The intersection of cybersecurity and the food industry takes center stage as Kristin Demoranville, founder and CEO of Anson Sage and host of Bytes and Bites, joins Derek Harp at Hack the Capitol 7.0. This compelling conversation reveals how digital systems impact every aspect of the food supply chain, from farming and production to transportation and storage.

Kristin highlights key vulnerabilities, including risks in automated farming equipment, robotic processing lines, and self-driving refrigerated trucks. She advocates for embedding cybersecurity into food safety practices to protect both trust and the integrity of what we eat. As the industry embraces groundbreaking innovations like AI and lab-grown food, addressing these challenges is more crucial than ever.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the urgent need for collaboration, awareness, and action to secure the systems that sustain our daily lives. This dialogue sheds light on the essential role of cybersecurity in ensuring a safe and reliable food supply for everyone.

In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, host Derek Harp welcomes Jay Warren, co-founder of ResetCon, to discuss the intersection of cybersecurity research, critical infrastructure, and collaborative defense strategies. Recorded live at Hack the Capitol 7.0, this conversation highlights the pressing need to close gaps between academia, offensive researchers, and critical industries.

Jay delves into the mission of ResetCon, an inaugural conference designed to connect academic researchers, defense experts, and key players from the civilian and commercial sectors. Together, they aim to anticipate emerging threats, mitigate risks, and reduce recovery times for critical systems. The discussion also explores the challenges of integrating IT and OT security teams, the importance of "cyber-informed engineering," and the need for secure-by-design principles.

Listeners will gain insights into the future of cybersecurity, including lessons learned from DARPA research, the importance of bridging silos, and how to build more resilient systems. Don’t miss this episode if you’re passionate about protecting critical infrastructure and fostering innovation.

Our host Derek Harp sits down with Adam Robbie, Head of OT Threat Research at Palo Alto Networks, live from Hack the Capitol 7.0. Adam shares critical insights into emerging cybersecurity challenges within Operational Technology (OT) environments, including findings from Palo Alto's extensive OT threat landscape research.

Listeners will hear about the top attack vectors impacting critical infrastructure: remote access vulnerabilities, supply chain risks, and lateral movement across networks. Adam discusses the importance of network segmentation, cross-team collaboration between IT and OT, and innovative tools like the Cyberwall, a hands-on demonstration environment showcasing real-world OT threats.

Whether you're an OT security professional or new to the field, this episode delivers practical takeaways to enhance your cybersecurity strategies. Don’t miss this engaging conversation focused on securing control systems and building stronger, collaborative defenses.

In this episode of the CS2AI Podcast, host Derek Harp dives deep into the evolving threats to national security and critical infrastructure with Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Recorded live at the Hack the Capitol 7.0 conference in Washington D.C., this episode sheds light on the increasing cyber vulnerabilities faced by the United States from nation-states like China and Russia, as well as criminal actors exploiting critical infrastructure. Mark shares his extensive experience and expertise, offering insights into how the U.S. government can better prepare and protect itself in the face of modern cyber threats.

Mark discusses the significant mismatch between the capabilities of the Department of Defense and intelligence agencies, and the authorities of civilian federal agencies responsible for protecting sectors like power, water, and transportation. He also highlights the pressing issue of underperforming federal agencies tasked with safeguarding critical infrastructure, and the dire need for a comprehensive, bipartisan approach to cybersecurity legislation. With over 32 years in the U.S. Navy and years of policy work in the federal government, Mark offers a unique perspective on the future of cybersecurity and what needs to change to address these challenges effectively.

One of the key takeaways from this episode is Mark’s call for a more cohesive strategy to defend against cyber threats and protect public safety and economic productivity. Despite the ongoing challenges, there’s a sense of hope as Mark emphasizes the bipartisan nature of cybersecurity solutions and the possibility of enacting meaningful changes. This conversation is essential for anyone involved in cybersecurity, national security, or government policy and provides crucial insights into the future of cyber defense in the United States.

Join Derek Harp and his guests from Rapid7—Lonnie Best, William Price, and Nicholas Butcher—as they delve into the critical challenges and exciting opportunities within the Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) cybersecurity landscape. Recorded live at Hack the Capitol 7.0, this episode highlights the growing demand for OT cybersecurity, innovative approaches to managing threats, and the evolving dynamics between IT and OT professionals.

In this episode, the panel discusses real-world examples of managing ICS threats, the nuances of integrating OT into traditional IT security frameworks, and the importance of trust and communication in bridging gaps between teams. Learn how managed security services are adapting to meet the unique demands of OT environments and why collaboration across roles and expertise is essential.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiring stories that highlight the importance of securing critical infrastructure in today’s evolving threat landscape.

Visit cs2ai.org to learn more about resources, events, and professional development opportunities in OT and ICS cybersecurity.

In this episode of the CS²AI Podcast, host Derek Harp is joined by Lucian Niemeyer, CEO of Building Cybersecurity, for an enlightening discussion on the critical importance of protecting operational technology (OT) systems. Recorded at the Hack the Capitol 7.0 conference, Lucian emphasizes the increasing threats to critical infrastructure posed by nation-state actors and other adversaries, describing the current landscape as a "Sputnik moment" for cybersecurity.

From vulnerabilities in water systems to the cyber-physical risks of modern vehicles, this conversation highlights the pressing need for a collective defense strategy. Lucian shares actionable insights on the roles of the private sector and national defense in addressing these challenges and calls for a bipartisan commitment to safeguard life-essential systems.

If you're curious about how cybersecurity intersects with human safety and national security, this episode is a must-listen. Learn about proactive measures, emerging frameworks, and how you can contribute to strengthening our defenses.

Derek Harp hosts Virginia "Ginger" Wright, a program manager at Idaho National Laboratory, known for her pioneering work in cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Ginger shares the history and importance of Cyber Informed Engineering (CIE) and how this engineering philosophy integrates safety protocols directly into the design of industrial systems, making them resilient against cyber threats. They discuss the origins of CIE in nuclear energy safety, the unique assets of Idaho National Laboratory, and the vital role engineers play in safeguarding critical infrastructure. Ginger also dives into practical resources like the Cyber Informed Engineering Implementation Guide, sharing how organizations and educators can adopt this methodology. Join us for insights into CIE’s impact on the future of OT and ICS cybersecurity.

In this episode, host Derek Harp sits down with Bryson Bort and Tom Van Norman, co-founders of ICS Village and creators of Hack the Capitol. They discuss the origins and evolution of Hack the Capitol, now in its seventh year, and the conference’s unique focus on bridging cybersecurity professionals with policy makers and industry leaders. They dive into the value of hands-on learning, the launch of Workforce Development Day, and the ongoing need for practical cybersecurity education and career opportunities for all. Bryson and Tom also highlight the significance of candor in the field and what attendees can look forward to at future conferences. Tune in for insights into the world of OT and ICS cybersecurity, hands-on training, and the importance of building community partnerships.

In this episode, the conversation centers on the critical role of operational technology (OT) security and the unique contributions of the S4 Conference. Dale Peterson shares his journey and insights into the challenges of underrepresentation in cybersecurity, especially for women and other groups, and highlights innovative scholarship initiatives aimed at bridging this gap. The discussion also delves into the evolving landscape of AI in cybersecurity, addressing both its potential and the complexities it brings. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on managing cybersecurity risks, prioritizing investments, and developing effective recovery strategies in OT environments. As we look forward to S4 2025 in Tampa, Florida, this episode offers a glimpse into the future of cybersecurity and the importance of resilience in our systems

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Roya Gordon as our guest. 

Roya is an executive industry consultant specializing in operational technology, cybersecurity, and Hexagon. She is a military veteran, an accomplished technologist, and a prolific speaker in our industry. Her creativity knows no bounds, encompassing her passion for the arts and her love of opera and symphonies. She is also an avid traveler and a super fun person to have around.

Roya brings a unique and engaging perspective to our discussion today. She shares her journey from a pre-law magnet program to becoming a skilled speaker in the Navy, highlighting the value of communication skills for conveying technical information to audiences and sharing the challenges and opportunities veterans face when breaking into the cybersecurity industry.

Stay tuned as Roya shares her invaluable insights and experiences, offering guidance for veterans aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field. You will not want to miss the wisdom and stories Roya shares with us today.

Show highlights:

• Roya shares her background as an army brat.
• Roya discusses her six-year experience in the Navy.
• How Roya gradually realized she was involved in technology through her Navy intelligence work
• Roya talks about her studies in international relations and national security after leaving the Navy and how she pivoted to studying cyber-warfare
• Roya landed a job as a security researcher at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) despite lacking an IT background.
• Roya talks about the foundational training she received in OT cybersecurity at INL. 
• How advanced tools often get underutilized due to a lack of trained personnel   
• Roya highlights the value of certifications. 
• How non-technical roles like journalism and event planning can offer entryways into the cybersecurity space.

Links and resources:

(CS)²AI 

Derek Harp on LinkedIn

Hexagon

Roya Gordon on LinkedIn