Protect It All

Protect It All Securing the Future: Bridging OT and IT with Expert Insights on Cyber Resilience

09/03/2025

"We didn’t even call it OT back then."

That one line says a LOT.
Because OT security isn’t new we just finally have a name for it.
And more people are paying attention.

In Episode 72, Aaron C Crow sat down with Patrick Gillespie, OT Practice Director at GuidePoint Security, to talk shop on:

✅ How legacy systems create modern risks
✅ Why patching isn’t the fix-all for OT
✅ Balancing availability, safety & security
✅ The real challenge: people and process, not just tech
✅ Breaking into OT — and building talent for the future

From freight trains to firewalls...
Patrick’s lived it.
And now he’s helping orgs and veterans thrive in this world.

Whether you’re new to OT or knee-deep in controls,
this one’s packed with lessons you can use right now.

08/13/2025

🎙️ Just dropped: Episode 70 of Protect It All Podcast

“Vegas, Villages, and the Value of Community”

Back from and , but this year was different.
✅ No expo floor.
✅ Didn’t stay the whole time.
✅ Still walked away with massive value.

Vegas is hotter, more expensive, and (honestly) struggling...
➡️ But the community? Still STRONG.
➡️ Every hallway was a reunion.

Every conversation reminded me why I keep coming back.
🔹 AI everywhere...some real innovation, some AI-washing
🔹 ICS VILLAGE crushed it...record crowds, great conversations
🔹 MorganFranklin Cyber - House of Blues Cyber Lounge was 🔥
🔹 rstcon in Savannah is coming in October… and it's one you shouldn’t miss

Also gave a shout to our Lone Star Cyber Shootout in November we’re turning it up this year with some insane scenarios (shooting from helicopters at moving Humvees… with paintballs, of course).

If you’re wondering what these events are really like and why they still matter hit play.

🎧 I unpack the real takeaways from the week, the value of connection, and what I’m building next.
Aaron C Crow Neal Conlon

07/23/2025

🎧 AI is both the sword and the shield.

This week’s solo episode of Protect It All Podcast dives into the double-edged impact of AI in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure.

We’re seeing:
🔓 Weaponized zero-days hitting faster than ever
🤖 AI-driven attacks and defenses evolving in real time
🚨 Deepfake risks escalating even for internal comms
⚙️ Policy shifts and global infrastructure concerns

From CrushFTP and SharePoint exploits to Google’s AI agent catching threats before attackers do, I break down what’s happening now and how to stay ahead.

I also share how organizations can:
🔹 Rethink patching like it’s part of incident response
🔹 Use digital twins and AI threat simulations
🔹 Rework IR plans for voice cloning and AI fraud
🔹 Build resilience across vendors and systems

Whether you're in OT, IT, energy, or just trying to lead a secure org through chaos this one’s packed.

🎙️ Listen to Episode 67:
“The Double-Edged Sword of AI in Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure” (link in bio)

What do you think❓
🔹 Is AI helping your team move faster❓
🔹Or just creating more threat vectors to manage❓

Aaron C Crow

06/16/2025

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️

Protect It All Episode 62 is live with Justin Searle, Director of ICS Security at InGuardians! 🔴

25+ years of experience from water treatment engineering to red teaming critical infrastructure like airports and power plants. This conversation is PACKED with real-world insights!

🔥 Key Takeaways:
OT Pen Testing ≠ IT Pen Testing
Production environments require "delicate touches"
Focus on network traversal, not full compromise
Partner with engineers or don't do it at all

Industry Progress is Real:
✅ Dedicated OT cybersecurity teams emerging
✅ Better visibility and authentication
✅ More mature programs (especially in utilities)
✅ But we're still catching up to where we need to be

Trust = Everything:
Engineers wear hard hats for a reason - safety first
Show your tools, let them shoulder surf
Bring donuts, build relationships 🍩
"All business is a people business"

Network Security is King in OT:
Can't put EDR on PLCs (yet!)
Overly dependent on network defenses
Focus on boundary crossings and access paths

Reality Check:
50% of Justin's customers are doing their FIRST OT pen test ever. The maturity gap is real, but we're making progress.

Bottom Line: You can't secure what you don't understand, and you can't test what you don't respect.

Perfect episode for anyone doing OT security assessments or wondering what red teaming looks like in operational environments.

Listen: https://protectitall.co/
🔗 Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meeas/
🔗 ControlThings.io for open-source OT security tools

Aaron C Crow Corvo Security Neal Conlon

Building trust in OT environments isn't just nice to have - it's mission critical. What's your experience with OT security assessments? 👇

05/13/2025

🚨 NEW EPISODE JUST DROPPED!
🎙️ Building Trust in OT Cybersecurity: Patching, Communication, and Personal Branding for Success

This week Aaron C Crow sat down with Oren Niskin—an OT cybersecurity expert who started not in a classroom, but in the belly of a Navy ship.

We go deep on:
🔧 Why patching in OT is misunderstood—and how to fix it
🧠 Why personal branding & communication matter just as much as technical skill
⚙️ Real-world lessons from rigs, remote access rollouts, and risky firmware
🤝 How to stop being the “cyber no guy” and start building trust with operations
📣 Why every cyber pro needs to think like a storyteller AND a salesman

If you’ve ever wondered how to:
✅ Patch safely without breaking systems
✅ Move from “just IT” to true OT influence
✅ Communicate cyber value without buzzwords
✅ Mentor the next generation (even your own kids)

Then this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen Now — and send it to a teammate who needs to hear it:
👉 https://protectitall.co/episodes/building-trust-in-ot-cybersecurity-patching-communication-and-personal-branding-for-success
📺 YouTube:
Neal Conlon Corvo Security Protect It All Aaron C Crow

💬 Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments.

🎙️Protect It All Podcast - New Episode Alert!Episode 50 - Safeguarding Operations: The Role of Cybersecurity in IT and O...
03/24/2025

🎙️Protect It All Podcast - New Episode Alert!

Episode 50 - Safeguarding Operations: The Role of Cybersecurity in IT and OT

In this milestone episode, Aaron C Crow is joined by Peter Jackson, a cybersecurity expert from New Zealand with extensive experience in industrial automation and OT security.

🔥 Key Topics We Covered:
🔹 Balancing security with reliable operations
🔹 Managing cybersecurity risks in diverse industrial environments
🔹 Bridging IT & OT silos for better collaboration
🔹 The growing role of cloud technology in OT systems

Peter’s insights are invaluable for both IT practitioners and OT professionals from asset owners to security leaders.

🎧 Tune in now to gain practical strategies and expert advice:
➡️ Apple Podcasts
➡️ Spotify
➡️ YouTube

💬 Have thoughts or questions? Drop a comment and let's talk!


Neal Conlon Corvo Security

03/14/2025

Have you ever wondered what we can learn from major cyber incidents like the Colonial Pipeline attack? 🤔

In our latest PrOTect IT All Podcast episode, we dive deep into:
🔹 The convergence of IT and OT
🔹 Critical lessons for protecting infrastructure
🔹 Strategies to bridge the gap between operations and security

This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for cybersecurity pros, IT specialists, and anyone concerned about the security of critical systems. 🚨

Watch the short video and then listen to the full episode (Link in comments)

Want more insights on cybersecurity trends, challenges, and cutting-edge tech?

Follow Protect It All Podcast and host Aaron C Crow! 🚀

03/03/2025

🚀 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️🔐

PrOTect IT ALl Episode 47 - The Intersection of AI, OT, and Cybersecurity with Sulaiman Alhasawi

This week on PrOTect IT All, I’m joined by Sulaiman Alhasawi, a cybersecurity expert and researcher from Kuwait, to break down some BIG topics:

✅ How AI is changing OT cybersecurity
✅ The challenges asset owners face in understanding vulnerabilities
✅ The global approach to securing critical infrastructure
✅ Why knowledge-sharing is key to improving security
✅ His research into discovering exposed OT devices online

Sulaiman is the founder of ICSrank.com, a tool that helps asset owners identify OT devices and potential vulnerabilities—because you can’t secure what you don’t know is out there. He’s also the host of the ICS Arabia Podcast, bringing global experts together to discuss real-world cyber threats.

🔊 Tune in now:
🎧 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124
🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/

If you’re in OT security, cybersecurity, or just interested in AI’s role in critical infrastructure, this episode is packed with insights.

🔥 Like & Subscribe! I read every review, and they help guide the direction of the podcast. Plus, they help more people discover and learn from these conversations.

What’s your take on AI in OT security? Drop your thoughts below! ⬇️


Aaron C Crow Corvo Security Neal Conlon

02/04/2025

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨

🎙️ PrOTect IT All Podcast - Ep. 44: Bridging IT & OT Cyber Challenges w/ Chris Robertson (ApogeeDefense CISO)

🔥 Dive into:

Virtual CISO strategies
IT/OT risk integration
AI's impact on security
🎧 Listen: protectitall.co/ep44

📢 Also, get ready for our next Lone Star Shootout in VEGAS during Hacker Summer Camp (BlackHat/DEFCON)!

💼 Cyber leaders & sponsors: DM us or email [email protected] for details.

Aaron C Crow Corvo Security

12/30/2024

🚨 New Episode Alert! How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Scams 🚨

🎙️ This week on the PProtect It AllPodcast, AAaron C Crowis sharing real-life experiences and actionable tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe from the ever-evolving world of cyber scams.

From jury duty fraud to phishing attacks and investment schemes, these scams are designed to prey on your trust and emotions. Even cybersecurity professionals can find themselves targeted, as he recently experienced firsthand.

🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
✅ How to identify and avoid common scams like jury duty fraud and tech support phishing.
✅ Why using tools like multi-factor authentication and password managers can be game-changers.
✅ The importance of teaching your kids, parents, and grandparents about staying safe online.
✅ How to handle public Wi-Fi, online shopping, and social media security to minimize risk.

💡 Key Takeaway: Cyber scams can happen to anyone—stay vigilant, informed, and proactive to protect your identity and finances.

👇 Have you or someone you know been targeted by a scam? Share your story in the comments to help others stay alert.

12/16/2024

🚨 New Podcast Episode! 🎙️

PrOTect IT All Podcast Ep. 36: Transformative Networking in Cybersecurity 🌐

🎯 Aaron C Crow and Neal Conlon dive into how Lone Star Shootout events at Staccato 2011 Ranch redefine industry connections with purposeful networking & adventure!

👉 Key Takeaways:
🔹 Proximity = Power: Why relationships beat noisy conferences.
🔹 ROI for Vendors: Real convos > endless pitches.
🔹 Leaders Leveling Up: Soft skills, influence, & decision-making sharpened.

Cybersecurity is about the people. Ready to rethink networking?

🎧 Listen Now:
Podcast: https://protectitall.co/episodes/exclusive-cybersecurity-event-at-staccato-ranch-where-networking-meets-adventure
YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=U17N63cUsEs&ab_channel=PrOTectITAll

💬 Your turn: What's the most valuable connection you've made in cybersecurity?

11/19/2024

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨

🎙️ Dive into the world of OT Cybersecurity with the latest episode of the Protect It All Podcast!

This week, Aaron C Crow sits down with ⁂ Paul Shaver ⁂, OT Security Global Practice Lead at Mandiant (part of Google Cloud), to explore the evolving challenges and exciting opportunities in securing Operational Technology (OT) environments.

🔑 Key Highlights from the Episode:
➡️ The current state of OT security and why legacy systems still pose challenges.
➡️ Building resilience in OT environments through better design and proactive incident response.
➡️ How cloud adoption can transform OT security while maintaining regulatory compliance.
➡️ A fascinating case study on moving to web-based HMIs and Chromeboxes for enhanced simplicity and resilience.

🛠️ Takeaways for Everyone: Whether you're managing an OT environment, transitioning to the cloud, or planning your security posture for the future, this episode is packed with actionable insights!

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments: What challenges do you think OT organizations face most today? Let’s keep the conversation going!

🔗 Don’t miss this in-depth discussion:

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