defense in depth remains the cornerstone of OT cybersecurity How to improve security in legacy industrial environments Practical ways to strengthen OT security - even with limited budgets Why asset inventory, segmentation, and basic cyber hygiene still matter most How AI is changing both offensive and defensive cybersecurity The importance of trust and collaboration between IT, engineering, and operations Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, water treatment, energy, or any critical infrastructure environment, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Tune in to learn how layered defenses, strong relationships, and proven fundamentals create resilient OT security programs - only on Protect It All. Key Moments: 05:41 PLCs and network security challenges 07:24 Challenges in Updating OT Systems 11:33 Impact of Downtime on Security 16:03 Using affordable cybersecurity tools 19:14 Building Trust in Business Deals 23:01 Security challenges in medical devices 25:49 Trust and IT implementation risks 28:35 Using AI for safer software updates 31:05 Cybersecurity best practices for plants 33:40 Balancing Security Costs and Business Needs 37:50 Nurturing OT like raising kids 41:20 AI and cybersecurity concerns About the guest : Caleb Davis is a founding member of SolaSec, a cybersecurity consulting firm specializing in advanced penetration testing for embedded and connected systems. Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, he holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler and is a patent-holding expert with vast experience in hardware and firmware security. Caleb leads deep technical assessments across a range of high-impact industries, including medical devices, automotive, industrial control systems, ATMs and financial terminals, aerospace components, and consumer electronics. His work focuses on secure design, trusted boot processes, cryptographic implementations, and threat modeling, helping organizations integrate security throughout the development lifecycle and align with industry and regulatory standards. How to connect Celeb : SolaSec: https://solasec.io LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-davis-400439100/ OTPCAP (OT PCAP analysis tool): https://github.com/SolaSec/otpcap Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected] Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep112 X:<...
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