Utility Security Podcast

Utility Security Magazine reports in live on location at the Utility Technology Association’s (UVA) annual conference which was held in Huntsville, Alabama this year. We talk with UTA President Vicky Wilson Turner all about why this annual event brings a wealth of learning and networking opportunities to utility cybersecurity and technology professionals.     Tune in to stay updated and informed about securing our nation's utilities! Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

In this episode of the Utility Security Podcast, host Curtis Marquardt sits down with Frank Harrison, Regional Security Director at World Travel Protection, to discuss the critical aspects of securing utility infrastructure. Frank shares his extensive experience in crime prevention, physical security, and crisis management. The conversation covers real-world examples of security measures in mining, substations, and utility facilities, as well as the growing threat posed by extremist groups. Frank offers actionable insights on risk management, crisis response, and the importance of involving all employees in the security process. Key Takeaways: Crime Prevention: Frank discusses the role of physical security and how crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) can mitigate risks in utility infrastructure. Multi-Layered Defense: Implementing a minimum of three lines of defense is key to protecting critical utility assets. Emerging Threats: Extremist groups are increasingly targeting substations and utility sites, requiring new defense strategies. Firefighter & Security Collaboration: First responders and security teams must work closely to identify potential threats and mitigate damage. Crisis Management: Organizations need to review their crisis management protocols to ensure decision-makers are equipped to handle evolving threats. Connect with Frank - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswilliamharrison/ Connect with Curtis - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-marquardt-jr-741aab30   #UtilitySecurity #InfrastructureProtection #CrisisManagement #PhysicalSecurity #CyberThreats #CrimePrevention #CriticalInfrastructure #FireSafety #RiskManagement #SubstationSecurity   Tune in to stay updated and informed about securing our nation's utilities! Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

Welcome to the Utility Security Podcast, your command center for all things utility security! From power plant warriors to grid guardians, this podcast is your essential briefing on the latest vulnerabilities, industry best practices, and inspiring stories of resilience from frontline heroes keeping our grids secure. Join us as we interview security chiefs, tech wizards, and policy shapers to bring you expert intel and insights. In this episode, we sat down with Shawn Wallace, the Director of Critical Infrastructure for Unlimited Technology, and Glenn Engel, the Global Business Resilience and Security Manager for the AES Corporation, to get their insightful perspectives on how to best evaluate risk, prioritize assets and align your spend in ways that build a truly effective security posture.  #UtilitySecurity #GridProtection #InfrastructureSecurity #SecurityPodcast #ExpertInsights #FutureProofing #ExtremeWeather #TechInnovation #Resilience Tune in to stay updated and informed about securing our nation's utilities! Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

Welcome to the Utility Security Podcast, your command center for all things utility security! From power plant warriors to grid guardians, this podcast is your essential briefing on the latest vulnerabilities, industry best practices, and inspiring stories of resilience from frontline heroes keeping our grids secure. Join us as we interview security chiefs, tech wizards, and policy shapers to bring you expert intel and insights. In this episode, we welcome Jerry Burhans from ALCEA, ASSA ABLOY’s Critical Infrastructure Division, who shares his extensive experience in the security industry. We delve into the evolving threats faced by utilities, such as theft, vandalism, and drone attacks, and discuss how ALCEA is aligning its solutions to meet these challenges. Jerry also provides valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, future-proofing security solutions, and adapting to extreme weather conditions. Key Takeaways: Importance of listening to customers and collaborating with internal and external partners. Challenges and solutions in protecting widespread utility operations. Future-proofing security solutions to ensure longevity and effectiveness. Adapting to extreme weather conditions and ensuring robust security measures. #UtilitySecurity #GridProtection #InfrastructureSecurity #SecurityPodcast #ExpertInsights #FutureProofing #ExtremeWeather #TechInnovation #Resilience Tune in to stay updated and informed about securing our nation's utilities! Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/  

Utility Security Podcast: CISA’s New Secure By Design Pledge Sets New Standard for Cybersecurity Welcome to the Utility Security Podcast, your command center for all things utility security. From power plant warriors to grid guardians and even curious citizens, this podcast is your essential briefing on securing our nation's utilities. In this episode, we dive into CISA’s new Secure By Design Pledge, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at setting new standards for cybersecurity in the utility sector. Our special guest, Matthew Rogers, PhD, shares his extensive experience in cybersecurity and his role at CES. We discuss the challenges of integrating cybersecurity into legacy systems, the inspiration behind the Secure By Design initiative, and the key goals of the pledge. Matthew also highlights recent cybersecurity threats, the importance of multi-factor authentication, and the need for eliminating default passwords to enhance security.   🔐 Topics Covered: The journey and challenges of integrating cybersecurity into legacy networks Insights into CISA’s Secure By Design Pledge Recent cybersecurity threats and their implications for utilities Importance of multi-factor authentication and eliminating default passwords Strategies for improving cybersecurity in both legacy and new utility systems 🎧 Tune In to Learn: How to make utility systems more secure by design Practical steps for utility professionals to enhance cybersecurity The future of cybersecurity in the utility sector 🔗 Links and Resources Mentioned: CISA Secure By Design Initiative CES Website Join us for an insightful episode filled with expert intel, industry best practices, and inspiring stories of resilience from the frontline heroes keeping our grids secure. Don't forget to subscribe and stay updated with the latest in utility security.   Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/ #Podcast #Cybersecurity #UtilitySecurity #CISA #SecureByDesign #MultiFactorAuthentication #IndustryInsights #CyberThreats #Resilience #InfrastructureSecurity

Join Curtis Marquardt Jr., Managing Editor with Utility Security Magazine, in a compelling discussion with Andrew Bochman, Senior Grid Strategist at Idaho National Laboratory. In this episode, Andrew explores the crucial issues of climate change and its impact on utility infrastructure. Discover the concept of "global weirding" and how once-in-a-century events are becoming more frequent. He shares insights into how utility security professionals can adapt to these changes, integrating cyber and physical security strategies to tackle evolving risks. Learn about the importance of planning for extreme weather, population displacement, and other climate-related challenges. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge on preparing for and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our critical infrastructure.   Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/   #UtilitySafety #ClimateChange #GridSecurity #CyberSecurity #PhysicalSecurity #ExtremeWeather #GlobalWeirding #InfrastructureResilience #UtilityPodcast

Utility Security Podcast - Resources to Help You Protect Your Customers from Scams - A Conversation with Utilities United Against Scams Executive Director Michelle Martinez Many electric, water, and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams each day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target customers. Raising awareness and educating customers about scams is Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) top priority. UUAS will continue to help spread awareness of the suspicious behaviors and the evolving tactics that scammers use to target customers. It is important that customers call their utilities directly to check on the status of their accounts if they are ever unsure about the authenticity of a caller or the identity of a service worker, or if they suspect any fraudulent activity. Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

Utility Security Podcast - Office for Bomb Prevention & CISA - Partnering with Local Law Enforcement to Improve Bomb-Making Materials Awareness   Charles Leas Operations Chief for the Office for Bombing Prevention   Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine at no cost! - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

This podcast discusses drone detection for utilities. The speaker, Leo McCluskey from Echodyne, discusses various ways drones can be a threat to utilities and how difficult it can be to detect them because they can be modified to avoid detection. He recommends a layered approach to drone detection that includes radar, optical cameras, and acoustic sensors. McCluskey says that currently utilities can only call law enforcement if they see a drone but there are efforts underway to change regulations to allow utilities to take more aggressive action. In the future, McCluskey expects to see more good drones being used for things like security purposes and better data sharing to help identify bad drones.   Connect with Leo - https://www.linkedin.com/in/leomccloskey/ Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

Securing the Grid: An Interview with Rajesh on IoT & OT Security With special guest Rajesh Krishnan - Head of Product Marketing at Asimily   This episode dives deep into the critical world of IoT and OT security for utility companies. Our guest, Rajesh, tackles head-on the complacency some utilities face and the potential consequences of neglecting these vital safeguards. We explore the unique challenges of securing OT environments, including the "invisibility" of certain devices, and how to overcome them. The conversation tackles the growing threat landscape and the prediction that OT attacks may rise alongside advancements in IT security. Rajesh offers valuable insights for utility security professionals, outlining key strategies to fortify their defenses. We wrap up with a glimpse into the future of IoT and OT security, exploring where the biggest changes and risks are likely to unfold in the coming years. Don't miss this essential discussion for anyone invested in the resilience and safety of our nation's power grid.   Connect with Rajesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfkrishnan/ Subscribe to Utility Security Magazine - https://utilitysecurity.com/subscribe-now/

Welcome to this first episode of The Utility Security Podcast with Colonel Bill Edwards. In this episode we dive in with drone security expert Bill Edwards. He  discusses Why You Should be Establishing a Drone Emergency Response Plan Now!   Visit https://utilitysecurity.com/ to register for your free subscription to Utility Security Magazine.   COL(R) Bill Edwards is a thought leader and is currently President of Federal at Building Intelligence Inc. Most recently he worked for Thornton Tomasetti as a senior executive and offers over 35 years of combined experience and expertise in operational, technical, and electronic security consulting, counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, surveillance, and counter-surveillance efforts. Most recently, he has built and led a successful security consulting business group that provides expert advice in any vertical market as it applies to threat, vulnerability, and risk assessment (TVRA), electronic security system design (ESD), and security operations center design (SOC). He also provides a myriad of additional services that include Cybersecurity TVRA, electronic security audits, and red teaming. Additionally, he served as the Director of Intelligence for Theater Special Operations Command-North, which required extensive collaboration and partnering across the U.S. whole of government security enterprise. He designed a cohesive and collaborative counter-terrorism network with Department of Defense, Law Enforcement, and Inter-Agency partners, while simultaneously bridging strong relationships with coalition partners to further extend his security reach in an effort to protect the homeland. Bill also brings extensive experience in operational/technical security from his combat deployments to Iraq, where he commanded two large bases and operationally operated in Al Anbar, Dhi Qar, and Basra Provinces focusing primarily on operations and security in these areas. During this time period, he oversaw the planning and execution of all base infrastructure including the implementation and operation of complex U.S. base security measures.