PrOTect It All

• AI, Human Behavior & Cybersecurity’s Future: Cutting Complexity and Strengthening Defense

  The future of cybersecurity won’t be won by tools alone - it will be won by people, process, and smarter use of AI. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with cybersecurity veteran Sharad Rai to explore how IT and OT security teams can reduce complexity, fight alert fatigue, and build stronger defenses through foundational practices and intelligent automation. Sharad brings decades of real-world experience - from early firewall management to leading large-scale security programs at major financial institutions. Together, Aaron and Sharad break down what actually works in cybersecurity today: simplifying policies, understanding user behavior, strengthening basics like patching, and leveraging AI for contextual decision-making. You’ll learn: Why human behavior is the root of both risk and resilience How AI can reduce complexity, noise, and alert fatigue What “good vs bad” looks like through an AI-driven, context-aware lens How policy overload cripples organizations - and how to fix it Why OT and IT security still depend on foundational hygiene The rise of browser-based security and Chrome as an endpoint What’s coming next: AI-driven phishing, contextual controls, and automated response Whether you're a security leader, practitioner, or just navigating modern cyber challenges, this episode will reshape how you think about defending systems and the people using them. Tune in to discover how AI, clarity, and human-centered design are shaping cybersecurity’s next chapter only on Protect It All. Key Moments:  06:21 "Cybersecurity Basics: Know the Layers" 09:49 "Defining Good to Block Bad" 13:03 Alarm Fatigue and Information Overload 14:01 Alarm Tuning and Data Utilization 19:02 RFID Tags and Process Frustration 23:03 Simplifying Cybersecurity for Success 25:18 "AI Optimizing Policy Adjustments" 27:33 "Tech Frustrations Then and Now" 31:46 Cloud Computing Transformed Everyday Work 36:05 Focus on Foundational Basics About the guest :  Sharad Rai is a cybersecurity leader and architect with over 20 years of experience securing some of the world’s most complex financial institutions. As Vice President of Security and Architecture at State Street, he leads regulatory-driven initiatives and delivers enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs across cloud, infrastructure, and endpoint platforms. Sharad has held key security roles at Morgan Stanley, BNP Paribas, Jefferies, and Foundation Medicine, with deep expertise in EDR, PAM, SASE, ZTNA, and cloud-native security. He is known for simplifying complexity, reducing risk, and bridging product, engineering, and executive teams. How to connect Sharad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharad-rai-cissp-a951a28 Connect With Aaron Crow: Website: www.corvosec.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected]  Website: https://protectitall.co/  X: https://twitter.com/protectitall  YouTube: htt...

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

  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: [email protected]  Website: https://protectitall.co/  X: https://twitter.com/protectitall  YouTube:

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• The Future of Cybersecurity Careers: Human Skills, AI Disruption & How to Stand Out Now

  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: [email protected]  Website: https://protectitall.co/  X: https://twitter.com/p...

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• Data Diodes & Remote Access: How Industrial Systems Stay Secure in a Connected World

  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...

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• AI, Music, and Cybersecurity Collide: How Innovation Is Redefining Creativity and Risk

  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...

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