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, highlighting the lessons that only real-world experience can teach. Together, Aaron and Jacob explore why communication, collaboration, and trust are often the deciding factors between successful cybersecurity programs and failed initiatives.

The conversation also dives into the future of OT security, examining how AI, cloud technologies, and evolving architectures are changing industrial environments and why organizations need to rethink traditional approaches while keeping operational realities front and center.

Key Learning:

• Why trust is the foundation of successful OT cybersecurity programs
• How practical experience shapes better cybersecurity decisions
• The importance of communication between IT, OT, and leadership teams
• Why compliance alone doesn't guarantee security
• How AI and cloud technologies are reshaping OT environments
• What the future may look like beyond traditional industrial architectures

Key Moments:

05:18 Building a Power Plant Team

09:06 Balancing cybersecurity with business needs

11:01 Avoiding project delays during downtime

16:04 Importance of Broad Experience

17:59 A mentor's lesson on teamwork

23:41 Challenges with job postings and requirements

26:27 Managing risk and resource challenges

29:59 Helping Your Compliance Team

33:12 Dad's long career and expertise

36:44 Discussing cybersecurity risk management

39:44 Cloud resources and AI discussions

41:08 Exploring future solutions and technologies

Whether you're building an OT security program, managing critical infrastructure, or looking to grow your cybersecurity career, this episode delivers practical lessons from years of real-world experience.

Tune in to discover why people, trust, and communication remain the most valuable assets in modern cybersecurity only on Protect It All.

About the guest:

Jacob McCune is a cybersecurity architect with more than 20 years of experience across IT and OT environments, helping organizations secure critical infrastructure through practical, real-world security strategies. From starting his career on the help desk to designing enterprise security architectures, Jacob has built a reputation for bridging the gap between IT and OT through collaboration, communication, and trust. He is passionate about helping organizations move beyond compliance to build resilient cybersecurity programs that protect both people and operations.

Links to connect Jacob :

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-mccune-33a08984/

CornCon Cybersecurity Conference : https://corncon.net/

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep114
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
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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 insights into the realities of protecting legacy control systems while preparing for a future increasingly shaped by AI, automation, and digital transformation.

Together, Aaron and Vivek discuss how organizations can use AI to improve visibility, accelerate threat detection, prioritize vulnerabilities, and strengthen operational resilience, without losing sight of the fundamentals that keep industrial environments safe.

Key Learning:

• How AI is transforming OT cybersecurity and industrial operations
• Practical AI use cases for protecting critical infrastructure
• Why legacy systems remain one of the biggest OT security challenges
• How AI can improve vulnerability management and incident response
• The role of digital twins in strengthening cyber resilience
• Why trust, collaboration, and operational knowledge remain essential in OT security

Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, energy, water, or other critical infrastructure, this episode provides practical insights into balancing innovation with operational reliability.

Tune in to discover how AI can strengthen OT cybersecurity while helping organizations protect the systems that keep the world running.

Key Moments:

06:43 AI and cloud adoption in OT

13:27 Controller logic changes and safety steps

21:24 Discussing Digital Twins for Security Use

26:51 Managing vulnerabilities at scale

32:41 Understanding Power Plant Limitations

37:17 Keeping up with plant changes

41:43 Automating infrastructure and maintenance

49:08 Rising importance of cybersecurity investment

52:16 Early days in cybersecurity and OT

01:00:03 Ransomware impacts on industries

01:01:53 Using GPUs for security and OT

About the guest :

Vivek Ponnada is an Operational Technology (OT) Security practitioner with global experience and currently serves as the SVP of Growth & Strategy at Frenos, the world's first Simulated OT Pentesting Platform. Having started his career in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as a Technician, Vivek became a Controls Engineer and commissioned Gas Turbines in Europe, Middle-East, Africa and South-East Asia. Post MBA, Vivek held multiple roles in Sales, Marketing & Business Development and Services covering ICS and OT Security solutions for Critical Infrastructure industries (Power, Oil & Gas etc.) at GE, XenonCyber Dynamics and Nozomi Networks. He was a co-lead for the Top 20 Secure PLC Coding Practices Project and regularly speaks at Information Security Conferences. Vivek has a C.Eng. from IEI, MBA from McCombs (UT Austin) and holds the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Expert & GICSP certifications. He is a member of the ISA, ISACA, Public Safety Canada ICS Security Symposium Advisory Committee and is a CS2AI Fellow.

How to connect Vivek:

Frenos: https://frenos.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/1ot/

Frenos YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Frenos_Security

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co

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 threats and open-source security tools, Aaron and Caleb explore the real challenges organizations face every day - and the strategies that deliver meaningful protection without requiring massive investments.

A major focus of the conversation is defense in depth: building multiple layers of protection, fostering trust between IT and OT teams, and strengthening foundational cybersecurity practices before chasing the latest technology.

You'll learn:

• Why defense in depth remains the cornerstone of OT cybersecurity
• How to improve security in legacy industrial environments
• Practical ways to strengthen OT security - even with limited budgets
• Why asset inventory, segmentation, and basic cyber hygiene still matter most
• How AI is changing both offensive and defensive cybersecurity
• The importance of trust and collaboration between IT, engineering, and operations

Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, water treatment, energy, or any critical infrastructure environment, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Tune in to learn how layered defenses, strong relationships, and proven fundamentals create resilient OT security programs - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

05:41 PLCs and network security challenges

07:24 Challenges in Updating OT Systems

11:33 Impact of Downtime on Security

16:03 Using affordable cybersecurity tools

19:14 Building Trust in Business Deals

23:01 Security challenges in medical devices

25:49 Trust and IT implementation risks

28:35 Using AI for safer software updates

31:05 Cybersecurity best practices for plants

33:40 Balancing Security Costs and Business Needs

37:50 Nurturing OT like raising kids

41:20 AI and cybersecurity concerns

About the guest : Caleb Davis is a founding member of SolaSec, a cybersecurity consulting firm specializing in advanced penetration testing for embedded and connected systems. Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, he holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler and is a patent-holding expert with vast experience in hardware and firmware security. Caleb leads deep technical assessments across a range of high-impact industries, including medical devices, automotive, industrial control systems, ATMs and financial terminals, aerospace components, and consumer electronics. His work focuses on secure design, trusted boot processes, cryptographic implementations, and threat modeling, helping organizations integrate security throughout the development lifecycle and align with industry and regulatory standards.

How to connect Celeb :

SolaSec: https://solasec.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-davis-400439100/

OTPCAP (OT PCAP analysis tool): https://github.com/SolaSec/otpcap

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep112
• X:<...

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 aging cryptographic systems, the arrival of quantum computing threatens to disrupt the very foundations of digital trust. Jim explains why leaders need to think beyond today's threats and begin preparing for a future where current encryption standards may no longer provide adequate protection.

Together, Aaron and Jim explore the practical realities of quantum risk, how organizations can identify vulnerable systems, and why crypto agility is becoming one of the most important cybersecurity priorities of the next decade.

You'll learn:

• What quantum computing means for modern cybersecurity
• Why cryptographic technical debt creates long-term business risk
• How to assess your organization's quantum readiness
• The importance of crypto agility and encryption modernization
• Practical steps security leaders can take today
• Why IT and OT environments must prepare for the same emerging threats

Whether you're a cybersecurity professional, technology leader, board member, or simply curious about the future of digital security, this episode provides actionable insights to help you prepare before quantum disruption arrives.

Tune in to learn why the organizations that start preparing today will be the ones best positioned to protect tomorrow.

Key Moments:

06:02 Challenges with product maintenance and AI integration

08:42 Importance of Software in Everything

12:30 Addressing cybersecurity risks

16:00 Authentication and trust challenges

18:13 Preparing for technological changes

20:56 Planning and Implementing Projects

25:38 Budget planning for cybersecurity risks

28:54 Challenges for Small Financial Institutions

31:27 Importance of regulations in business

33:37 Legacy security systems and protocols

36:38 Quantum readiness and future risks

About the guest :

Jim Sortino is the Chief Revenue Officer and a Board Member at Isera Corporation, where he helps organizations address emerging cybersecurity challenges through innovative identity and cryptographic security solutions. With decades of experience working with global enterprises, Jim specializes in helping leaders navigate complex technology risks, from technical debt and encryption modernization to quantum readiness. He is a passionate advocate for proactive cybersecurity strategies that prepare organizations for the next generation of digital threats.

How to connect Jim Sortino : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessortino/

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep111
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
• FaceBook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at...

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 on more than two decades of experience spanning the UK civil service, logistics, supply chain operations, and governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), Lee shares practical insights on helping boards and executives understand cyber risk in business terms.

Together, Aaron and Lee discuss the realities of risk acceptance, operational technology challenges, patching constraints, and why resilience not perfection should be the ultimate objective of any cybersecurity program.

You'll learn:

• Why resilience is a better business objective than security alone
• How to communicate cyber risk to boards and executive leadership
• The difference between compliance and meaningful risk reduction
• Practical approaches to OT security, patching, and operational constraints
• Why risk acceptance is a critical leadership responsibility
• How logistics and supply chain organizations approach resilience planning

Whether you're a security leader, executive, risk manager, or OT practitioner, this episode provides practical guidance for building organizations that can continue operating when disruptions inevitably occur.

Tune in to learn why resilience not just security is becoming the defining metric of successful organizations.

Key Moments:

03:59 Understanding Cyber Risks for Leaders

07:16 Discussing non-cyber risks to services

11:12 Understanding business impact of cyber risk

15:45 Evaluating Cybersecurity Risks

19:37 Understanding installation complexities

21:15 Global risks affecting business resilience

24:27 Discussing regulation impacts on business

29:30 People's drive to make good choices

31:27 Industrial control systems demo at DEFCON

34:43 Limitations of technical security

38:06 The future of AI and education

About the guest : Lee Ward is a Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance (GRC) leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning the UK civil service, logistics, supply chain operations, and cybersecurity. Specializing in business resilience, risk governance, and operational technology security, Lee helps organizations translate complex cyber risks into meaningful business decisions. He is passionate about moving beyond compliance-driven security programs and helping leaders build resilient organizations that can adapt, recover, and thrive in an increasingly uncertain world.

How to connect Lee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-ward-882a54244/

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep110
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
• FaceBook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at info@protectitall.co

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

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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 distributed workloads, traditional approaches based on static credentials, API keys, and long-lived tokens are struggling to keep up with modern threats. Frank shares his vision for continuous trust, where cryptographic source identity and automated policy enforcement work together to verify every interaction in real time.

Together, Aaron and Frank discuss how organizations can move beyond traditional security models and build architectures capable of responding to threats at machine speed.

You'll learn:

• Why static keys and tokens remain a major cybersecurity weakness
• How continuous trust differs from traditional Zero Trust approaches
• The growing importance of source identity across IT, OT, cloud, and AI environments
• How automated policy enforcement improves visibility and response times
• Why supply chain and API-based attacks continue to challenge organizations
• What the future of cybersecurity looks like when trust becomes dynamic and continuous

Whether you're responsible for enterprise security, critical infrastructure, cloud operations, or emerging AI systems, this episode offers a practical look at the next evolution of cyber defense.

Tune in to discover why identity, trust, and automation are becoming the foundation of modern cybersecurity - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

03:56 Importance of cryptographic source identity

08:52 Securing software supply chains

11:31 Current gaps in network security solutions

16:51 Improving cybersecurity through source identity

17:50 Trust thresholds and security priorities

23:51 Monitoring and securing backend systems

24:51 Managing security with SaaS providers

30:35 Enterprise security and infrastructure challenges

32:23 Adapting to new technologies

36:08 Improving cybersecurity tool integration

40:38 Innovative tech solutions discussion

About the guest :

Frank Goodman is a cybersecurity entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience in enterprise infrastructure and security. After leadership roles at Gigamon, NetScout, and VSS Monitoring, he founded Onoratio to tackle what he sees as a fundamental cybersecurity challenge: building continuous trust and verifiable source identity into the infrastructure itself.

How to connect Frank : https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankgoodman/

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep109
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll
• FaceBook: https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at info@protectitall.co

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

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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 stand out, Aaron and Robert explore the overlooked factors that often determine long-term success: adaptability, networking, authenticity, and communication.

This episode goes beyond résumés and certifications to focus on the human side of career growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why soft skills matter as much as technical ability in cybersecurity
• How networking and community create real career opportunities
• The impact of AI and oversaturation on the cybersecurity job market
• How to stand out without relying only on certifications
• Why adaptability and continuous learning are critical for long-term success
• Lessons on leadership, resilience, and professional growth from decades in tech

Whether you’re breaking into cybersecurity, navigating a career transition, or trying to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry, this episode delivers practical advice and honest insights for building a sustainable and rewarding career.

Tune in to learn why relationships, mindset, and adaptability are becoming the true differentiators in cybersecurity - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

07:31 Developing essential soft skills

11:44 Embracing leadership and failure

16:14 Evaluating candidates for fit

22:00 Building a career through networking

31:16 Taking risks and finding support

35:16 The importance of empathetic leadership

38:34 Networking for job opportunities

47:28 Discussing layoffs for AI investment

50:07 Concerns about infrastructure cost

53:40 Entering the tech industry

About the guest :

Rob Whetstine (#BowTieSecurityGuy) has been in the technology and Cyber Security space for the last two decades. Known for the Mentoring, Making and of course his nerdy bowties. Born with an obsession for problem-solving, Rob's journey into the world of technology began at a young age, where he spent countless hours tinkering with computers found in the trash.

When he was laid off a year ago from Disney after almost 20 years of service. He made it his mission to help people anyway he could. Those who were struggling in this job market and people new to Cyber. He started sharing videos on LinkedIn about his journey and sharing leadership stories. He has now started a podcast and mentors people all over the world.

How to connect Rob :

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bowtiesecurityguy/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bowtiesecurityguy

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitall.co/
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTec...

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 years of experience in cybersecurity and technology leadership, Peter shares real-world insights on what organizations are getting wrong about hiring, why curiosity often matters more than credentials, and how AI is reshaping both technical work and the future of security teams.

Together, Aaron and Peter unpack the changing role of CISOs, the dangers of checkbox-driven hiring, and why nontraditional talent may hold the key to solving the industry’s growing skills gap.

You’ll learn:

• Why soft skills and curiosity are becoming critical cybersecurity assets
• How AI is transforming cybersecurity recruiting and technical roles
• The growing challenges around technical debt and workforce readiness
• Why traditional credentials don’t always predict success
• How CISOs and leaders should think differently about talent and culture
• Practical career advice for cybersecurity professionals navigating rapid change

Whether you’re building a cyber team, hiring talent, or planning your next career move, this episode delivers honest insights into what it really takes to thrive in the AI-driven future of cybersecurity.

Tune in to learn why adaptability, curiosity, and human ingenuity still matter most - only on Protect It All..

Key Moments:

04:08 The role of security in business

09:24 Managing Aramis online security

11:22 Hiring mindset for troubleshooting skills

13:55 Evaluating AI talent challenges

16:26 Discussing vulnerabilities in software

22:24 Early days of hacking and tech

25:55 Realizing the power of soft skills

28:15 Browsing eclectic book collections

32:13 Recent grads and AI opportunities

33:24 Getting into cybersecurity careers

37:22 Unexpected paths into security careers

40:41 Importance of critical thinking

44:35 Explaining tech's evolution over time

About the Guest :
Peter Schawacker is the Founder & CEO of Nearshore Cyber and a cybersecurity executive with more than 25 years of experience across multiple industries. A former CISO in four sectors, Peter specializes in cyber risk, AI governance, and workforce development. He is the creator of ARAMIS Insight, an AI-powered cybersecurity workforce competency platform aligned to the NIST NICE framework, and author of Governing AI at the Edge: An Operating Model for Citizen Development in the Enterprise.

How to connect Peter:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schawacker

Nearshore Cyber: https://nearshorecyber.com.mx |

ARAMIS Insight: https://project-aramis.com/insight

Email: peter@nearshorecyber.com.mx

Phone: +1 (760) 880-4258

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Websit...