Episodes

  • Inside Cyber Incident Response: Military Lessons, OT Challenges & the Power of Blameless Culture
    Dec 1 2025

    Cyber incidents don’t just test your technology - they test your people, your processes, and your culture.

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Daniel Swann, Cyber Incident Commander at Rockwell Automation, to pull back the curtain on what really happens during IT and OT incidents. With decades of experience across the U.S. Air Force, enterprise environments, and industrial operations, Daniel shares lessons learned the hard way - from managing chaos in real time to building a culture where teams can learn without blame.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why documentation and scribe roles can make or break an incident response
    • How blameless postmortems actually strengthen team performance
    • What military-style discipline can teach us about OT and IT incident handling
    • How to run effective tabletop exercises that expose real gaps
    • The human factors - communication, clarity, ownership - that reduce downtime and panic
    • Practical strategies to evolve your incident response plan before the next breach

    Whether you’re developing your first IR playbook or leading seasoned response teams, this episode delivers actionable, real-world insights that help you prepare, respond, and recover with confidence.

    Tune in for battle-tested wisdom from military operations to industrial control rooms - only on Protect It All.

    Key Moments:

    00:00 "Protect IT/OT Cybersecurity Podcast"

    03:30 Cybersecurity: Versatility Is Key

    07:52 "Balancing Bureaucracy and Flexibility"

    10:20 "Practice Makes Plans Effective"

    14:17 "Learning While Doing"

    18:44 "Document Key Info in Incidents"

    19:46 "Versatile Team Role Importance"

    22:45 "Tracking Lessons with Visibility"

    28:34 Proactive Reporting Encouraged

    29:33 Safe Reporting Prevents Phishing Incidents

    32:52 "Bridging IT and OT Safely"

    37:15 Team Collaboration Enhances Outcomes

    41:00 Military Preparedness and Logistics Planning

    42:59 Preparing for Unlikely Scenarios

    47:20 AI Threats to OT Systems

    48:32 "AI's Impact on Learning and Jobs"

    About the guest:

    Daniel Swann is a seasoned Cyber Incident Commander at Rockwell Automation, bringing 17+ years of IT leadership and nearly a decade of cybersecurity experience. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he has led global cyber operations, responded to major vulnerabilities like Log4J, and driven large-scale improvements in incident response and vulnerability management. Daniel is highly certified, mission-driven, and recognized for building strong, resilient security teams.

    Links :

    Video of Daniel Swann with Kate Vajda, Director of Vulnerability Research and Malware Threat Research, Dragos : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zotgrPk8vI

    Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-daniel-swann/

    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:
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • The Future of Cybersecurity Careers: Human Skills, AI Disruption & How to Stand Out Now
    Nov 24 2025

    The cybersecurity job market is changing faster than ever - and the skills that mattered five years ago won’t carry you into the future.

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Mark Sasson, Managing Partner at Pinpoint Search Group, to break down what the future of cybersecurity careers really looks like. From the rise of AI and automation to the growing importance of human skills, they uncover the new realities facing candidates, hiring managers, and leaders across IT and OT security.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why soft skills, communication, and adaptability are now just as critical as technical expertise
    • How AI is reshaping job searches, resumes, and candidate evaluation
    • The shift between employer-driven and candidate-driven markets
    • What separates standout candidates in today’s competitive landscape
    • How startups think about hiring - and what they won’t compromise on
    • Practical steps to future-proof your cybersecurity career starting now

    Whether you’re entering cybersecurity, leveling up your role, or hiring your next team member, this episode delivers real-world, actionable insights to help you stay relevant - and competitive in an evolving industry.

    Tune in to learn how to stay ahead in the cybersecurity job market of today and tomorrow only on Protect It All.



    Key Moments:

    04:14 Recruitment Growth and Funding Trends

    06:42 Tangible Value in AI Age

    12:18 "Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone"

    15:16 "Growth Through Embracing Discomfort"

    19:23 "Embracing Growth and New Challenges"

    21:01 Balancing Growth and Bold Moves

    25:14 "Breaking Into Tech: Sacrifice & Strategy"

    27:40 Experience Beats Book Knowledge

    32:13 Human Insight Beats AI in Hiring

    34:45 AI Recruitment: Potential, Limits, Distinctions

    39:37 "Reluctant Growth through Opportunity"

    42:47 "AI Tools: Benefits and Downsides"

    44:29 "Human-Centered Hiring Over AI"

    50:12 "Human Connection Over Technology"

    53:23 "Planning Your Next Step"

    About the guest:

    Mark Sasson is the Managing Partner of Pinpoint Search Group, a recruitment firm specializing in helping innovators in emerging markets attract the talent needed to drive maturation, scale, and successful outcomes. In 2014, Mark launched Pinpoint’s Cybersecurity practice, where he and his team have successfully completed hundreds of executive and senior-level individual contributor searches for leading Cybersecurity vendors. Building on that success, Mark is now guiding Pinpoint’s expansion into the rapidly evolving Space sector.

    Connect Mark:

    Website: https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markjsasson/
    Learn more about Cybersecurity Vendor M&A + Funding Roundups here : https://pinpointsearchgroup.com/cybersecurity-industry-reports/

    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/p...
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Data Diodes & Remote Access: How Industrial Systems Stay Secure in a Connected World
    Nov 17 2025

    Can your plant stay connected and completely secure?

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow teams up with Lior Frenkel, CEO and co-founder of Waterfall Security, to explore how industries are rethinking OT cybersecurity in the age of ransomware and AI-powered attacks. Together, they break down why traditional firewalls can’t fully protect industrial control systems and how unidirectional gateways (data diodes) are redefining safety for everything from nuclear plants to casinos.

    You’ll learn:

    • What data diodes really are and how they physically block inbound attacks.
    • Why “air gaps” are no longer enough for modern connected environments.
    • How remote-access tools like HERA are enabling secure operations.
    • Real-world stories of industries upgrading defenses without losing efficiency.

    Whether you manage critical infrastructure, handle OT security, or just want to understand how cyber-physical systems stay safe, this episode will give you a new appreciation for data flow, digital risk, and resilience.

    Tune in to discover the future of secure connectivity - only on Protect It All.

    Key Moments:

    07:46 Balancing Security and Operational Data

    16:25 "One-Way Data Flow Explained"

    22:19 "Air Gap for Data Transfer"

    27:44 Increasing Awareness of Security Threats

    32:05 Challenges of Power Plant Management

    35:29 Global Risks Require Local Understanding

    44:44 "OT Security and Zero Trust"

    48:24 "Remote Access vs On-Site Work"

    55:48 "HERA: TPM-Powered Remote Access"

    58:43 Encrypted Remote Access Streaming

    01:05:32 Secure Remote Control for Infrastructure

    01:13:00 "Solving Critical Incident Response Gaps"

    About the Guest :
    Lior Frenkel is a globally recognized OT cybersecurity leader and the CEO/co-founder of Waterfall Security Solutions, the company behind the industry-standard Unidirectional Security Gateways protecting critical infrastructure worldwide. With 25+ years of cybersecurity expertise, multiple patents, and leadership roles across Israel’s top technology, industrial, and export organ...

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 17 mins
  • AI, Music, and Cybersecurity Collide: How Innovation Is Redefining Creativity and Risk
    Nov 10 2025

    What happens when AI meets cybersecurity - and the music industry?

    In this eye-opening episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Hadi Heidari, a cybersecurity veteran turned tech entrepreneur, to explore the groundbreaking (and sometimes risky) ways artificial intelligence is reshaping both digital defense and creative innovation.

    From AI-driven SOC operations and threat detection to music creation, data privacy, and identity protection, Aaron and Hadi dive deep into how the same technologies fueling creativity are also rewriting the rules of cybersecurity.

    You’ll discover:

    • How AI is transforming both cyber defense and music production.
    • The hidden risks of data training, privacy, and model misuse.
    • How startups like Tune Pack are empowering artists through ethical AI.
    • Why balancing innovation with integrity matters more than ever.

    Whether you’re protecting critical infrastructure or composing your next track, this episode will challenge how you think about creativity, ethics, and security in the AI era.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation that bridges tech and artistry, only on Protect It All.

    Key Moments:

    06:34 AI: Opportunities and Regulation Challenges

    09:57 AI Risks: Data Privacy Challenges

    11:03 AI Education for Security Awareness

    15:50 "AI Risks in Cybersecurity Actions"

    18:54 "AI Trust and IAM Policies"

    21:13 AI Decision-Making Ethical Dilemma

    27:19 AI Oversight and Quality Control

    30:34 AI Ethics in Data Training

    31:30 AI Ethics: Consent and Data Use

    35:43 Detecting AI-Generated Fakes

    37:59 AI, Security, and Challenges

    42:33 AI Revolutionizing Security Analysis

    47:14 "Learning Daily in Tech Space"

    50:58 "Embracing Change in Music Industry"

    About the guest :

    Hadi Heidari is the founder of TunePact, an AI label service designed to support independent musicians. With over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Hadi’s journey into the music industry is an u...

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Open Source Intelligence Exposed: How Hackers Use Public Data to Target People, Passwords, and Critical Systems
    Nov 4 2025

    Think your company’s private data is safe? Think again.

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow pulls back the curtain on one of cybersecurity’s most underestimated frontiers - Open Source Intelligence. He reveals how attackers leverage publicly available data from LinkedIn profiles to leak passwords, mapping out targets, infiltrating systems, and exploiting the human attack surface.

    Drawing from real-world incidents and years of experience across IT and OT security, Aaron explains:

    • How Open Source Intelligence fuels social engineering and insider threat campaigns.
    • Why protecting systems isn’t enough - you must protect people.
    • How to use Open Source Intelligence proactively for threat modeling and risk mitigation.
    • Steps to monitor your digital footprint and reduce exposure before it’s too late.

    Whether you’re a cybersecurity professional, executive, or simply digital-curious, this episode will change how you think about “public information.”

    Tune in to learn how Open Source Intelligence can both expose and empower your cybersecurity strategy - only on Protect It All.

    Key Moments:

    06:17 Securing Domain Admin Accounts

    09:09 Proactive Employee Security Monitoring

    12:19 "Protecting Human Attack Surfaces"

    16:48 "Enhancing Cybersecurity with Open Source Intelligence

    18:49 Exposed Data Response Process

    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
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Old Windows, New Risks: How End-of-Life Systems Threaten OT Security and What You Can Do
    Oct 27 2025

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow takes a hard look at one of the biggest blind spots in OT cybersecurity: legacy Windows environments still running inside plants, refineries, and utilities. From Windows XP to Windows 10’s upcoming end of support, Aaron breaks down why these systems persist, the true cost of “doing nothing,” and the high-stakes trade-offs between replacement, isolation, and risk mitigation.

    You’ll discover:

    • Why outdated Windows systems remain critical yet dangerously exposed.

    • The myths of “true air gaps” and why they don’t protect you anymore.

    • Practical isolation tactics, segmentation, strict access control, and monitoring.

    • How to manage asset visibility, vendor dependencies, and downtime risks.

    Whether you’re a cybersecurity leader, plant manager, or operations engineer, this episode is your roadmap to making smarter, safer decisions about legacy systems before they cause costly disruptions.

    Tune in to learn how to balance operations, cost, and security and protect your OT world from old-system vulnerabilities.

    Key Moments:

    01:22 "End-of-Life Systems in OT"

    04:15 Upgrading Systems in Regulated Industries

    07:35 Reducing Risk with Network Segmentation

    12:02 "Firewall Rules and System Security"

    15:52 Understanding Risks in End-of-Life Systems

    18:54 Securing Legacy Systems Effectively

    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/@PrOTectITAll
    • FaceBook:
    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • OT Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: How Airports and Power Grids Expose the Gaps We Can’t Ignore
    Oct 20 2025

    In this solo episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow delivers a straight-talk reality check on the widening IT–OT cybersecurity gap and what it really takes to protect the systems that keep the world running. With decades of experience defending critical infrastructure, Aaron exposes why many OT environments are still years behind in resilience and visibility - and how we can finally fix that.

    You’ll learn:

    • The real incidents prove why OT cybersecurity can’t afford to lag.

    • Why visibility and segmentation are non-negotiable for industrial systems.

    • How to build an incident-response plan that works when the stakes are highest.

    • Practical steps to strengthen resilience and recovery across critical operations.

    This episode isn’t about fear - it’s about preparation. If your work touches energy, transportation, manufacturing, or utilities, this one’s your wake-up call to act before disaster hits.

    Listen now and learn how to protect what truly keeps our world moving - only on Protect It All.

    Key Moments:

    05:06 "Real Risks of Critical Disruptions"

    06:16 Redefining OT System Boundaries

    11:42 Troubleshooting Unknown System Issues

    14:09 "Secure Remote Access Best Practices"

    18:28 "Planning for Worst-Case Scenarios"

    19:36 Critical Infrastructure Under Cyber Threat

    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:
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Why “One Size Fits All” Fails in OT Cybersecurity: Real-World Fixes for IT–OT Gaps
    Oct 6 2025

    OT cybersecurity isn’t about installing more firewalls - it’s about adapting your entire mindset.

    In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow breaks down why IT security tools often fall short in industrial environments and what it really takes to protect operational systems. Drawing from 25+ years of hands-on experience, Aaron explores the differences between IT and OT priorities, why “silver bullet” solutions don’t exist, and how to build defense-in-depth strategies that actually work on the plant floor.

    You’ll discover:

    • Why IT tools struggle in OT environments - and where they can help.

    • How to balance availability, safety, and security in critical systems.

    • Practical ways to manage legacy hardware, vendor dependencies, and remote access.

    • The key to uniting IT and OT teams for stronger resilience.

    If you’re navigating the evolving world of industrial cybersecurity, this episode will change how you think about tools, processes, and protection.

    Tune in to learn how to bridge the IT–OT divide and build a smarter, safer security culture.

    Key Moments:

    03:31 "Adapting IT Products for OT Use"

    08:53 IT and OT Crossover Tools

    11:05 Balancing OT Risk in Cybersecurity

    13:37 Cybersecurity and Remote Secure Access

    18:25 Designing Resilient, Independent Systems

    21:40 Unified Cybersecurity Through Training & Collaboration

    24:24 "IT and OT Integration Challenges"

    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:
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins