Podcast: PrOTect It All
Episode: Bridging the Gap: OT Cybersecurity in the Evolving Landscape of Industry and Recruitment
Pub date: 2024-02-05

Hosted by: Aaron Crow

Guest: James Morris, Director, Talent Solutions at NDK Cyber 
With a focus on the OT Cyber Security recruitment space James is the Talent Solutions Director at NDK Cyber. NDK Cyber work with high-growth businesses in the USA, UK & EMEA to provide completely tailored cybersecurity talent attraction solutions. Specialising in long-term talent acquisition and strategy, we have mastered a blend of data insights, the latest technology and our own personal network mastered over 20+ years to build 100s of cybersecurity teams across the globe.

Summary

In this conversation, Aaron Crow and James Morris discuss the transition happening in the field of OT security, with a growing need for dedicated OT security engineers and teams. They explore the challenges of budgeting for OT security and the importance of building trust and collaboration between IT and OT departments. They also emphasize the value of cross-disciplinary skills and the need for apprenticeships and on-the-job training to address the skills gap in OT security. The conversation highlights the importance of translating cybersecurity into business risk and the role of education and community in promoting OT security. The conversation covers various topics related to job descriptions, hiring challenges, helping people enter the OT space, companies being more open to training and transferable skills, excitement for the future of OT security, concerns about AI and ML in cybersecurity, and the importance of OT security in uncertain times.

 

Takeaways

• There is a growing need for dedicated OT security engineers and teams.


• Building trust and collaboration between IT and OT departments is crucial for effective OT security.


• Cross-disciplinary skills and apprenticeships can help address the skills gap in OT security.


• Translating cybersecurity into business risk is essential for gaining budget and buy-in for OT security initiatives. Job descriptions should be written in a way that encourages more people to apply, focusing on transferable skills and being more inclusive.


• Companies should be open to training and developing employees who have the desire and raw skills needed for the job.


• The OT security space is growing rapidly, and there are opportunities for individuals to enter the field and for companies to hire the right talent.


• There is excitement about the future of OT security, but concerns exist about the potential risks associated with AI and ML in cybersecurity.


• In uncertain times, it is crucial for companies to prioritize OT security and not cut back on investments in this area.

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:28 Transition in OT Security Roles

03:01 Roles and Responsibilities in OT Security

04:13 Understanding the Risks in OT

05:33 The Need for Cross-Disciplinary Skills

06:32 Determining the Right Department for OT Security

07:45 The Importance of Business Focus in OT Security

08:34 Building Trust and Collaboration between IT and OT

09:08 Challenges in Budgeting for OT Security

10:33 Addressing the Skills Gap in OT Security

11:35 The Value of Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training

12:22 Building the Business Case for OT Security

14:17 Translating Cybersecurity into Business Risk

15:43 The Likelihood of Attacks in OT

16:47 The Role of Education and Community in OT Security

20:16 Bringing in Transferable Skills to OT Security

25:46 The Importance of Building Relationships in OT Security

29:35 The Need for Collaboration and Open-Mindedness

32:56 Addressing the Skills Gap in OT Security

36:16 Creating Opportunities for Entry into OT Security

39:17 The Diversity of Roles in OT Security

40:31 Job Descriptions and Hiring Challenges

49:28 Helping People Enter the OT Space

51:45 Companies Being More Open to Training and Transferable Skills

56:13 Excitement for the Future of OT Security

57:12 Concerns about AI and ML in Cybersecurity

59:58 The Importance of OT Security in Uncertain Times

01:00:18 Contact Information and Networking

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Connect with James:

• Website:  https://www.ndkcyber.com/ 


• LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lets-talk-cyber-talent/ 

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: www.protectitall.co


• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall


• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll


• FaceBook:  https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast

To be a guest, or suggest a guest/episode please email us at info@protectitall.co

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Show notes by NMP.

Audio production by NMP. We hear you loud and clear.

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