Predictions, Old and New!
OT After Hours
In this episode of OT After Hours, Ken Kully (Systems Support Lead for Rockwell SecureOT), sits down with Natalie Kalinowski (Network & Cybersecurity Specialist), Lance Lamont (Special Projects & Protocols Team Lead), Zach Woltjer (Technical Account Manager), and Rick Herzing (Systems Support Analyst) The team reviews last year’s predictions for 2025 in industrial cybersecurity, confirming that most came true and discussing their impact on hybrid workforces, regulatory compliance, AI integration, dynamic detection, zero trust, legacy device security, monitoring, and third-party...
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Back from Automation Fair
OT After Hours
In this episode of OT After Hours, Ken Kully (Systems Support Lead for Rockwell SecureOT), sits down with Natalie Kalinowski (Network & Cybersecurity Specialist), Tyler Bergman (Operations Team Lead) and Lance Lamont (Special Projects & Protocols Team Lead) to discuss the recently-concluded Rockwell Automation Fair. And if you weren’t able to attend Automation Fair, you can still find videos and presentations from it on . Key Takeaways Automation Fair is a major annual event held by Rockwell Automation, attracting both employees and customers. The event features workshops, tech...
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Live from Verve Developers Gathering
OT After Hours
In this episode of OT After Hours, Lance Lamont, Special Projects & Protocols Team Lead, sits down with Tyler Bergman (Operations Team Lead) and Richard Melito (Senior Software Engineer) to discuss Richard’s history at Verve and now Rockwell, the development process for Verve’s software, and what standout features are in version 1.42 of the Verve Security Center (VSC). This episode was recorded at the end of September, but was under embargo until the release of VSC 1.42. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and explanation of episode embargo 01:46 – Introductions by Lance, Tyler, and...
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The SkillBridge Path
OT After Hours
In this episode of OT After Hours, host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, sits down with Zach Woltjer and Connor Murphy, Technical Account Managers at Rockwell Automation to explore how the U.S. Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program is helping veterans transition into civilian careers in OT cybersecurity. Zach shares how his own journey through SkillBridge not only eased his transition out of the military but also inspired him to help set up the program at Verve. Connor recounts his path from military intelligence into OT security, proving that determination,...
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From a TRS-80 to OT Cybersecurity
OT After Hours
In this episode, we trace the career of Tyler Bergman, Operations Team Lead at Rockwell Automation (formerly Verve Industrial), whose early fascination with computers and programming sparked a path that led through SCADA operations, utility cooperatives, and consulting before finding a home in OT cybersecurity. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, as Tyler shares how persistence, hands-on experience, and a thirst for knowledge shaped his expertise—and why networking fundamentals are the backbone of OT security. Key Takeaways A lifelong passion for technology: From...
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From Snowboarding Slopes to Securing OT Networks
OT After Hours
In this episode, we follow the unique career journey of Natalie Kalinowski, Network & Cybersecurity Specialist at Verve Industrial, from teaching snowboard lessons to managing complex industrial network security. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, as Natalie shares how international internships, early career programs, and continuous learning shaped her expertise—and her advice for anyone looking to break into OT security. Key Takeaways Career pivots can start anywhere—Natalie’s path began on the slopes and in hands-on engineering internships across the...
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From Embedded Developer to OT Protocol Sleuth
OT After Hours
In this episode, we explore how an embedded-systems engineer became the leader of Verve’s Special Projects & Protocols team—and what his journey says about recruiting, culture, and continuous learning in OT security. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guest Lance Lamont, Manager for Special Projects & Protocols, as they discuss career pivots, protocol reverse-engineering, and building low-ego teams that thrive on curiosity. Key Takeaways Transferable skills matter: deep protocol expertise from product engineering can power OT-security research...
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From Craft Cocktails to Control Systems
OT After Hours
In this episode, we trace an unlikely career pivot from fine‑dining bartender to the helm of Verve’s OT cybersecurity lab. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guest Andrew Wintermeyer, Team Lead, Device & Integration Research, as the latter discusses breaking into the field, learning on the fly, and why forgotten manuals can be more dangerous than zero‑days. Key Takeaways Curiosity compounds — an hour of self‑study each week can snowball into deep expertise. Real‑world OT risks often hide in “maintenance” passwords and...
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Lightweight Forensics With Verve Reporting
OT After Hours
In this episode, we take a look at how Verve Reporting, and in particular its ability to search and filter logs, can be useful for high-level forensic investigation. Join host Ken Kully, Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, and his guests Dustin Gogue (Technical Account Manager), Andrew Wintermyer (Team Lead, Device & Integration Research) and Zach Woltjer (ICS Security Specialist) as they dive into how Verve Reporting helped identify user account management and authentication issues. Key Takeaways Proper user account hygiene (especially timely user off-boarding) is a key component...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 resilience.
Key Takeaways
- Cyber maturity is not a one-size-fits-all process; it requires tailoring to specific organizational risks and priorities.
- IT/OT convergence brings unique challenges, necessitating a deep understanding of industrial environments.
- Frameworks like NIST CSF and ISA/IEC 62443 provide actionable pathways for improving OT cybersecurity maturity.
- Overcoming resource and talent shortages is critical to achieving sustainable cyber maturity.
- Collaboration across leadership, operators, and external partners is essential for effective implementation.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and sound check
01:26 – Welcome and episode overview
02:05 – Guest introductions and background
06:45 – What does “cybersecurity maturity” mean in an OT context?
15:20 – The challenges of IT/OT convergence
22:10 – Building and executing a cybersecurity maturity roadmap
30:55 – Real-world success stories and common pitfalls
40:30 – The future of OT cybersecurity and emerging technologies
50:10 – Closing thoughts
Guest Information
Lauren Blocker: Industrial Cybersecurity Consulting Partner at Rockwell Automation. Lauren specializes in assessing and enhancing cybersecurity maturity, helping enterprises implement globally consistent, standards-based strategies.
Drew Wintermyer: Research Lead at Verve’s OT Research Lab, focusing on OT-specific vulnerabilities and resilience strategies.
Zachary Woltjer Customer Success Specialist at Verve Industrial, with expertise in helping organizations implement OT cybersecurity solutions.
Tyler Bergman: Operations Manager, providing insights into the practical challenges of cybersecurity in industrial environments.
Rick Herzing: Verve Systems Support analyst, and former industrial controls engineer.
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