DirectConnect

DirectConnect
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Archer’s DirectConnect podcast brings together industry expertise to cover current events, hot topics and the latest tech from across the critical infrastructure sector. DirectConnect can be watched on YouTube as well, you can find all the episodes at www.youtube.com/archernewsnetwork Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ contact@archerint.com, we’d love to hear from you!

  1. Cyber Attack on Poland's Electric System 2025

    3D AGO

    Cyber Attack on Poland's Electric System 2025

    A cyber attack reached the edge of the electric grid, disrupted visibility, damaged equipment, and walked away. This isn’t theory anymore. Earlier this year, Dragos released an intelligence report on a cyber intrusion into Poland’s electric distribution systems. There was no massive blackout. No dramatic outage. And that’s exactly why this matters. This video explains why that incident wasn’t a failure — it was a proof of access. Attackers demonstrated repeatable access across distributed energy resources, disrupted communications, degraded operational visibility, and damaged equipment beyond repair. Then they stopped. Not because they couldn’t do more — but because they didn’t need to. What this signals is a shift the industry has been slow to confront: the grid is no longer centralized. Risk now lives at the edge — in DERs, remote access paths, identical configurations, third-party vendor connections, and visibility gaps that have been normalized for years. In this discussion, industry experts break down what the report really tells us about grid evolution, why cybersecurity and operations can no longer be separated, and how losing situational awareness may be more dangerous than losing power itself. If your organization relies on distributed assets, vendor access, or believes “low impact” systems aren’t critical — this conversation is about you. Link to the Document: https://hub.dragos.com/report/electrum-targeting-polands-electric-sector?_gl=1*1to76bn*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3Njk0NTQzOTguRUFJYUlRb2JDaE1JcGVYem92T3BrZ01WMnhxdEJoMV9NU3duRUFBWUFTQUFFZ0lMQnZEX0J3RQ..*_gcl_au*MTg5NTc2Mjk3LjE3NjU4MzA1NTguMTI2MzI5MDEzMS4xNzY5NzM1MzYxLjE3Njk3MzUzNjE.*_ga*MzE1NzU4NDc2LjE3NjU4MzA1NjA.*_ga_8Z0JSJN44D*czE3Njk3OTYwMTYkbzckZzEkdDE3Njk3OTc1MDQkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_7C51GTM128*czE3Njk3OTYwMTYkbzckZzEkdDE3Njk3OTc1MDYkajU4JGwwJGg4NTE2OTYwMDg. #CyberSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #OTSecurity #PowerGrid #EnergySector #GridSecurity #NERC #FERC #CIP #Compliance #Resilience #Audit #InfrastructureProtection #CyberAttack #ArcherEnergySolutions #Poland #Attack

    22 min
  2. CIP & Cloud Services: A New Way Forward

    JAN 28

    CIP & Cloud Services: A New Way Forward

    NERC is considering a major shift in how CIP standards work — including a parallel “100 Series” designed for cloud and system-based environments. In this episode of Direct Connect with Archer, Steve Parker and John Fallon break down: Why the current device-focused model struggles with cloudWhat a system-based approach could changeThe compliance and audit complexity this may introduceHow vendors, utilities, and security programs could be affectedLink to the CIP & Cloud Services Document: https://www.nerc.com/globalassets/standards/projects/2023-09/white-paper/project-2023-09-risk-management-for-third-party-cloud-services-white-paper_121825.pdf Is this the future of CIP… or a compliance headache in the making? #NERC #CyberSecurity #CriticalInfrastructure #CloudSecurity #NERCCompliance #OTSecurity #CIPStandards #ArcherEnergy

    18 min
  3. What Challenges will the Industry Face in 2026

    JAN 14

    What Challenges will the Industry Face in 2026

    In the first Direct Connect of 2026, the Archer team looks ahead at what’s coming for critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, resilience, and compliance in the year ahead. Managing Partner Stacy Bresler is joined by Managing Partners Steve Parker and Brian Pauling, along with Archer's new Account Manager, John Fallon for a candid roundtable discussion on the biggest risks and trends shaping 2026, including: Upcoming NERC CIP changes and regulatory focus areasThe accelerating impact of AI, deepfakes, and automated attacksSupply chain, physical security, and remote connectivity risksExtreme weather response and grid reliability challengesThe rise of Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) and grid transformationWhy the unknown may be the greatest risk of allFrom boardroom priorities to frontline security teams, this conversation explores what leaders should be thinking about now to prepare for what’s next. 🎥 Watch to hear where the Archer team believes organizations should focus their time, funding, and people in 2026—and beyond. #DirectConnect #CriticalInfrastructure #Cybersecurity #NERC #CIPCompliance #OperationalResilience #AIinSecurity #IBR #GridTransformation #PhysicalSecurity #SupplyChainRisk #ExtremeWeather #CyberRisk #ArcherEnergySolutions

    22 min
  4. Stop Talking About Your Last Audit

    12/10/2025

    Stop Talking About Your Last Audit

    In this episode of Direct Connect, Stacy Bresler, Leonard Chamberlin and Steve Parker, Managing Partners at Archer, break down one of the most common (and dangerous) traps in NERC CIP and regulatory compliance: obsessing over your last audit. Auditors change. Risks change. Rules change. Teams change. So why are so many utilities still anchored to what happened 3+ years ago? From shifting threat environments to controls-focused audits, internal controls, and what it really means to be secure vs. simply “passing,” this conversation hits the heart of modern compliance. 👉 If you want to be ready for your next audit, this episode is a must-watch. #NERC #CIPCompliance #CriticalInfrastructure #DirectConnect #AuditPreparation #Cybersecurity #Utilities #PowerGrid #ArcherEnergy #RiskManagement

    20 min
  5. (Un)Manageable Rate of Industry Changes

    11/19/2025

    (Un)Manageable Rate of Industry Changes

    Episode: (Un)Manageable Rate of Industry Changes Critical infrastructure is evolving faster than ever — from accelerating NERC CIP regulations and IBR growth to cloud migration and expanding cyber threats. In this episode of Direct Connect, Stacy Bresler and Steven Parker discuss the challenges facing compliance, operations, and cybersecurity teams, and share strategies for staying ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. Whether you’re a compliance officer, engineer, or cybersecurity professional, this episode offers insights on managing risk, prioritizing efforts, and building resilience in today’s fast-paced energy sector.

    17 min
  6. The Data Center Boom: How Rural America Is Powering the Digital Future

    11/05/2025

    The Data Center Boom: How Rural America Is Powering the Digital Future

    As data centers expand into rural America, small utilities are facing big changes — from compliance challenges and workforce shortages to surging energy demand. In this episode of DirectConnect, Stacy Bresler and Brian Pauling discuss how AI, weather, and grid fragility are creating a perfect storm for the future of energy. #Hashtags: #DataCenters #EnergySector #GridReliability #NERC #Utilities #Compliance #AI #Infrastructure #RuralAmerica #DirectConnect #ArcherEnergySolutions

    20 min
  7. CIP-015-1 | Breaking Down NERC’s New INSM Standard

    07/23/2025

    CIP-015-1 | Breaking Down NERC’s New INSM Standard

    In this episode of Direct Connect, Archer Managing Partners Leonard Chamberlin and Steve Parker are joined by former FERC colleague and new Archer team member Barry Kuehnle to break down the newly approved NERC CIP-015-1 standard on Internal Network Security Monitoring (INSM). They explore the standard’s origins, timeline, implementation challenges, and key technical debates—from sensor placement to endpoint protection to software-defined networking. Whether you're in compliance, security, or policy, this discussion is packed with insights you won't want to miss. 🔗 Subscribe for more NERC/CIP updates and expert takes. #CIP015 #NERCCompliance #NERCStandards #INSM #InternalNetworkSecurityMonitoring #CriticalInfrastructureProtection #CyberCompliance #GridSecurity #UtilitySecurity #OTSecurity #ArcherEnergySolutions

    28 min
  8. Why are Inverter-Based Resources on the Radar?

    04/09/2025

    Why are Inverter-Based Resources on the Radar?

    In this episode of DirectConnect, Steve Parker and Stacy Bresler, Managing Partners at Archer, take a closer look at why inverter-based resources are suddenly on the radar. As the energy grid evolves, Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)—like solar, wind, and battery systems—are playing a bigger role. But unlike traditional synchronous generators, IBRs interact with the grid differently, creating new reliability and cybersecurity challenges. Their rapid integration has caught the attention of regulators and operators who now recognize the urgent need for updated standards, visibility, and controls to ensure grid stability. IBRs aren’t just the future—they’re a current risk that demands attention. Links from the episode: NERC IBR Performance Issues Report: https://www.nerc.com/comm/RSTC_Reliability_Guidelines/NERC_Inverter-Based_Resource_Performance_Issues_Public_Report_2023.pdf NARUC - Cybersecurity Baselines for Electric Distribution Systems and DER: https://www.naruc.org/core-sectors/critical-infrastructure-and-cybersecurity/cybersecurity-for-utility-regulators/cybersecurity-baselines/ Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ contact@archerint.com, we’d love to hear from you! #IBR #ElectricDistribution #NARUC #Solar #Wind #BatterySystems #ArcherEnergySolutions #CriticalInfrastructure #PhysicalSecurity #Podcast #Cybersecurity #Compliance #FERC #NERC #CIPStandards #FiresideChat #Fortune500

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Archer’s DirectConnect podcast brings together industry expertise to cover current events, hot topics and the latest tech from across the critical infrastructure sector. DirectConnect can be watched on YouTube as well, you can find all the episodes at www.youtube.com/archernewsnetwork Would just like to learn more about Archer Energy Solutions and what we do? Head over to our website @ www.archerint.com, give us a call @ 1-800-805-7411 or email us @ contact@archerint.com, we’d love to hear from you!

Information

  • Creator
    DirectConnect
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © archerint.com
  • Show Website
    DirectConnect