In this special milestone episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow steps away from the usual format to share his personal journey - from early days working with PLCs at a kitchen table to building a platform that connects and educates cybersecurity professionals around the world.

This episode is more than a reflection - it’s a story of persistence, curiosity, and community.

Aaron walks through the evolution of IT and OT cybersecurity, the lessons learned from decades in the field, and how conversations with experts across 100 episodes have shaped his perspective on what it truly means to “Protect It All.”

You’ll hear:

Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re just discovering the show, this episode offers inspiration, perspective, and a deeper look behind the mic.

Tune in to celebrate 100 episodes and the journey of protecting what matters most - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

04:12 Early tech projects and hobbies

09:31 First tech job setting up classrooms

11:20 Getting certified in IT

16:49 Early career in power and cybersecurity

18:08 Building a versatile IT team

24:23 Starting the cybersecurity podcast journey

26:28 Feeling recognized in the podcast world

29:22 Getting started in cybersecurity

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

Strong OT cybersecurity programs aren’t built on tools alone, they're built on strategy, communication, and smart investment.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by cybersecurity expert Don C. Weber for a candid, real-world discussion on what it actually takes to build and sustain effective security programs across IT and OT environments.

From CapEx vs OpEx decisions to the growing role of AI in both attack and defense, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what drives real outcomes: understanding business workflows, aligning with leadership, and developing the soft skills needed to turn strategy into action.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re building a new security program or scaling an existing one, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insights to help you make smarter decisions and drive real impact.

Tune in to learn how to align strategy, people, and investment for stronger OT cybersecurity only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

05:49 Technical skills and security requirements

09:10 Understanding data workflows

12:29 Building a vulnerability management program

13:26 Understanding organizational decision history

17:44 Budgeting challenges with CAPEX and OPEX

21:36 Steps in a security assessment

24:17 Starting a cybersecurity program

28:02 Prioritizing remote access security

31:21 Discussing AI's impact on cybersecurity

32:55 Using AI in cybersecurity

38:07 AI simplifying complex knowledge

40:35 AI tools making data queries easier

45:02 Detecting and responding faster

46:05 Networking and shared experiences

About the guest: 

Don C. Weber is a visionary cybersecurity leader who helps defenders safely prove security where it matters most in industrial operations. He is a SANS Principal Instructor, Founder of Cutaway Security, co-author of SANS ICS613: ICS/OT Penetration Testing & Assessments, and he also teaches SANS ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials to SANS student around the world. He brings years of field work into creating step-by-step labs and planning methods teams can use right away.

How to connect Don: 

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

Cutaway Security: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cutaway-security-llc 

CutSec Github: https://github.com/cutaway-security 

CutSec GasPot HMI Lab: https://github.com/cutaway-security/gaspot-hmi-lab 

SANS ICS ICS613 ICS/OT Penetration Testing and Assessments: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/ics-ot-penetration-testing-assessments

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

Cyberattacks don’t just test your systems - they test your preparedness.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down key lessons from the Striker attack and what it reveals about today’s evolving threat landscape across IT and OT environments. From energy and healthcare to manufacturing systems, attackers are increasingly using sophisticated techniques like “living off the land” - blending into normal operations instead of deploying obvious malware.

Aaron takes this beyond theory, focusing on what organizations must do before an attack happens.

A major theme? Tabletop exercises. Not as a compliance activity - but as a critical tool for building real incident response readiness, improving team coordination, and exposing gaps that tools alone can’t catch.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re defending critical infrastructure, leading a cyber team, or just starting your security journey, this episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.

Tune in to learn how to prepare before the next attack - not react after it - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

04:59 "Modern Warfare: Cyber and Beyond"

08:47 "Security Risks of Remote Wipe"

10:31 "Living Off the Land Tactics"

13:11 "Balancing Power and Security"

19:12 "Vulnerabilities Demand Swift Action"

20:21 Prioritize Risk, Justify Investment

25:04 Practice Preparedness Before Crisis

26:48 Weak Links Threaten Cybersecurity

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

Global conflicts are no longer confined to physical battlefields - they’re spilling into cyberspace.

In this urgent episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down the rising wave of cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, from energy and water utilities to manufacturing and transportation systems.

Drawing on recent global events and real-world incidents, Aaron explores how nation-state actors, hacktivists, and advanced adversaries are increasingly targeting operational technology environments. These attacks often rely on “living off the land” techniques - leveraging existing tools and access inside networks rather than deploying obvious malware.

But this episode isn’t about panic. It’s about practical defense.

Aaron outlines the immediate steps OT security teams can take to strengthen resilience - even with limited resources and tight budgets.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Whether you operate power systems, water facilities, industrial plants, or transportation infrastructure, this episode provides real-world guidance to help you stay ahead of evolving threats.

Tune in to learn how OT teams can strengthen defenses and protect the systems society depends on - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

03:41 "Rising Cyber Threats Amid Tensions"

08:24 Nation-State Cyber Threats Unveiled

11:23 "Advanced Cybersecurity and Monitoring"

14:24 Prioritizing and Addressing Security Risks

17:24 Practical Steps for Cybersecurity Improvements

19:34 "Focus on Resources and Action"

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

What happens when attackers target the systems that keep the lights on?

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down the December 2025 cyberattack on Poland’s energy infrastructure, where coordinated attackers disrupted wind farms, solar installations, and heat and power plants - impacting nearly half a million people.

This real-world incident highlights the growing risks facing distributed energy resources (DER) and modern power grids. As energy systems become more connected and decentralized, the attack surface expands - often faster than security programs can adapt.

Aaron walks through what actually went wrong: default passwords, unpatched devices, and weak network segmentation that allowed attackers to brick OT equipment and blind operators to what was happening in their own systems.

You’ll learn:

For engineers, operators, and cybersecurity leaders responsible for critical infrastructure, this episode delivers practical insights on defending modern energy systems before attackers strike again.

Tune in to understand what Poland’s grid attack reveals about the future of OT security - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

04:57 "Corrupted Firmware Disables System Control"

10:01 DER Risks and Scaling Threats

10:55 Risks of Expanding Energy Grids

16:30 OT Security Vulnerabilities and Risks

18:34 Prioritize OT Security Systems

23:06 Change Default Passwords Immediately

24:49 "Critical ICS Security Measures"

30:15 "OT Cyber-Physical Response Plan"

32:56 "Critical Security Steps for Resilience"

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

AI can accelerate cybersecurity - or accidentally expose it.

In this solo episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down how cybersecurity professionals can safely integrate AI into their IT and OT workflows. As tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and enterprise AI platforms become part of daily operations, the question isn’t whether to use AI - it’s how to use it responsibly.

Aaron moves beyond buzzwords to focus on practical, everyday applications: automating reports, summarizing threat intelligence, drafting policies, enhancing documentation, and streamlining repetitive tasks. At the same time, he tackles the real concerns leaders face - data privacy, compliance, policy alignment, and shadow AI risks.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re leading a security program or working hands-on in IT or OT environments, this episode delivers actionable strategies to use AI smarter—not riskier.

Tune in to learn how to automate with confidence and stay ahead of the curve—only on Protect It All.

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

Passing an audit doesn’t mean you’re secure.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow dives into one of the biggest misconceptions in operational technology: the belief that compliance equals protection. Using NERC CIP 15 as a real-world case study, Aaron explores why meeting regulatory requirements is only the starting point - not the finish line.

A major focus of this conversation is OT network monitoring, especially the often-overlooked east-west traffic inside your environment. Many organizations monitor perimeter traffic while internal blind spots remain wide open.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re working in utilities, manufacturing, or critical infrastructure, this episode provides practical guidance on how to move beyond checklists and build security programs that truly reduce risk.

Tune in to learn how to transform compliance requirements into real operational protection - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

00:00 OT Security Blind Spots

05:15 "OT Security and Monitoring Challenges"

10:41 Aging Switches and Monitoring Challenges

13:16 OT Protocols and Infrastructure Challenges

15:42 "IT vs OT: Complexity Challenges"

18:03 "Balancing Compliance and Security"

21:57 Securing Critical Infrastructure Spaces

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

You can’t secure OT environments with checklists alone - you secure them with trust, clarity, and focused action.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with OT security expert Dean Parsons to unpack what actually improves cybersecurity maturity in manufacturing, water, and wastewater environments. From remote access blind spots to outdated network architecture, they explore the practical gaps many organizations face - and how to fix them without massive budgets.

A central theme? Tabletop exercises. Not as a compliance checkbox - but as a powerful tool to build collaboration between IT and OT teams, clarify roles, and stress-test real incident response plans before a crisis hits.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re leading OT security, managing critical infrastructure, or trying to bridge IT and engineering teams, this episode delivers practical, experience-backed strategies you can implement immediately.

Tune in to learn how to strengthen OT security through people, process, and purposeful action - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

03:57 "Improved IT-OT Collaboration Tabletops"

08:57 "ICS Security Priorities"

12:16 "Accelerating ICS Cybersecurity Programs"

15:07 Trusted Expertise Builds Credibility

17:28 "Engineering Role in Incident Response"

20:53 "Cybersecurity: Tabletops Gain Traction"

26:34 "Control Systems, Protocol Abuse Insights"

27:51 Secure Architecture Enables Network Visibility

33:07 "Targeted Network Monitoring Essentials"

35:23 Prioritize Critical Assets Strategically

37:50 "Bridging IT and OT Expertise"

41:56 Critical Infrastructure Security Risks

44:30 ICS Leadership and Threat Strategy

48:14 "Power Plant Walkthrough Insights"

52:02 Critical Cyber Asset Management

57:29 "SANS Courses: Essential and Valuable"

About the guest : 

Dean Parsons is a SANS Principal Instructor and the CEO and Principal Consultant of ICS Defense Force. Over the past two decades, Dean has built and led industrial cyber defense programs, conducted incident response and digital forensics in live plants and partnered with operators and engineers to maintain both safety and uptime across major industrial sectors.

He helps organizations align investment and policy decisions with operational priorities, developing risk metrics and tabletop exercises that unify operations, engineering, and cybersecurity so organizations in any industrial sector can prioritize and measure what matters.

How to connect Dean : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-parsons-cybersecurity

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

Shiny tools don’t break attackers in basic mistakes.

In Episode 92 of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Corey LeBleu, founder of Relix Security and seasoned penetration tester, for a candid look at what actually causes organizations to get compromised and why fundamentals still matter more than the latest security trends.

Drawing from years of red-team and penetration-testing experience, Corey shares real stories from the field: forgotten printers, unmanaged IoT devices, legacy systems no one owns anymore, and misconfigurations hiding in plain sight. Together, Aaron and Corey unpack why asset visibility, patching, and change management continue to be the weakest links - even as AI and automation enter the security conversation.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re a security professional, IT leader, or someone looking to break into cybersecurity, this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense lessons from the front lines - focused on what actually reduces risk.

Tune in to hear why cybersecurity success still starts with the fundamentals - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

03:57 Critical Infrastructure: Finding Vulnerabilities

06:44 "Cyber Risks from Hidden Devices"

11:25 Cybersecurity: Focus on Basics

16:09 Complex Systems Demand Continuous Testing

18:17 Understanding Complex System Security

22:54 "Testing: External vs. Internal"

24:12 Enterprise Challenges with AI Integration

27:40 AI Lowers Barriers for Hacking

About the guest : 

Corey LeBleu has built a career around application security testing, becoming deeply involved in integrating vulnerability assessments throughout the software testing lifecycle. Noticing shifts in industry practices, Corey observed major international financial institutions moving to routinely pentest every application- even legacy IBM systems - leading the way in robust cybersecurity practices. In contrast, Corey also highlights the challenges faced by manufacturing, where operational technology often suffers from outdated, vulnerable systems. Corey’s experience showcases the evolving landscape of application security, emphasizing the need for continuous testing and vigilance across diverse industries.

How to connect Corey :
https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreylebleu/

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

Remote access transformed overnight - and OT environments are still feeling the impact.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by Steve Rutherford, VP of Sales at Hyperport and former military officer, for a candid conversation on how secure remote access in operational technology (OT) has evolved - and where it’s heading next.

They unpack how COVID accelerated remote connectivity across critical infrastructure, why many traditional IT security tools fall short in OT environments, and what protection really looks like when safety, reliability, and uptime are non-negotiable. Drawing from military discipline and frontline OT experience, Steve shares a grounded perspective on managing risk in environments where failure has physical-world consequences.

You’ll learn:

If you’re responsible for enabling remote access while protecting critical operations, this episode delivers real-world insight, practical guidance, and a forward-looking view of OT cybersecurity.

Tune in to understand what secure OT access really requires in today’s threat landscape- only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Securing Critical Infrastructure Access

03:59 "OT Mindset: Defense and Offense"

07:26 "Remote Access Challenges in Operations"

11:45 "Challenges in OT-IT Integration"

16:07 Authority Must Match Responsibility

18:23 Simplifying OT Authentication Challenges

21:53 "Dynamic Trust Scoring with AI"

24:05 "Access Control and Segmentation"

28:57 "Secure Access Without Overreach"

33:12 "Left of Boom Awareness"

35:56 OT Security and Local Control

39:35 "Driving Early Adoption Awareness"

41:54 "Proactive Support for Critical Infrastructure"

45:52 "Remote Work Enhances Team Efficiency"

47:17 "Exciting Tech for Cybersecurity"

About the guest :
Steve Rutherford is a former U.S. Army officer and aviator who transitioned his mission-driven mindset from military service to protecting critical infrastructure through operational technology (OT) security. After exploring multiple industries, Steve found a natural alignment between military operations and OT environments - where safety, reliability, and uptime are non-negotiable. Today, he works in secure user access for OT, helping organizations protect the systems that power modern life.

How to connect steve : 

Website : https://hyperport.io/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverutherford1/

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