(CS)²AI Podcast Show: Control System Cyber Security

Derek Harp
(CS)²AI Podcast Show: Control System Cyber Security Podcast

Control System Cyber Security Association International, or (CS)²AI, is the premier global non-profit workforce development organization supporting professionals of all levels charged with securing control systems. With over 34,000 members worldwide, we provide the platform for members to help members, foster meaningful peer-to-peer exchange, continue professional education, and directly support OT and ICS cyber security professional development in every way. Our founder, Derek Harp, interviews cyber security leaders and brings relevant insights to help any company handle cybersecurity effectively.

  1. 112: Breaking Barriers in Cybersecurity: Roya Gordon’s Transformative Journey and Expert Advice for Veterans

    4 JUN

    112: Breaking Barriers in Cybersecurity: Roya Gordon’s Transformative Journey and Expert Advice for Veterans

    Today, we are thrilled to welcome Roya Gordon as our guest.  Roya is an executive industry consultant specializing in operational technology, cybersecurity, and Hexagon. She is a military veteran, an accomplished technologist, and a prolific speaker in our industry. Her creativity knows no bounds, encompassing her passion for the arts and her love of opera and symphonies. She is also an avid traveler and a super fun person to have around. Roya brings a unique and engaging perspective to our discussion today. She shares her journey from a pre-law magnet program to becoming a skilled speaker in the Navy, highlighting the value of communication skills for conveying technical information to audiences and sharing the challenges and opportunities veterans face when breaking into the cybersecurity industry. Stay tuned as Roya shares her invaluable insights and experiences, offering guidance for veterans aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field. You will not want to miss the wisdom and stories Roya shares with us today. Show highlights: Roya shares her background as an army brat.Roya discusses her six-year experience in the Navy.How Roya gradually realized she was involved in technology through her Navy intelligence workRoya talks about her studies in international relations and national security after leaving the Navy and how she pivoted to studying cyber-warfareRoya landed a job as a security researcher at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) despite lacking an IT background.Roya talks about the foundational training she received in OT cybersecurity at INL. How advanced tools often get underutilized due to a lack of trained personnel   Roya highlights the value of certifications. How non-technical roles like journalism and event planning can offer entryways into the cybersecurity space. Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Hexagon Roya Gordon on LinkedIn

    47 min
  2. 111: From Scrubbing Hard Drives to Securing the Future: Max's Journey in Cybersecurity

    28 MAY

    111: From Scrubbing Hard Drives to Securing the Future: Max's Journey in Cybersecurity

    We are thrilled to have Max Aulakh, the Founder and CEO of Ignyte Assurance Platform, joining us today.  Max is a military veteran and motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys doing voluntary work. He is a prolific contributor to the cybersecurity community, always willing to be of service to others. When Max was three, his father applied for American citizenship at the US Embassy in India. It was an extremely long process, and after losing all hope, he and his family finally migrated to Oklahoma a decade later.  Join us to learn how Max transitioned from the military to founding the successful Ignyte Assurance Platform. He also shares his views on regulations, discusses how AI has impacted the security field, and offers prudent and practical advice for anyone interested in pursuing a cybersecurity career.  Stay tuned for today’s candid and fascinating interview with Max Aulakh, the Founder and CEO of Ignyte. Show highlights: How Max’s military experience led to his career in securityMax’s Air Force mentor encouraged voluntary service.How working with the Department of Treasury, scrubbing hard drives, led to Max’s interest in security.Max explains how his military experience instilled a service mindset beneficial for security roles.While in service, he attended the American Military University due to its flexible programs for deployed personnel.The challenges he faced transitioning from a services company to a product-based companyMax shares how he launched Ignyte in 2019/2020How Max assists companies with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model, particularly in thedefense sector.Why standardization and testing are essential in operational technologyMax shares his views on the potential of AI Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Ignyte Assurance Platform Max Aulakh on LinkedIn

    36 min
  3. 109: Teaser for the CNI Research Report with Chase Richardson

    14 MAY

    109: Teaser for the CNI Research Report with Chase Richardson

    We are delighted to have Chase Richardson, the VP of Consulting at Bridewell, back on the show today.  Bridewell boasts a rich history in industrials, offering comprehensive cybersecurity services across the entire cybersecurity spectrum, including operating technology.  Recently, Bridewell came up with an insightful report on cybersecurity within the US critical infrastructure. In this episode, Chase dives into the current state of cybersecurity regulations in critical infrastructure and shares the details and origin of the upcoming Bridewell report, which falls squarely within the interest of CSAI.  Tune in to learn more about this exciting project. Show highlights: How the attacks experienced by CISOs and cyber managers have decreased despite an increase in risk sentiment The challenges small and mid-sized airports face when implementing regulations due to their limited cybersecurity budgetsHow cybersecurity regulations in the US differ from those in the UKWhat is the link between IT and OT security?Why it is essential to implement a hybrid of IT and OT security measures to protect critical infrastructureWhy organizations need to comply with relevant cybersecurity standards and regulationsChase shares key findings and insights from Bridewell's upcoming cybersecurity report for critical infrastructure. Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Bridewell Chase Richardson on LinkedIn

    18 min
  4. 107: Keeping the Lights On: Carlos's Roadmap to Becoming an Energy Cybersecurity Pro

    6 FEB

    107: Keeping the Lights On: Carlos's Roadmap to Becoming an Energy Cybersecurity Pro

    We are thrilled to welcome Juan Carlos Buenano as our distinguished guest for today’s episode of the CS2AI podcast!  Carlos is the Chief Technology Officer for OT at Armis. He is a born technologist and an engineer by training. Beyond his professional endeavors, he embraces a life filled with adventure, enjoying many outdoor activities, including scuba diving, mountain biking, and exploring the scenic expanses of unspoiled nature.  Carlos was born in Venezuela and grew up in a small town outside Caracas. After graduating as an electronic engineer in Venezuela, he traveled to Australia to learn English, fell in love with the country, the lifestyle, and the nature, and has lived there for the last 23 years. Carlos brings a unique perspective to today’s show, shaped by his professional and personal experiences. Join us for an engaging discussion as he shares his wealth of experiences and insights and explains how he serves his community. Show Highlights: Carlos shares his journey to becoming an engineer in the energy industryHow his interest in control systems beganCarlos recounts his early cybersecurity experiences in industrial systems during the early 2000sThe importance of keeping operating systems up to date to prevent vulnerabilities and ensure reliabilityWhy it is essential to understand how technology works in both physical security and cybersecurityCarlos discusses the challenges of integrating cybersecurity into process control systemsCarlos offers advice for engineers who want to get into cybersecurityThe importance of mentorship and learning from others in their industryCarlos discusses the weekly open mic Ask Me Anything sessions he does at work Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Carlos Buenano on LinkedIn Armis

    42 min
  5. 106: Top Gun Meets the Cloud: Ken's Guide to Keeping Your Airplanes (and Data) Safe

    1 FEB

    106: Top Gun Meets the Cloud: Ken's Guide to Keeping Your Airplanes (and Data) Safe

    We are delighted to have Ken Munro joining us from the UK today!  Ken is a Partner and Co-founder of Pen Test Partners. He is a seasoned technologist, the founder of multiple ventures, a pilot, a skier, and a dynamic and adventurous contributor to our community.  Ken brings a wealth of experience and expertise that promises to enrich our understanding of the evolving landscape in cybersecurity. In today's discussion, we dive into his remarkable career journey and explore his perspective on OT and ICS-related cybersecurity. Join us for this informative session with Ken as he shares his valuable perspectives. Show Highlights: Ken discusses his cybersecurity industry journeyHow Ken’s past Air Force experience relates to his current work in cybersecurityThe benefits of telling a story when communicating complex conceptsKen shares a story to highlight the importance of safety and security within the aviation industryKen talks about the unique systems on board planes and their vulnerabilitiesHow the isolated protocols used in older aircraft systems are more robust and stable than the modern systemsHow even simple display systems can cause airport outagesKen shares his concerns about cybersecurity risks within cloud management platforms for industrial control systemsHow including contractual language for liability in procurement contracts can protect organizations against cybersecurity risksKen shares his thoughts on the future of the cybersecurity industry Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Ken Munro on LinkedIn Pen TestPartners

    42 min
  6. 105: Beyond Boundaries: Unveiling the Multifaceted World of Michelle Balderson

    16 JAN

    105: Beyond Boundaries: Unveiling the Multifaceted World of Michelle Balderson

    We are excited to bring you another captivating industry leader interview today.   In this episode, we interview Michelle Balderson, the Principal Security Architect at Issquared. Michelle is a seasoned professional. In addition to having extensive experience as an established contributor and leader within the industry, she is a technologist, devoted mother, wife, chef, and a true jack of all trades. Beyond her contributions to the industry, Michelle finds joy in the great outdoors, whether she is conquering hiking trails, setting up camp, or enjoying four-by-four adventures.  In our discussion today, Michelle talks about her personal and professional journey, sharing insights she gained along the way and shedding light on the path that brought her to where she is in her current role as a security specialist. Join us as we dive into the rich reservoir of wisdom and experience that Michelle brings to the table. Show Highlights: How moving around a lot while growing up allowed Michelle to develop an excellent rapport with othersMichelle describes her first experience with technologyMichelle shares her experience of working at Fortinet and SonicWALLWork opportunities within the OT security spaceWhy a more holistic approach to security is neededThe importance of changing the culture within businesses to bridge the gap between different domains How empathy and active listening can drive business successMichelle discusses her role at IssquaredMichelle shares the advice she would give to her younger self Links and resources: (CS)²AI  Derek Harp on LinkedIn Michelle Balderson on LinkedIn ISSQUARED Inc.

    47 min

About

Control System Cyber Security Association International, or (CS)²AI, is the premier global non-profit workforce development organization supporting professionals of all levels charged with securing control systems. With over 34,000 members worldwide, we provide the platform for members to help members, foster meaningful peer-to-peer exchange, continue professional education, and directly support OT and ICS cyber security professional development in every way. Our founder, Derek Harp, interviews cyber security leaders and brings relevant insights to help any company handle cybersecurity effectively.

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