PrOTect It All

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

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:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

Remote access is no longer optional in OT - but unmanaged connectivity is one of the fastest ways to lose control of critical systems.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down the real challenges of securing connectivity across IT and OT environments. As vendors, technicians, and support teams increasingly rely on remote access, many organizations struggle with poor visibility, legacy systems, and unclear network boundaries - creating unnecessary risk.

Aaron walks through newly released secure connectivity guidance from CISA and the UK National Cyber Security Centre, translating an eight-point framework into practical, real-world steps that security and operations teams can actually implement.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re responsible for OT security, managing vendors, or bridging IT and OT teams, this episode delivers actionable guidance to help you regain control of connectivity and protect critical infrastructure.

Tune in to learn how to secure access without sacrificing operations - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

01:11 "Secure Connectivity in OT"

05:10 "Reducing Attack Surface Through Access Limits"

10:02 "Control System Upgrade Failure Impact"

12:00 Beyond Passwords: Strengthening Security

17:16 "Strengthening Cybersecurity Basics"

18:26 "Balancing Compliance and Security"

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

Small businesses aren’t too small to be targeted; they're often the first targets.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down what cybersecurity really looks like for small and medium-sized businesses with limited resources. With nearly half of all cyberattacks aimed at SMBs and many companies never recovering, this episode focuses on what actually matters when budgets, time, and teams are tight.

Aaron cuts through fear-based messaging and tool overload to share simple, affordable steps that can dramatically reduce risk without requiring a full security team or enterprise spend.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re a founder, business owner, or IT lead at a growing company, this episode gives you practical guidance you can act on immediately before a cyber incident forces your hand.

Tune in to learn how to protect your business, your data, and your future only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

03:37 Cybersecurity Risks for Small Businesses

08:06 System Security and Backup Essentials

12:21 Cybersecurity: Prepare, Monitor, Survive

14:21 Efficient Device Monitoring Simplified

19:31 "Three-Two-One Backup Strategy"

20:20 "Planning Left of Bang"

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

 Great cybersecurity programs aren’t built in a panic - they’re built through early planning, trusted relationships, and consistent execution.

In this kickoff episode for 2026 of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow shares practical, real-world guidance on how cybersecurity leaders can avoid last-minute scrambles and instead build momentum that lasts all year. Drawing from years of experience across IT and OT environments, Aaron explains why people, trust, and planning matter more than any single tool or technology.

This episode dives into how successful teams think ahead, budgeting wisely, engaging stakeholders early, and creating space for learning, networking, and collaboration beyond spreadsheets and ROI metrics.

You’ll learn:

Whether you’re planning budgets, building teams, or refining IT/OT security strategy, this episode delivers actionable guidance to help you move from intention to execution.

Tune in and learn how to build a cybersecurity program that works all year long - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

03:51 "Planning for Unforeseen Challenges"

09:02 "AI Automation: Challenges and Expectations"

10:21 "Budgeting: The Importance of Buffers"

16:16 "Diversity in Problem-Solving Approaches"

17:53 "Understanding Perspectives and Future Goals"

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

AI is everywhere - but it won’t fix broken cybersecurity foundations.

In this end-of-year wrap-up episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow takes a hard look at the growing hype around AI in cybersecurity and explains why fundamentals still matter more than any shiny new tool, especially in OT environments.

Drawing from real-world experience and industry observations, Aaron challenges the belief that AI can compensate for missing basics like asset inventory, network segmentation, and clear ownership. He reframes AI as a powerful assistant not a savior and warns against the risks of rushing into automation without understanding what you’re protecting in the first place.

You’ll learn:

What OT and IT teams should prioritize heading into 2026
Whether you’re closing out the year or planning ahead, this episode delivers a grounded, experience-driven perspective on building resilient cybersecurity programs—without chasing hype.

Tune in to hear why mastering the basics is still the smartest cyber strategy - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments: 

03:32 "Technology Complexity vs. Practicality"

09:33 "AI as an Entry-Level Intern"

12:29 "AI: A Powerful Team Tool"

16:24 "AI Alone Won't Fix Cyber"

19:34 "Mastering Basics Before AI Integration"

21:46 "Shadow AI and Resilience"

25:26 "Addressing Gaps and Ownership"

30:27 "Foundations Matter for Success"

Connect With Aaron Crow:

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

Work with Aaron: https://protectitallpod.com/work/

To be a guest or suggest a guest or episode, email [email protected].

Please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify: