In this episode, host Aaron Crow gets into one of the most pressing issues facing our future power grid: the explosive impact of AI, electric vehicles, and data centers on energy demand and what happens when cybersecurity gets left out of the equation. 

As Texas and other states stare down a projected 50% surge in peak energy load by 2030, Aaron shares firsthand insights from his decades in the power utility industry and raises urgent questions about how we’re building the next generation of critical infrastructure.

From the logistical nightmare of charging a million electric cars in urban apartment complexes to the cold reality that most new power plants are being commissioned without cybersecurity in mind, Aaron pulls back the curtain on missed opportunities and potential threats. 

Why isn’t OT security part of major DOE planning reports? Who’s responsible for managing cyber risks in this rapidly evolving landscape? And what’s at stake if we don’t build security into our systems from day one?

If you’re in IT, OT, operations, or simply care about keeping the lights on in our data-driven world, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Tune in as Aaron calls for a united front: making cybersecurity a non-negotiable priority in the grid transformation ahead.

Key Moments: 

01:12 "Urgent Power Capacity Boost by 2030"

05:21 Electric Car Charging Challenges

08:59 System Vulnerabilities and Design Flaws

10:01 Cybersecurity: Everyone's Responsibility

15:20 Complexity of Grid Black Start Process

18:53 Urgency in Tech and Power Security

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow dives deep into the fast-evolving world of AI automation and its impact on cybersecurity. Aaron breaks down practical, real-world ways security professionals can leverage AI to streamline their workflows without breaking data loss prevention policies or putting proprietary information at risk. 

From drafting reports and playbooks to automating repetitive tasks and managing vulnerability data, Aaron offers actionable advice for using both public AI tools like ChatGPT and more advanced private AI models. He also addresses common fears CISOs and business leaders have about unsanctioned AI use in the workplace and shares tips for staying safe and compliant while taking advantage of AI’s efficiencies. 

Whether you’re in a large enterprise or a lean team with limited resources, you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on how to use AI responsibly to work smarter and protect your organization. Plus, Aaron invites listeners to share their own creative AI use cases and lessons learned. Let’s jump in and explore how to protect it all as AI advances.

Key Moments : 

01:20 AI's Rising Role in Media

03:22 Guidelines for Using AI Safely

07:06 "AI Integration and Automation Strategies"

10:03 Automating Windows Management Tasks

14:29 Exploring AI for Personal Tasks

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow dives deep into the fast-evolving world of AI automation and its impact on cybersecurity. Aaron breaks down practical, real-world ways security professionals can leverage AI to streamline their workflows without breaking data loss prevention policies or putting proprietary information at risk. 

From drafting reports and playbooks to automating repetitive tasks and managing vulnerability data, Aaron offers actionable advice for using both public AI tools like ChatGPT and more advanced private AI models. He also addresses common fears CISOs and business leaders have about unsanctioned AI use in the workplace and shares tips for staying safe and compliant while taking advantage of AI’s efficiencies. 

Whether you’re in a large enterprise or a lean team with limited resources, you’ll come away with a fresh perspective on how to use AI responsibly to work smarter and protect your organization. Plus, Aaron invites listeners to share their own creative AI use cases and lessons learned. Let’s jump in and explore how to protect it all as AI advances.

Key Moments : 

01:20 AI's Rising Role in Media

03:22 Guidelines for Using AI Safely

07:06 "AI Integration and Automation Strategies"

10:03 Automating Windows Management Tasks

14:29 Exploring AI for Personal Tasks

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

Welcome back to Protect It All! In this episode, host Aaron Crow sits down with longtime friend and OT cybersecurity veteran Brian Proctor for a deep dive into the current state—and future—of the OT cyber landscape. Together, they trade stories from the front lines, reflecting on how their early experiences as asset owners shaped their passion for innovation and helping critical infrastructure run safely and securely.

Brian, whose career spans roles from OT engineer to startup co-founder, opens up about his journey—highlighting his drive to push the boundaries of traditional OT security and the evolution of key industry technologies. The conversation explores everything from the persistent lack of innovation in OT, to AI’s growing role in tackling the daunting challenges of risk reduction, visibility, and scaling assessments across sprawling environments.

If you’ve ever wondered how new tech like AI is reshaping industrial cybersecurity, why “we’ve always done it this way” just doesn’t cut it anymore, or how organizations can realistically stay ahead without breaking the bank, this episode delivers honest insights, practical advice, and a look toward an exciting, if sometimes daunting, future.

So grab your headphones and settle in as Aaron and Brian share stories, hot takes, and strategies designed to protect it all—because in critical infrastructure, the stakes have never been higher.

Key Moments: 

06:45 OT Cyber Industry Evolution

11:57 Evolving Challenges in OT Security

19:34 Bridging the OT Security Skills Gap

21:54 Enhancing OT Security Understanding

30:46 AI Model Security Challenges

34:26 Rapid Scaling for Site Assessments

40:56 Simulating Cyber Threat Responses

47:19 Operational Priorities: Equipment vs. Cyber Tools

49:30 Focus on Meaningful Security Metrics

56:30 Rapid AI Adoption vs. Internet

01:02:12 Cybersecurity: Small Targets are Vulnerable

About the guest : 

Brian Proctor is a cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience protecting critical infrastructure across energy, industrial automation, and operational technology sectors. As the co-founder and CEO of Frenos, he empowers critical infrastructure operators to proactively secure their environments against evolving cyber threats.

Brian built his foundation in ICS/OT cybersecurity during his 13+ year tenure at two progressive California Investor Owned Utilities, San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison serving the 2nd and 8th largest cities in the United States. He managed a team of 15 security engineers and researchers across 150+ projects, established OT security roadmaps, and co-invented an R&D Magazine Top 100 award-winning GPS anti-spoofing mitigation technology that earned him a patent.

Brian has published IEEE papers on security monitoring, served as Critical Infrastructure Co-Chair for Securing Our eCity, and regularly speaks at conferences to educate and build the ICS/OT cybersecurity community. He holds technical certifications including GICSP, CISSP, and CRISC, along with a Business Administration degree from the University of San Diego.

Links: 

https://frenos.io/services - Learn more about Optica, the industry's first tech-enabled rapid OT visibility service 

https://frenos.io/autonomous-ot-security-assessment-platform - Learn more about how to automate OT security risk assessments

Connect Brian : https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianproctor67/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow sits down with OT security expert Justin Searle, Director of ICS Security at InGuardians, for a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of OT and IT cybersecurity. 

With over 25 years of experience, ranging from hands-on engineering and water treatment facilities to red-team penetration testing on critical infrastructures such as airports and power plants, Justin brings a wealth of insight and real-world anecdotes.

This episode unpacks what it really takes to assess and secure operational technology environments. Whether you’re a C-suite executive, a seasoned cyber pro, or brand new to OT security, you’ll hear why network expertise, cross-team trust, and careful, collaborative engagement with engineers are so crucial when testing high-stakes environments. Aaron and Justin also discuss how the industry has matured, the importance of dedicated OT cybersecurity teams, and why practical, people-first approaches make all the difference, especially when lives, reliability, and national infrastructure are on the line.

Get ready for actionable advice, hard-earned lessons from the field, and a candid look at both the progress and the ongoing challenges in protecting our most critical systems.

Key Moments: 

05:55 Breaking Into Cybersecurity Without Classes

09:26 Production Environment Security Testing

13:28 Credential Evaluation and Light Probing

14:33 Firewall Misconfiguration Comedy

19:14 Dedicated OT Cybersecurity Professionals

20:50 "Prioritize Reliability Over Latest Features"

24:18 "IT-OT Convergence Challenges"

29:04 Patching Program and OT Security

32:08 Complexity of OT Environments

35:45 Dress-Code Trust in Industry

38:23 Legacy System Security Challenges

42:15 OT Cybersecurity for IT Professionals

43:40 "Building Rapport with Food"

47:59 Future OT Cyber Risks and Readiness

51:30 Skill Building for Tech Professionals

About the Guest : 

Justin Searle is the Director of ICS Security at InGuardians, specializing in ICS security architecture design and penetration testing.  He led the Smart Grid Security Architecture group in the creation of NIST Interagency Report 7628 and played critical roles in the Advanced Security Acceleration Project for the Smart Grid (ASAP-SG), National Electric Sector Cybersecurity Organization Resources (NESCOR), and Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP).  

Justin has taught hacking techniques, forensics, networking, and intrusion detection courses for multiple universities, corporations, and security conferences.  His current courses at SANS and Black Hat are among the world's most attended ICS cybersecurity courses.  Justin is currently a Senior Instructor for the SANS Institute and a faculty member at IANS. In addition to electric power industry conferences, he frequently presents at top international security conferences such as Black Hat, DEFCON, OWASP, HITBSecConf, Brucon, Shmoocon, Toorcon, Nullcon, Hardware.io, and AusCERT.  

Justin leads prominent open-source projects, including The Control Thing Platform, Samurai Web Testing Framework (SamuraiWTF), and Samurai Security Testing Framework for Utilities (SamuraiSTFU).  He has an MBA in International Technology and is a CISSP and SANS GIAC certified Incident Handler (GCIH), Intrusion Analyst (GCIA), Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT), and GIAC Industrial Control Security Professional (GICSP)

How to connect Justin: 

https://www.controlthings.io

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meeas/

Email: [email protected]

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Pedro Umbelino, Principal Research Scientist at BitSight, for an insightful and lively conversation recorded shortly after they met at RSA. Pedro shares stories of his early days in computing, from scavenging parts as a kid to teaching himself programming on a ZX Spectrum. The discussion quickly dives into critical cybersecurity issues across the interconnected worlds of IT and OT, focusing on dramatic vulnerabilities in Automatic Tank Gauges (ATGs) at gas stations—exposing ways attackers could cause significant physical damage and even spark major operational disruptions, all through insecure legacy protocols.

Pedro also brings attention to a ticking time bomb: the “Year 2038” problem, where millions (if not billions) of 32-bit systems might fail due to an epoch time rollover—an issue that could have consequences reminiscent of Y2K, but on a potentially broader scale, especially for OT and critical infrastructure.

Throughout the episode, Aaron and Pedro share practical strategies, lessons from the field, and the sobering reminder that many of these vulnerabilities are still lurking below the surface. The conversation highlights the importance of awareness, collaboration across industry and ISPs, and a proactive approach to understanding and hardening both new and legacy systems. Whether you're an OT engineer, a security researcher, or just curious about what it means to truly “protect it all,” this episode offers a fascinating look at the evolving landscape of digital and physical security risks.

Key Moments:

06:37 Letting Go of Old Memories

15:12 Refueling Spill Risks Concern Technicians

17:37 Understanding Risks Beyond Fear

23:24 Internet Exposure Risks for OT Devices

32:17 Global Cyber Incident Response Challenges

35:30 Legacy System Challenges

39:19 Unidentified Cyber Assets Risk

48:41 "Understanding the Epochalypse Project's Challenges"

49:31 Testing System Vulnerabilities at Scale

55:12 Tech Vulnerabilities Analogous to Y2K

01:03:08 Challenges in OT Modernization

About the Guest:

Pedro Umbelino currently holds the position of Principal Research Scientist at Bitsight Technologies and brings over a decade of experience in dedicated security research.

⁤His eclectic curiosity has led to the uncovering of vulnerabilities spanning a gamut of technologies, highlighting critical issues in multiple devices and software, ranging from your everyday smartphone to household smart vacuums, from the intricacies of HTTP servers to the nuances of NFC radio frequencies, from vehicle GPS trackers to protocol-level denial of service attacks. 

Pedro is committed to advancing cybersecurity knowledge and has shared his findings at prominent conferences, including Bsides Lisbon, DEF CON, Hack.lu and RSA.

How to connect Pedro :
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedroumbelino/
X: https://x.com/kripthor
Website: https://www.bitsight.com/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow sits down with Dean Parsons, one of the most recognized names in the OT and industrial control systems (ICS) security world, for a candid and insightful conversation.

Join Aaron and Dean as they explore what it truly takes to bridge the worlds of IT and OT. Drawing from decades of industry experience, their discussion covers everything from building trust across teams, to the superpower of understanding both operational technology and cybersecurity. Expect real-world stories, practical advice on breaking into OT cybersecurity, and memorable lessons from the plant floor to the boardroom.

They also break down what makes OT security fundamentally different from traditional IT approaches, why risk-based strategies are essential, and how building relationships, sometimes over donuts and coffee—can be just as important as deploying firewalls and patching systems. Whether you’re new to ICS and OT security, or a seasoned defender looking for fresh perspective, this episode brings actionable tips, honest assessments, and inspiration to help you better protect what matters most.

So grab your hard hat (and maybe a box of donuts!), and get ready for a masterclass on collaboration, building skills, and why trust is the real currency in the fight to secure our critical infrastructure.

Key Moments: 

05:32 Listening Over Speaking in Legacy Spaces

07:01 IT Security Teamwork and Trust

11:21 Cost-Efficient ICS Security Solutions

15:42 Converging Skill Sets in IT Security

17:36 OT vs IT: Different Risks

22:28 Prioritizing Post-Assessment Actions

23:20 Prioritize SANS ICS Critical Controls

29:31 Engineering Perspective on Critical Assets

30:47 Detecting Misuse of Control Systems

35:52 Collaborative Incident Response Dynamics

39:03 Remote Hydroelectric Plant Journey

40:45 Building Trust with Baked Goods

44:55 "Safety Crucial in Facility Disruptions"

48:50 ICS Security: Closing Safety Gaps

53:37 Enhancing ICS Security Controls

57:18 "ICS Summit and LinkedIn Activities"

About the guest : 

Dean is the CEO and Principal Consultant of ICS Defense Force and brings over 20 years of technical and management experience to the classroom. He has worked in both Information Technology and Industrial Control System (ICS) Cyber Defense in critical infrastructure sectors such as telecommunications, electric generation, transmission, distribution, and oil & gas refineries, storage, and distribution, and water management. Dean is an ambassador for defending industrial systems and an advocate for the safety, reliability, and cyber protection of critical infrastructure. His mission as an instructor is to empower each of his students, and he earnestly preaches that “Defense is Do-able!” 

Over the course of his career, Dean’s accomplishments include establishing entire ICS security programs for critical infrastructure sectors, successfully conducting industrial-grade incident response and tabletops, ICS digital forensics, and ICS/OT Cybersecurity assessments across multiple sectors. As a SANS Principal Instructor, Dean teaches ICS515: ICS Visibility, Detection, and Response, is a co-author of the SANS Course ICS418: ICS Security Essentials for Managers and an author of SANS ICS Engineer Technical Awareness Training. Dean is a member of the SANS GIAC Advisory Board and holds many cybersecurity professional certifications including the GICSP, GRID, GSLC, and GCIA, as well as the CISSP®, and holds a BS in computer science. When not in the field, Dean spends tine chasing icebergs off the coast of Newfoundland on a jetski, or writing electric 80s inspired electronic music in this band Arcade Knights.

Resources Mentioned: 

5 ICS Cybersecurity Critical Controls: https://www.sans.org/white-papers/five-ics-cybersecurity-critical-controls/

SANS ICS Cybersecurity Summit: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/ics-security-summit-2025/

How to connect Dean: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-parsons-cybersecurity/

https://www.sans.org/profiles/dean-parsons/

Dean’s Book:

https://www.amazon.com/ICS-Cybersecurity-Field-Manual-EXCLUSIVE/dp/B0CGG6GMHW/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow dives deep into the intersection of IT and OT cybersecurity with special guest Gavin Dilworth—a plant operator turned automation engineer and cybersecurity expert. Listen in as Gavin shares his candid and often humorous journey from factory floors to global consulting, including how a workplace near-miss sparked his “lightbulb moment” about the similarities between health and safety and cybersecurity.

Aaron and Gavin discuss everything from operators’ creative workarounds on the plant floor, to the importance of trust and rapport between IT and OT teams, and why having hands-on experience is key to building effective cybersecurity programs in critical infrastructure environments. 

You’ll also hear real-world stories of technology mishaps, the critical role of plant culture, and the practical challenges organizations face in securing legacy systems while keeping operations running.

If you want honest, relatable insights and actionable advice on bridging the IT-OT divide—and a few laughs along the way—this episode is for you.

Key Moments: 

10:12 Operator Rounds and RFID Challenges

12:56 Operators' Ingenuity and Knowledge

21:29 IT vs. OT: Firmware Update Challenges

26:49 Understanding and Accepting Risk

28:12 Standards, Frameworks, and Continuity

33:08 High Voltage Safety Precautions

40:41 Bridging OT and IT Skills

43:46 Cybersecurity Cross-Training Surge

52:38 CISO Knowledge Gap in OT Security

54:32 "Experience: Essential for Understanding"

01:03:34 DCS System Configuration Challenges

01:06:52 Neglecting Redundancy Risks Operations

01:11:00 Optimizing Underutilized IT Resources

01:20:04 "Understanding Systems Before Advice"

01:22:06 Old Cables Remain Untouched

About the guest : 

Gavin Dilworth’s career took an unconventional path. As a plant operator, he was tasked with keeping production running smoothly and monitoring sensor readings, both on the computer and around the factory. However, Gavin was never quite the model operator—rather than dutifully making rounds and comparing readings, he often found himself absorbed in books, dreaming of a future in IT. Though he laughs about being a “pretty terrible operator,” Gavin’s story reflects his early drive to pursue his true interests in technology, even when duty called elsewhere.

How to connect Gavin : 

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavin-dilworth/

Website: https://assessmentplus.co.nz/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow welcomes lifelong cybersecurity professional Paul Marco to the podcast. Fresh off of a fun, bourbon-fueled appearance on Paul and Evan’s podcast, Cyber After Hours, Aaron and Paul sit down for a candid conversation that covers everything from the pitfalls of shiny new cyber tools, to the real-world challenges of defending both networks and people.

Tune in as they discuss the importance of making the most of what you already have, the realities of cyber as a “cost center,” and how availability increasingly trumps confidentiality in today’s threat landscape. Paul shares powerful insights from decades in cyber operations, the difference between theory and real value, and why storytelling and business skills are now just as vital as technical chops.

From protecting small businesses to demystifying the impact of AI and quantum computing on everyday cybersecurity, this episode is packed with practical advice, plenty of war stories, and even a few laughs. Whether you’re a seasoned security pro or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this lively and wide-ranging discussion on how to protect it all.

Key Moments: 

05:38 Tech Rationalization Over Product Dependence

10:42 "Cybersecurity: A Costly Necessity"

17:44 Privacy Is Obsolete

25:51 Cyber Crime Funds Dark Activities

26:39 "Preventing Cyber-Facilitated Crime"

37:50 "Exploiting AI: Ethics Versus Greed"

46:44 Understanding Business Elevates Cybersecurity

48:01 Broadening Skills Beyond Cybersecurity

54:19 CISOs Need More Than Tech Skills

58:56 "Tech Threatens Critical Thinking"

About the guest : 

Paul is the Co-Founder of TALAS Security and the Co-Host of the Cyber After Hours Podcast. With over twenty years of experience in IT and Cybersecurity, Paul is a senior cybersecurity leader who has built, maintained, and operated enterprise-grade Cybersecurity programs in highly complex environments. His expertise lies in taking a "controls first" approach to Cybersecurity. He specializes in designing programs that maximize the use of existing capabilities to balance both defense and compliance to accelerate organizational maturity. He creates sustainable solutions that enable organizations to effectively manage their cybersecurity risks and is committed to staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape and helping organizations securely achieve their business objectives.

How to connect Paul: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pm01/

Talas Security: https://www.talas.io/

Cyber after Hours Podcast: https://www.cahpodcast.com/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

In this episode, host Aaron Crow is joined by his longtime friend and fellow OT (Operational Technology) aficionado, Oren Niskin. Oren dives into his unconventional journey from Navy electrician to offshore rig automation, through to OT cybersecurity consulting—sharing the highs, the lessons learned, and the unique perspective gained from crawling through the “belly of the ship” rather than a college lecture hall.

Aaron and Oren discuss the real-world value of hands-on experience versus formal education, the evolving relationship between IT and OT teams, and why personal branding and communication skills are key for career growth in the cybersecurity field. They unpack the challenges and misconceptions around patching in the OT environment, and Oren reveals practical advice from his recent presentation on how organizations can dramatically reduce their vulnerability management workload while maintaining operational safety.

Tune in for thoughtful reflections, war stories from the rig, and actionable tips for aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals alike—plus a heartwarming nod to inspiring the next generation. Whether you’re just getting started in OT or looking to take your cyber game to the next level, this episode is packed with honest advice and community spirit.

Key Moments: 

05:58 College: Not the Ultimate Answer

08:26 Consulting Perspective Accelerates Career Growth

13:36 "Building Value with Personal Branding"

16:49 "Everyone's a Salesman Everywhere"

19:44 "Patching Essential for System Health"

21:14 Firmware Updates Resolve Most Issues

26:18 Robots Dominate Manufacturing Line

28:08 Prioritizing Critical Drilling Vulnerability Fixes

33:29 "Prioritizing Business-Critical Systems"

36:57 Cyber-Resilient Tech Design

39:20 "Virtualization Best Practices: Snapshot Safety"

41:18 OT Cybersecurity: Focus on Basics

44:37 Unexpected Changes Disrupt Startup Plans

47:44 "Building Trust in Business"

50:52 "IT-OT Collaboration Importance"

Oren Niskin – From the Navy to OT Cybersecurity: Bridging the Gap Between the Plant Floor and Secure Operations

Oren Niskin is an OT cybersecurity consultant with over two decades of hands-on industrial experience spanning the U.S. Navy, offshore drilling operations, and global OT network management. His career began not in a classroom, but aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, where he served as an electrician and shutdown reactor operator after enlisting in the Navy post-9/11.

Since then, he’s steadily climbed the OT ranks—from maintaining electrical systems at sea to managing IACS networks for a global fleet of drilling rigs, and now, advising critical infrastructure on how to secure their operational environments. Oren brings a rare combination of deep technical insight and real-world plant floor experience to the evolving challenges of OT cybersecurity.

He holds a Bachelor's degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology and a Master’s in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Institute. Oren is passionate about translating complex OT security needs into practical outcomes—turning big visions into tangible progress.

Connect with Oren on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/orenniskin/ or catch him in person at HouSecCon this September.

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4