Episode 37 - Protecting Critical Infrastructure: A Roundtable on Industrial Cybersecurity Strategies
In this episode, host Aaron Crow shines a light on the collaborative spirit that unites these professionals as they confront contemporary cybersecurity challenges. It features a roundtable discussion with industry veterans: Pascal Ackermann, Senior Threat Protection and Response Engineer; Brett Seals, expert in incident response and threat detection; and Gabriel Sanchez, head of the Advanced Threat Protection Center
The discussion takes listeners on a journey through both nostalgic tech, with mentions of the Tandy TRS-80, and the pressing issues of today, such as ransomware threats. The guests delve into the delicate balance between old and new technologies, the intricacies of integrating IT and OT security, and the evolving skill sets needed in the field. From power plant vulnerabilities to global geopolitical ramifications, the episode underscores the critical importance of securing essential infrastructure.
Listeners will hear shared histories, stories of past crises, and these experts' proactive solutions. Topics range from cloud and artificial intelligence trends to the crucial need for workforce development. This episode provides a detailed, engaging, and educational experience for anyone interested in cybersecurity.
Key Moments:
10:43 Incident detection parallels between the control room, SOC.
13:58 Integrating safety programs into utility sector operations.
19:24 Balancing risk vs. cost of device replacement.
24:10 Immediate support is needed for 24/7 operations critical.
32:21 OT and IT share the same protection goals.
34:59 Focus: Enhancing asset management and system visibility.
39:42 Early hacking: dialing, shared networks, pranking neighbors.
44:32 Shift towards active technology use in OT.
50:58 If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
55:37 Defending infrastructure and impacting global mission together.
59:52 Issues transcend borders; global cooperation is needed.
Guest Profiles:
Brett Seals is an expert in instant response and threat detection engineering, currently working at the firm 1898. Before joining 1898, Brett garnered a decade of invaluable experience in the United States Navy, where he supported both expeditionary and cybersecurity operations. During his Navy tenure, he served at the Navy Cyber Defensive Operation Command, the Navy’s equivalent of a Security Operations Center (SOC), managing a fleet of sensors. Brett also spent considerable time around the Fort Meade area. As the COVID-19 pandemic began, he transitioned from his military role to his current position, continuing his commitment to cybersecurity in the private sector.
Gabriel Sanchez embarked on his professional journey in the early 2000s, transitioning from college into what we now recognize as a burgeoning career in cybersecurity. Initially, Gabriel found himself working as a contractor for the Department of Defense, focused on missile simulations and charged with the responsibility of protecting their network—an early, hands-on introduction to cybersecurity before it even had a formal name. Following this formative experience, Gabriel spent the next decade in the electric utility sector, stepping into a groundbreaking role to establish an entirely new cybersecur...
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