🎙️ Episode 1: Fueling Security – Cyber Resilience in Oil & Gas

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Connie Devine, Deputy CISO, Phillips 66 - https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-devine-duncan/

Duration: ~18.7 minutes

Keywords:

critical infrastructure, oil and gas, cybersecurity, OT security, IT-OT convergence, threat intelligence, generative AI, zero trust, third-party risk, cyber resilience

Episode Summary:

In the premiere of Season 2, Secured with Dr. KJ shifts focus to the voice of the customer, starting with a deep dive into the oil and gas sector. Connie Devine, Deputy CISO at Phillips 66, discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape across IT and operational technology (OT) environments. From geopolitical threats to AI-infused vendor solutions, Connie shares how her team stays ahead of nation-state actors, secures critical supply chains, and balances innovation with regulation.

What You’ll Learn:

• The importance of converged governance in IT and OT networks
• How geopolitical events directly impact energy security
• Strategies for integrating zero trust into OT environments
• The promise and caution around AI implementation in energy
• How to vet and manage cybersecurity risk in third-party relationships
• Why cyber awareness and culture are as vital as the tools deployed

Key Takeaways:

• The attack surface in energy has expanded with IT-OT convergence
• Cybersecurity in oil and gas is about protecting both people and product
• AI brings opportunities and risks—understanding use cases is essential
• Supply chain security is a critical, ongoing process
• Regulatory frameworks like NIST and TSA are foundational
• Building a cyber-aware culture strengthens every layer of defense

Memorable Quotes:

“Zero trust in OT requires a very different mindset.”

“We’re always looking for better, safer ways to do what we do.”

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s a strategic imperative.”

“The OT network will become a bigger target in the future.”

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

• 🎙️ Acast: https://shows.acast.com/secured-with-dr-kj
• 🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secured-with-dr-kj/id1719440170
• 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7uZYymUPp7PBiKqgYrbv2Y

Connect with Connie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connie-devine-duncan/

Secured with Dr. KJ – Securing tomorrow, one episode at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host: Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Richard Kaufmann

Duration: 21m 28s

Location: United States

Podcast Link: Secured with Dr. KJ on Acast

Privacy, Children, Cybersecurity, Surveillance, Digital Footprint, Parenting, AI, Data Protection, Cyber Awareness, Online Safety

In this bonus episode, Dr. KJ sits down with cybersecurity and AI expert Richard Kaufmann to explore one of the most critical and emotionally charged issues in today’s digital era: privacy and our children. With kids being exposed to technology from infancy and data trails forming before they can even talk, Richard walks us through the unseen costs of growing up in a world that never forgets.

They explore how everything from smart devices to educational apps can silently collect data and what that means for a child’s future. Richard blends real-world experience, strategic insight, and parental empathy to highlight what leaders, parents, and policymakers need to understand—and act on.

• How digital exposure starts before birth and why that’s a problem.
• The long-term consequences of early data collection and surveillance.
• Why privacy must be treated as a child safety issue.
• How AI complicates the protection of minors.
• Practical tips for parents, educators, and security professionals.

• Digital Childhood is Permanent: Children’s data footprints are not erasable and can shape their opportunities later in life.
• Security Isn’t Optional: Protecting kids in the digital age means rethinking both parenting and policy through a cybersecurity lens.
• AI is a Double-Edged Sword: While powerful for personalization and protection, it can also enable surveillance and data misuse.
• We Need Guardrails: The time to act is now—before children’s futures are compromised by today’s tech conveniences.

• “We put more protection on a credit card than we do on a child’s data.” – Richard Kaufmann
• “The most vulnerable population in the digital age is the one without a voice yet.” – Richard Kaufmann

Want to learn more from Richard Kaufmann or continue the conversation?

• 🔹 Connect with Richard on LinkedIn

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10: The Future of Cybersecurity with Michael Billy

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Michael Billy

Duration: ~20 minutes

Keywords:

cybersecurity, generative AI, security trends, tool sprawl, AI security, automation, human oversight, future-proofing, security technologies, Microsoft

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Michael Billy joins the show to explore the future of cybersecurity and how organizations can evolve with confidence in the face of rapid technological change.

From the impact of generative AI to the risks of tool sprawl, Michael outlines why fundamentals like security hygiene and human oversight are more critical than ever. He also discusses how organizations can build trust in AI-powered tools, prepare their teams for the unknown, and create a sustainable plan to stay ahead of threats while embracing innovation.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why hygiene is still the #1 threat in security
• How generative AI is reshaping security tools and tactics
• The importance of vetting AI suppliers and securing AI agents
• Why tool sprawl can lead to visibility gaps and operational fatigue
• How to balance automation with human judgment
• Why Zero Trust and assume breach remain foundational principles
• Strategies for future-proofing security teams and tech stacks

Key Takeaways:

• Hygiene remains the top threat in cybersecurity
• Generative AI will significantly impact security practices
• Organizations must secure their AI agents effectively
• Tool sprawl is a growing concern in cybersecurity
• Vetting generative AI suppliers is crucial for security
• Embracing technology helps teams understand its implications
• Assuming breach is essential for a Zero Trust environment
• Setting a clear plan is vital for security leaders
• Balancing automation with human oversight is necessary
• Continuous learning and adaptation are key in cybersecurity

Memorable Quotes:

• “Hygiene is still the number one threat.”
• “There is no silver bullet in security.”
• “Empower everyone to achieve more.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 9: AI and Security: Friend or Foe? with Terence Jackson

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Terence Jackson

Duration: ~23 minutes

Keywords:

AI, cybersecurity, threat detection, security posture, upskilling, cross-training, digital security, threat actors, zero trust, automation

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Terence Jackson, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, explores how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing both sides of the cybersecurity battlefield.

Terence explains how AI is redefining traditional defenses, making threat detection faster and smarter—but also more accessible to adversaries. He walks through the advantages of agentic AI, the evolving threat landscape, and the urgent need for organizations to strengthen posture management and automate security operations. The conversation highlights the importance of upskilling, cross-training, and revisiting foundational security practices like zero trust to stay ahead in the AI arms race.

Listeners will gain insight into the balance between automation and human oversight, and the very real pressures defenders face in a world where attackers have no red tape.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI empowers defenders to reason over large datasets
• Why threat actors are gaining speed with natural language-driven exploits
• What agentic AI means for posture management and response
• How cross-training existing personnel accelerates readiness
• Why the basics (patching, RBAC, MFA) still matter most
• How to prepare your SOC for AI-assisted defense

Key Takeaways:

• AI has obliterated traditional defenses—speed is the new battleground
• Threat actors are better resourced and less restricted than defenders
• Natural language is the new attack surface
• Agentic AI brings autonomous detection and remediation capabilities
• Time to compromise is now measured in minutes, not months
• Cross-training network and IT engineers reduces staffing gaps
• AI can democratize learning and accelerate workforce development
• Organizations must focus on zero trust and foundational hygiene
• Automation must be balanced with human oversight
• AI is both a friend and a foe—how we use it determines the outcome

Memorable Quotes:

• “AI is obliterating traditional defenses.”
• “The hottest programming language right now is natural language.”
• “We’re defending at the pace and speed of AI.”
• “The attackers have jobs—just like we do.”
• “We need to do the basics better.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 10: Securing the Internet of Things with Maurice Hampton

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Maurice Hampton

Duration: ~23 minutes

Keywords:

IoT security, connected devices, cybersecurity, risk management, best practices, visibility, control, AI, machine learning, organizational strategy

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Maurice Hampton, Director of Cybersecurity Solution Sales (East) at Microsoft, unpacks the security challenges posed by the exponential growth of connected devices.

Maurice walks through the evolution of the IoT attack surface, explaining how formerly isolated systems are now interconnected and exposed to new threats. He outlines a practical, phased approach—acknowledge, assess, implement controls—for tackling IoT security at scale. The discussion underscores the need for visibility, collaboration, and AI-driven insights to manage risk across environments like manufacturing, transportation, and smart cities.

Listeners will gain actionable strategies and real-world examples of how organizations can secure their IoT footprint from the edge to the cloud.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why IoT security is more complex today than ever before
• The risks associated with interconnectivity and outdated systems
• How to launch an IoT security strategy using a crawl-walk-run approach
• Why visibility and inventory are foundational to defense
• The critical role of cross-functional collaboration in securing IoT
• How AI and machine learning enhance detection and response
• Real-world examples of IoT security transformation

Key Takeaways:

• The IoT attack surface has expanded due to rapid connectivity
• Security must be built into innovation—not added later
• Acknowledging risks is step one in any IoT security journey
• Comprehensive assessments are essential to understand current state
• Controls must follow knowledge—not precede it
• Cross-team collaboration is vital—security is a team sport
• Visibility into devices and their behavior drives stronger defense
• AI can uncover anomalies that humans may miss
• Start small and build repeatable processes
• Taking action is the key to reducing long-term risk

Memorable Quotes:

• “The attack surface has grown exponentially.”
• “Acknowledge, understand, and then controls.”
• “Get other people in the boat with you.”
• “Security isn’t a solo act—it’s a team sport.”
• “AI lets us see what we couldn’t before.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Title:

Identity and Access Management

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Corey Lee, Security CTO, Microsoft Education

Duration: ~20 minutes

Keywords:

identity, security, breaches, governance, authentication, authorization, MFA, passwordless, AI, zero trust

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Corey Lee, Security CTO for Microsoft Education, unpacks the foundational role of identity in today’s security landscape. With over 15 years of experience in risk analysis, identity, and AI-enabled security, Corey shares how identity acts as the glue connecting people, devices, and data—and as the edge organizations must protect.

The conversation covers the rise of identity-driven breaches, the growing importance of governance, and innovations like passkeys and verified ID. Corey also provides insights into strengthening MFA strategies, enabling passwordless adoption, and preparing for a future where AI and zero trust shape every layer of defense.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why identity is now the core security perimeter
• How identity connects and protects in a hybrid, AI-driven world
• The role of governance in managing evolving permissions
• Why MFA remains critical—and how to improve its adoption
• What a successful passwordless journey looks like
• How identity threat detection is becoming more automated and intelligent
• The importance of strategic planning in identity management
• Why identity is key to unlocking secure innovation at scale

Key Takeaways:

• Identity is the core of modern security architecture
• Breaches often stem from compromised or mismanaged identities
• Identity governance helps manage scope creep and permissions sprawl
• MFA should be enforced adaptively based on risk
• Passwordless strategies reduce known attack surfaces
• Organizations must report on and monitor identity security gaps
• Identity is now central to AI and agent-based security scenarios
• Strategic identity planning unlocks innovation and improves protection
• Continuous tracking and governance support transformation
• Identity is here to stay and growing more critical each day

Memorable Quotes:

• “Identity is the new security perimeter.”
• “Passwords create very bad behavior.”
• “Identity has never been easy.”
• “Identity is here to stay.”

Listen now on your favorite platform:

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secured-with-dr-kj/id1730562581
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZHg5qHXGP6MSf2QnK6LDo
• Acast: https://shows.acast.com/secured-with-dr-kj
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4ff12a6c-f35f-4f8d-a5d4-9170c601ea3f

Secured with Dr. KJ – Securing tomorrow, one episode at a time.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Awnya Creque

Duration: ~20 minutes

cloud compliance, data security, regulatory challenges, Microsoft Purview, risk assessment, industry regulations, cloud migration, access control, data privacy, compliance automation

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Awnya Creque, Principal Technical Specialist at Microsoft, breaks down the complex world of regulatory compliance in the cloud.

Awnya outlines five critical focus areas—data residency, access control, data privacy, regulatory compliance, and auditing/reporting—that organizations must address when migrating to or operating in cloud environments. She explains how compliance challenges vary across sectors like government, healthcare, and financial services, and how tools like Microsoft Purview can support proactive compliance strategies.

The conversation also explores the importance of fostering a culture of compliance, leveraging automation, and integrating regulatory checks into day-to-day workflows.

• The top compliance challenges when moving to the cloud
• Why data sovereignty and residency matter more than ever
• How identity and access control play a central role in securing sensitive data
• Why compliance isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous process
• How industry-specific requirements shape cloud security strategies
• The role of cloud providers and automation in easing the compliance burden

• Organizations face multiple compliance challenges in the cloud
• Data residency and sovereignty are essential to meet global regulations
• Strong access control and identity management are non-negotiable
• Security programs must adhere to evolving frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA
• Compliance demands constant attention and adaptation
• Effective auditing and reporting help demonstrate accountability
• Industry-specific regulations drive unique security needs
• Cloud platforms like Microsoft Purview offer valuable support
• Proactive strategies and automation reduce risk
• Embedding compliance into daily workflows drives long-term success

• “Data stays where it needs to be.”
• “Stay informed about regulatory updates.”
• “Conducting a risk assessment is crucial.”
• “Integrate compliance into your workflows.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 6: Ransomware and Threat Protection with James Ringold

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: James Ringold

Duration: ~20 minutes

ransomware, cybersecurity, threat landscape, AI in security, recovery strategies, ransomware as a service, security education, enterprise security, ransomware attacks, modern security platforms

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, James Ringold breaks down the constantly evolving ransomware threat landscape and its implications for enterprise security. From the rise of AI-powered attacks to the growth of ransomware as a service, James explains why these threats demand more than just technical fixes—they require a strategic, cross-functional approach.

We also explore the growing importance of security education, the burden of legacy systems, and how organizations can better balance proactive prevention with rapid recovery strategies.

• How ransomware tactics have evolved, including triple extortion
• Why legacy systems are still a major weak spot
• How AI is both a threat and a tool in cybersecurity
• The role of cloud storage and file versioning in recovery
• Why education and awareness are just as critical as tooling
• How to think about ransomware as a business risk, not just a tech problem

• Ransomware damages are projected to hit $57 billion by 2025
• Triple extortion and human-operated attacks are on the rise
• AI is enabling faster, stealthier attacks
• Ransomware as a service creates a supply chain of cybercrime
• Legacy infrastructure remains a major vulnerability
• Cloud-based recovery tools like versioning can expedite restoration
• Employee education and SOC readiness are vital to response
• Effective defense requires cross-team collaboration
• Prevention and recovery must go hand-in-hand
• Ransomware is a business-level risk, not just an IT concern

• “AI is used to automate phishing and evade detection.”
• “Ransomware as a service is a growing concern.”
• “Attackers don’t hack anymore—they log in.”
• “Balancing prevention with rapid recovery is crucial.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Zero Trust – Zero Trust in Practice with Mark Simos

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Mark Simos, Lead Cybersecurity Architect, Microsoft

Duration: ~20 minutes

Zero Trust, Cybersecurity, Identity Management, AI, Security Architecture, Collaboration, Trust Verification, Modern Security Strategies

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Kenneth Johnson and Mark Simos break down the reality of Zero Trust—moving beyond buzzwords into actionable strategies. They explore why traditional perimeter-based security no longer works, and how identity, verification, and AI are reshaping the way we think about trust in cybersecurity.

Mark shares insights on how organizations can align their teams, embrace a culture of shared responsibility, and make security a business enabler—not a blocker. The conversation also touches on how AI is accelerating complex security tasks, helping teams stay ahead of evolving threats.

• Why Zero Trust is more than a framework—it’s a mindset shift
• The critical role identity plays in modern security
• How AI supports and strengthens Zero Trust strategies
• The cost of implicit trust and the value of explicit verification
• Why collaboration and communication are essential to success

• Zero Trust removes the false assumption of a secure perimeter.
• Verification of identity is essential in modern security.
• Trust is costly; explicit verification is necessary.
• Identity management is crucial for Zero Trust success.
• AI plays a symbiotic role in enhancing security.
• Security must be integrated into business processes.
• Every asset and user must have a defined identity.
• Collaboration across teams is vital for security effectiveness.
• Security professionals should act as enablers for other teams.
• Open communication fosters a successful Zero Trust implementation.

• “AI accelerates complex security tasks.”
• “Identity is the new security perimeter.”
• “Security is part of everyone’s job.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host: Dr. Kenneth Johnson

Guest: Rico Mariani, Veteran Software Performance Engineer & Longtime Microsoft Leader

Duration: ~20 minutes

In this episode of Secured with Dr. KJ, Dr. Kenneth Johnson sits down with Rico Mariani, a veteran technologist with decades of experience at Microsoft and a deep background in software performance engineering. Known for his strategic thinking and advocacy for diversity in tech, Rico shares valuable insights on how organizations can better approach security in a hybrid workforce era.

They explore key challenges with BYOD, transitioning to cloud environments, and the critical need to understand your internal inventory before building outward. Rico also dives into why tailored security matters, how to assume compromise as a defense model, and the human side of securing flexible work.

• The security risks introduced by hybrid and remote work
• Why visibility and inventory are the foundation of modern security
• Strategies for managing BYOD in enterprise environments
• How to align infrastructure with user needs and risk
• Why tailored access and device assumptions matter
• The connection between good security and organizational readiness

• Understand your inventory before building your security stack.
• Get your internal systems in order before expanding into hybrid/cloud.
• Assume devices are compromised to strengthen overall defense.
• Tailor security to roles and business needs for smarter access control.
• BYOD success requires flexibility, awareness, and clear boundaries.

“Assume they’re connecting with a compromised device. That mindset changes how you design your defenses.” – Rico Mariani

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