PrOTect It All
PrOTect IT All with Aaron Crow delivers weekly episodes focused on cybersecurity and operational technology, tackling emerging threats across industrial control systems, AI security, and IoT threats. The show emphasizes enterprise risk management, manufacturing security, power grid security, and threat intelligence, providing listeners with authentic conversations from security leaders and practitioners. It’s a resource for those committed to real-world IT operations security and understanding AI risks in critical infrastructures.
Trust Is Not a Security Control: Blast Radius and the Management Plane
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep128/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Zero trust asks whether something should be allowed. Zach Miller asks a different question: if it is allowed, and something blows up, how far does it go?
Zach is a cybersecurity engineer in Colorado Springs who came up through K-12 network support on a shoestring budget, defense contracting and managed services. On the side he runs Skip to Secure, where he publishes research on...
A Guardrail, Not a Stop Sign: Securing AI at Business Speed
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep127/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Three months ago Ben Wilcox's company was running roughly 200 AI agents. When he checked the day before we recorded, it was 900. Nobody stood them up on purpose, and every one of them runs under somebody's identity.
Ben Wilcox is CTO and CISO at ProArch, which means he carries both sides of the argument: the pressure to adopt AI and move fast, and the job...
AI Is the New Shadow IT: Why Blocking It Never Worked with Jack Smith
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep126/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Shadow IT used to be a server in a closet. Today it is Linda from sales uploading confidential quotes to whatever AI tool she found first, and your corporate data leaving with it.
Jack Smith has spent more than 25 years in enterprise IT, across infrastructure, networks, datacenters, cloud and incident management, and he hosts the IT Horror Stories podcast. His argument is that AI...
Own Your Industrial Airspace: Wireless, Vendors, and the Parking Lot Crane Hack with Scott McNeil
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep125/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
A wireless engineer sat in a parking lot, connected to a plant's crane anti-collision network, and had everything he needed to stop the cranes inside 20 minutes. Nobody inside the fence ever knew he was there.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow talks with Scott McNeil, Industrial Network and Security Architect II at Global Process Automation (GPA), about the part of...
Regulation Is the Budget Unlock OT Has Been Waiting For: NIS2, the CRA, and Getting the Basics Right with Tobias Nitzsche
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep124/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
NIS2, the EU Cyber Resilience Act, and CIRCIA are converging between now and 2027, and for the first time the law is pushing cybersecurity requirements upstream into product design and supply chain. What does that actually change on the plant floor?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow talks with Tobias Nitzsche, Head of Legislation and Technology for Cybersecurity at ABB Energy...
AI in OT: Why Humans Stay in the Loop and the Junior Problem with Jori VanAntwerp
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep123/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI is a consensus engine, and consensus on the internet is frequently wrong. So what does that mean for the people defending power plants, water systems, and factories with it?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes back Jori VanAntwerp, CEO and founder of EmberOT, for a completely unscripted conversation on AI in OT. Two practitioners who use AI aggressively...
Building the Cybersecurity Community: From 120 People to 3,000 at CYBR.SEC.CON
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep122/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Get your tickets for CYBR.SEC.CON., a two-day cybersecurity conference, here: https://www.cybrseccon.com/
What started with 120 people and a homemade Word flyer has grown into a cybersecurity community of more than 3,000. So what does it take to build a community that can scale without losing its personal connection?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits...
What Makes a Cybersecurity Startup Valuable in the AI Era? A VC's Perspective
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep121/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI has made it easier than ever to build a cybersecurity product. But has it also made it harder to build a valuable cybersecurity company?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Ken Elefant, Founding Managing Director of the venture group at Sorenson Capital, for a candid conversation about what really makes cybersecurity startups succeed.
Ken...
Million-Dollar Buttons: How Offshore OT Is Embracing Containers and Modern Cybersecurity
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep120/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Offshore oil and gas operations don't have the luxury of simply shutting everything down and starting over.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Josh Herr and Matt McLendon to explore the real-world challenges of modernizing cybersecurity and technology in offshore operational technology (OT) environments.
From million-dollar equipment and aging control systems to virtualization, containers, and...
AI Agent Security: How to Stop Autonomous AI from Becoming Your Biggest Insider Threat
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep119/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI agents are becoming more autonomous - but are they becoming more secure?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes David Girvin for a timely discussion about one of the fastest-growing challenges in cybersecurity: AI agent security and governance.
From an unconventional career as a ship captain to building one...
AI & Cybersecurity: Why People, Accountability & Resilience Still Matter
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep118/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI is changing cybersecurity at an incredible pace. But are organizations prepared for the risks that come with it?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Brian Schleifer, an industry veteran with decades of experience spanning the military, technology, consulting, defense, and critical infrastructure.
Aaron and Brian explore what it really takes to adopt AI responsibly...
OT Pen Testing: Why Trust, Culture & Hands-On Experience Matter Most
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep117/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Effective OT penetration testing isn't just about finding vulnerabilities, it's about building trust.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by Oren Niskin and Reynaldo Gonzalez for an engaging discussion on the evolving role of penetration testing in operational technology (OT) environments.
Drawing from years of experience in industrial operations, IT, and OT cybersecurity, Oren and Reynaldo...
Cybersecurity Leadership: Why People Matter More Than Technology
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep116/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
The biggest cybersecurity challenge isn't technology - it's people.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Swapnil Kachave for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to build high-performing cybersecurity teams in an era of AI, automation, and increasing cyber threats.
Having built and led Security Operations Center (SOC) teams across five industries, Swapnil shares why successful...
Conficker Still Exists? The Hidden OT Malware Threat Putting Critical Infrastructure at Risk
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep115/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Some of the biggest cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure aren't new - they've simply never gone away.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes back Lesley Carhart for a fascinating conversation about why decades-old malware like Conficker continues to infect operational technology (OT) environments around the world.
Drawing on nearly...
OT Cybersecurity: Why Trust Beats Technology | Jacob McCune | Ep 114
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep114/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
The biggest challenge in OT cybersecurity isn't technology - it's earning trust.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Jacob McCune, a cybersecurity architect with more than 20 years of hands-on experience across both IT and OT environments.
Jacob shares his unconventional journey from the help desk to securing critical infrastructure...
AI for OT Cybersecurity: Real-World Strategies to Protect Critical Infrastructure
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep113/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI is changing OT cybersecurity - but success still depends on understanding your operations.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Vivek Ponnada for a practical conversation about how artificial intelligence is transforming the way organizations defend critical infrastructure.
With decades of experience in industrial automation and OT security, Vivek shares firsthand...
OT Cybersecurity That Works: Defense in Depth, AI Risks & Protecting Critical Infrastructure
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep112/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
When it comes to OT cybersecurity, the fundamentals still matter - even in the age of AI.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Caleb Davis for a practical discussion on securing industrial environments where uptime, safety, and resilience are non-negotiable.
From legacy control systems and tight budgets to AI-powered...
Quantum Readiness: The Cybersecurity Threat Most Organizations Aren’t Prepared For
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep111/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Quantum computing isn't a future problem - it's a cybersecurity challenge organizations need to start preparing for today.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes Jim Sortino for a timely discussion on quantum readiness, cryptographic risk, and the future of cybersecurity.
As organizations continue accumulating technical debt and relying on...
Cybersecurity vs Resilience: What Business Leaders Need to Know About Managing Risk
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep110/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Cybersecurity isn't the goal. Business resilience is.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Lee Ward to explore why organizations need to move beyond compliance checklists and start focusing on what really matters: the ability to withstand, recover from, and adapt to disruption.
Drawing...
Continuous Trust in Cybersecurity : Why Identity Is the New Security Perimeter
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep109/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
What if trust wasn't something you granted once - but something you continuously verified?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Frank Goodman to explore one of the most important challenges in modern cybersecurity: establishing trust in an increasingly connected world.
As organizations expand across cloud, OT, AI, APIs, and...
Breaking Into Cybersecurity: Soft Skills, Networking & Standing Out in a Crowded Market
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep108/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Technical skills might get your attention - but soft skills build cybersecurity careers.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with technology leader and mentor Robert Whetstine for a candid conversation about what it really takes to succeed in today’s cybersecurity job market.
As AI reshapes hiring, the market becomes more crowded, and professionals struggle to st...
AI, Cybersecurity & Career Growth: Why Curiosity Matters More Than Credentials
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep107/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
The future of cybersecurity belongs to people who can adapt - not just those with the longest list of certifications.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Peter Schawacker for a candid conversation about the evolving intersection of AI, cybersecurity, talent, and career growth.
With nearly 30...
AI in OT Cybersecurity: Real-World Risks, Smarter Defenses & the Future of Critical Infrastructure
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep106/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI is rapidly transforming cybersecurity but are critical infrastructure environments ready for what comes next?
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with longtime colleague and cybersecurity expert Clark Liu to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping both IT and OT security operations.
From incident response and compliance frameworks to workforce shifts and operational resilience, Aaron and...
AI Agents & Cybersecurity: Identity, Compliance, and the New Risks Facing IT and OT
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep105/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
AI agents are changing cybersecurity faster than most organizations can adapt.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow welcomes back cybersecurity veteran Ken Foster for a deep dive into how AI is reshaping risk, identity, and resilience across IT and OT environments.
With more than 30 years of experience spanning the Navy...
From NFL to OT Cybersecurity Why Trust and Teamwork Matter More Than Tools | Aaron Crow
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep104/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Cybersecurity isn’t just about technology - it’s about people.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Sean Tufts for a conversation that goes far beyond tools and tactics. From the locker room to control rooms, Sean shares how his journey from professional football to OT cybersecurity shaped his approach to tr...
Cyber Risk in Construction: Securing AEC Projects in a Digital, AI-Driven World
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep103/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
Construction sites are no longer just physical - they’re digital, connected, and increasingly vulnerable. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Lee Carsten to explore the rising cyber risks across the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.
As digital transformation accelerates - with AI, digital twins, and connected building systems becoming standard - construction projects are expanding th...
Breaking Into OT Cybersecurity: Closing the Skills Gap and Protecting Critical Infrastructure
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep102/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
The biggest challenge in OT cybersecurity isn’t just technology - it’s people.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Mike Holcomb to explore one of the most urgent issues facing the industry today: the growing skills gap in OT and ICS cybersecurity.
Mike shares his journey from IT into operational technology security and breaks down...
OT Risk Management That Works: Asset Visibility, Risk Quantification & CISO-Level Strategy
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep101/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
You can’t manage risk you can’t measure - or even see.
In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Nicholas Friedman to explore how organizations can move beyond compliance and build real, measurable cybersecurity programs across IT and OT environments.
With experience spanning banking, aerospace, and...
100 Episodes of Protect It All: Aaron Crow’s Journey Through IT, OT & Cybersecurity
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep100/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 pe...
OT Cybersecurity That Works: Budgets, Soft Skills & AI Reality for Stronger Defense
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep099/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 de...
The Striker Attack: What It Reveals About OT Cybersecurity and Why Tabletop Exercises Matter
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep098/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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...
OT Under Siege: How to Defend Critical Infrastructure From Nation-State Cyber Threats
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep097/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 ex...
Poland’s Power Grid Cyberattack What It Teaches Us About OT Security and Renewable Energy Risks
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep096/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 th...
Safe AI Automation for Cybersecurity: Practical Workflows Without the Risk
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep095/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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...
Compliance Isn’t Security: NERC CIP 15 and the Real Gaps in OT Network Monitoring
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep094/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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...
OT Cybersecurity That Works: Tabletop Exercises, Critical Controls & Building Trust
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep093/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 ar...
Pen Testing Reality Check: Why Cybersecurity Fundamentals Still Matter More Than AI
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep092/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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, Co...
OT Remote Access After COVID: Why IT Tools Fail and What Critical Infrastructure Needs Now
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep091/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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...
Securing Remote Access in OT: Visibility, Segmentation, and What Compliance Misses
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep090/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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...
Small Business Cybersecurity: Practical Steps to Survive Big Threats on a Small Budget
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The book: https://protectitallpod.com/book/
This episode: https://protectitallpod.com/ep089/
The OT Security Starter Kit: https://protectitallpod.com/starter-kit/
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 wh...
