Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue — it’s a manufacturing issue. In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil talk with Leah and Jeremy Dodson, co-founders of Piqued Solutions, about the evolving threats facing operational technology (OT) environments.

From the myth of the “air gap” to the rise of AI-driven defenses, the Dodsons explain why factories must rethink security and move from perimeter protection to layered resilience. They share real-world insights on cyber hygiene, protecting critical data and building a culture where security enables innovation instead of blocking it.

Topics covered:

• Why default credentials and legacy systems are still major risks

• The end of the “air gap” and what layered security really means

• How AI can help — and hurt — OT cybersecurity

• The importance of culture and “cyber champions” on the plant floor

Subscribe for more conversations about people, technology, and strategies reshaping the future of manufacturing.

#Cybersecurity #Manufacturing #IndustrialSecurity #OTsecurity #DigitalTransformation #ControlAltManufacturing

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
• (00:02:40) - The Rising Threat of Cyber Attacks
• (00:05:33) - Understanding Operational Technology (OT) Security
• (00:08:21) - The Role of Ethical Hacking
• (00:11:35) - Challenges in Cyber Hygiene
• (00:14:23) - The Myth of Air Gaps
• (00:17:36) - Data Protection vs. Access Control
• (00:20:23) - Innovative Cybersecurity Strategies
• (00:23:34) - The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity
• (00:26:35) - Risks Associated with AI in Cybersecurity
• (00:28:51) - Adopting AI in Industrial Security
• (00:32:53) - DevSecOps in Industrial Control Systems
• (00:39:30) - Cultural Shifts for Cybersecurity Awareness
• (00:42:15) - Empowering Innovation in Cybersecurity
• (00:43:59) - Insights from Mr. Robot

In this episode of Control Alt Manufacturing, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil sit down with John Lee, senior manager of manufacturing intelligence at Matrix Technologies, to explore how manufacturers can connect data from legacy systems, automate securely and prepare for the rise of AI on the plant floor.

John shares how companies are tackling the challenge of disparate data, why data integrity is critical for AI and analytics and how protocols like MQTT and OPC UA are transforming connectivity. He also explains why human expertise still matters—even in an era of automation and predictive maintenance.

How to build data trust
The role of system integrators
AI, machine learning, and the future of manufacturing

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If you like this podcast, get more episodes at controleng.com or ctrlaltmfg.castos.com.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to digital transformation in manufacturing
• (00:02:18) - The role of AI in manufacturing
• (00:05:09) - Understanding manufacturing intelligence
• (00:08:12) - Challenges of disparate data
• (00:11:00) - Cybersecurity in manufacturing
• (00:14:00) - Data integrity and reporting
• (00:17:14) - Real-time decision making
• (00:20:15) - Predictive maintenance and AI
• (00:23:14) - Customer journeys in digital transformation
• (00:26:05) - The future of AI in manufacturing

Ctrl+Alt+Mfg publishes new episodes every two weeks and is available on ControlEng.com and major podcast platforms. The opening episode, “Resetting and Rethinking Manufacturing,” introduces the show’s themes and shares highlights from WTWH Media’s 2025 automation research. Hosted by Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil.

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If you like this podcast, get more episodes at controleng.com or ctrlaltmfg.castos.com.

• (00:00:08) - Rebalancing & Rethinking Manufacturing
• (00:03:03) - The future of automation is digital transformation
• (00:05:02) - In the Elevator With Automation Pros
• (00:06:01) - What is Digital Transformation for Manufacturing?
• (00:10:29) - The State of Industrial Automation Report
• (00:16:50) - The STEM workforce gap
• (00:24:29) - Packaging OEM: Automation and sustainability
• (00:26:44) - Free Report on the Future of Research
• (00:27:03) - Welcome to Control Engineering Podcast #1
• (00:28:41) - C Ctrl Alt Manufacturing Podcast