The CIA Triad in OT & Automation
OT After Hours
In this episode, we grapple with a deceptively simple question: in an operational technology environment, which element of the CIA triad—confidentiality, integrity or availability—should reign supreme? Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Natalie Kalinowski (OT Security Analyst), Tyler Bergman (Industrial Cybersecurity Engineer) and Zach Woltjer (ICS Security Specialist) as they debate real-world incidents, legacy system constraints and industry priorities that shape how we secure critical infrastructure. Key Takeaways Availability often takes...
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To CVE or Not to CVE?
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore how often OT teams really need to refresh asset-inventory data and what MITRE’s near-miss funding lapse for the CVE program means for vulnerability management. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Natalie Kalinowski (OT Security Specialist), Lance Lamont (Team Lead, Special Projects & Protocols), Andrew Wintermeyer (Senior ICS Architect), and Tyler Bergman (Principal Security Consultant) as they discuss scan cadences, change-detection value, and building redundancy into threat-intel pipelines. Key Takeaways Context...
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Active vs. Passive
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the complexities of asset management in operational technology (OT) security. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Tyler Bergman, Zachary Woltjer, Natalie Kalinowski, and Lance Lamont as they discuss the challenges of tracking and securing assets in industrial environments, the impact of legacy systems, and the best strategies for improving visibility and resilience. Key Takeaways Asset management is a foundational element of OT security, yet many organizations struggle with visibility. Manual, passive, and active asset...
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Asset Inventory
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the challenges and best practices for identifying and inventorying assets in operational technology (OT) environments. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, along with guests Lance Lamont, Andrew Wintermeyer, Tyler Bergman, and Rick Herzing, as they discuss how to establish trust, safely discover assets, and navigate network complexities without disrupting operations. Key Takeaways Establishing Trust & Engagement: Successful asset identification starts with building relationships with site personnel, including ICS engineers and facility...
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What's Next in OT?
OT After Hours
In this episode, we delve into the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities in OT cybersecurity as we look toward 2025. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Natalie Kalinowski, Tyler Bergman, and Zach Woltjer as they share insights on industry trends, compliance requirements, and the evolving role of AI in securing operational environments. Key Takeaways Hybrid Workforces and Device Risks: Personal and work devices in operational environments pose security risks, requiring stronger BYOD policies. Regulatory Compliance: Evolving regulations, like...
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Cyber (Im)Maturity
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the evolving challenges of cybersecurity maturity in operational technology (OT) environments. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Lauren Blocker, Industrial Cybersecurity Consulting Partner at Rockwell Automation; Drew Wintermyer from Verve’s OT Research Lab; Zachary Woltjer from the Customer Success Team; Tyler Bergman, Operations Manager; and Rick Herzing from Verve Systems Support as they discuss the importance of assessing cyber maturity, bridging IT/OT security gaps, and implementing effective strategies for...
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The Auto Wreckers of OT
OT After Hours
In this episode, we dive into the challenges of managing legacy operational technology (OT) systems. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Tyler Bergman, Doug Artze, Dylan Stencil, and Andrew Wintermeyer, as they discuss the complexities of legacy systems, spare parts ("grey") markets, and the importance of security in maintaining older technologies. They explore real-world stories, the economics of keeping legacy systems running, and offer insights into potential solutions. Key Takeaways Legacy OT equipment can have extremely long lifespans, often much...
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A Calculated Risk
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the concept of Calculated Risk Rating (CRR) and its importance in OT cybersecurity. Join host , Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests – Zachary Woltjer, Cyber Data Analyst at Verve, and Lance Lamont – as they discuss how to prioritize and address vulnerabilities in industrial environments. Key Takeaways Calculated Risk Rating helps tailor cybersecurity solutions to specific industrial environments CRR considers both the impact and likelihood of vulnerabilities being exploited The approach helps organizations prioritize their limited resources...
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The Case for Active OT Security
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the challenges and benefits of active detection in OT security environments. Join host , Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Rick Kaun and Sally Mellinger as they discuss the limitations of passive detection and the importance of comprehensive asset inventory in industrial cybersecurity. Key Takeaways Passive detection, while useful, has significant limitations in providing a comprehensive view of OT environments Active detection, including the use of agents, can provide more detailed and actionable information about assets Many operators have...
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The Crowdstrike Incident: Lessons for OT Cybersecurity
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore the implications of the recent Crowdstrike incident for OT cybersecurity. Join host , Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Tyler Bergman and Ryan Zahn as they discuss the impact of IT security tools on OT environments, the importance of staged rollouts, and the delicate balance between automated updates and manual controls. Key Takeaways: The Crowdstrike incident highlights the risks of using IT-focused security tools in OT environments Staged rollouts and thorough testing are crucial for minimizing risks in critical infrastructure OT...
info_outlineIn this episode, we explore the importance of treating OT security as a comprehensive program rather than a collection of individual functions. Join host Ken Kully, Cyber Tech Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guest Rick Kaun, VP of Sales at Verve Industrial, as they discuss the challenges of implementing OT security, the differences between IT and OT approaches, and the need for a holistic view of security in industrial environments.
Key Takeaways:
- OT security requires a programmatic approach that integrates multiple disciplines and functions, rather than treating them as isolated tasks.
- Context is crucial in OT environments, as the same device can have different implications depending on its role in the process.
- Implementing individual security functions separately in OT can lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential risks.
- OT security requires collaboration between IT and OT teams, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of industrial systems.
- A centralized approach to OT security can significantly reduce time, effort, and potential errors in managing industrial cybersecurity.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and topic overview
01:03 – Guest introduction: Rick Kaun, VP of Sales at Verve Industrial
01:18 – Rick's background and experience in OT security
04:57 – The importance of treating security as a program in OT
07:05 – Challenges of implementing individual security functions in OT
11:03 – The role of context in OT security decisions
15:26 – Examples of OT-specific security considerations
22:01 – The impact of IT approaches on OT environments
25:19 – The need for collaboration between IT and OT teams
28:51 – Real-world impacts of OT security failures
32:40 – The importance of skill sets and resources in OT security
33:50 – Concluding thoughts and contact information
Guest Information:
Rick Kaun: VP of Sales at Verve Industrial, with over 23 years of experience in OT security, helping clients build comprehensive security programs across various industries globally.
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