
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 NIST and NIS2, drive cybersecurity adoption but lag in addressing sectors like water infrastructure.
AI in Cybersecurity: AI enhances detection, patching, and gap analysis, but foundational security issues must be addressed first.
Dynamic Detection: AI and machine learning are replacing outdated static rules for real-time anomaly detection.
Zero Trust Architecture: The shift to identity- and access-based security is accelerating, especially in hybrid workforce scenarios.
Legacy Device Security: Secure proxies and similar tools help protect aging OT devices, but challenges with latency persist.
Monitoring Approaches: Continuous monitoring offers immediate insights but increases network load, while scheduled checks provide stability but risk delays.
Third-Party Risks: Organizations are diversifying security tools and assessing vendor practices to reduce supply chain vulnerabilities.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
02:15 – Guest introductions
06:10 – The water industry as a critical infrastructure concern
12:36 – Predictions for OT cybersecurity trends in 2025
20:17 – AI in OT cybersecurity: workforce gaps and anomaly detection
30:12 – The shift from static rules to advanced detection techniques
33:01 – Zero trust architecture: buzzword or paradigm shift?
47:39 – Continuous vs. scheduled monitoring in OT environments
55:03 – Protecting legacy devices in operational technology
1:08:08 – Final thoughts: hybrid work risks, compliance, and AI in 2025
Guest Information:
Natalie Kalinowski: Cyber Technology Consultant at Rockwell Automation and Verve, with a background as a network engineer working in diverse operational environments, from food and beverage to natural gas.
Tyler Bergman: Cyber Operations Manager at Verve, bringing over 20 years of experience in utility and energy industries with a focus on IT/OT integration.
Zach Woltjer: Cyber Data Analyst at Verve with a passion for simplifying complex cybersecurity challenges for industrial clients.