Podcast: PrOTect It All (LS 27 · TOP 10% what is this?)
Episode: OT Cybersecurity That Works: Defense in Depth, AI Risks & Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Pub date: 2026-06-29

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When it comes to OT cybersecurity, the fundamentals still matter - even in the age of AI.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Caleb Davis for a practical discussion on securing industrial environments where uptime, safety, and resilience are non-negotiable.

From legacy control systems and tight budgets to AI-powered threats and open-source security tools, Aaron and Caleb explore the real challenges organizations face every day - and the strategies that deliver meaningful protection without requiring massive investments.

A major focus of the conversation is defense in depth: building multiple layers of protection, fostering trust between IT and OT teams, and strengthening foundational cybersecurity practices before chasing the latest technology.

You'll learn:

Why defense in depth remains the cornerstone of OT cybersecurity
How to improve security in legacy industrial environments
Practical ways to strengthen OT security - even with limited budgets
Why asset inventory, segmentation, and basic cyber hygiene still matter most
How AI is changing both offensive and defensive cybersecurity
The importance of trust and collaboration between IT, engineering, and operations

Whether you're responsible for manufacturing, utilities, water treatment, energy, or any critical infrastructure environment, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately.

Tune in to learn how layered defenses, strong relationships, and proven fundamentals create resilient OT security programs - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

05:41 PLCs and network security challenges

07:24 Challenges in Updating OT Systems

11:33 Impact of Downtime on Security

16:03 Using affordable cybersecurity tools

19:14 Building Trust in Business Deals

23:01 Security challenges in medical devices

25:49 Trust and IT implementation risks

28:35 Using AI for safer software updates

31:05 Cybersecurity best practices for plants

33:40 Balancing Security Costs and Business Needs

37:50 Nurturing OT like raising kids

41:20 AI and cybersecurity concerns

About the guest : Caleb Davis is a founding member of SolaSec, a cybersecurity consulting firm specializing in advanced penetration testing for embedded and connected systems. Based in Dallas/Fort Worth, he holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Tyler and is a patent-holding expert with vast experience in hardware and firmware security. Caleb leads deep technical assessments across a range of high-impact industries, including medical devices, automotive, industrial control systems, ATMs and financial terminals, aerospace components, and consumer electronics. His work focuses on secure design, trusted boot processes, cryptographic implementations, and threat modeling, helping organizations integrate security throughout the development lifecycle and align with industry and regulatory standards.

How to connect Celeb :

SolaSec: https://solasec.io

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-davis-400439100/

OTPCAP (OT PCAP analysis tool): https://github.com/SolaSec/otpcap

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

Email: info@protectitall.co
Website: https://protectitallpod.com/ep111
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

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4

The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Aaron Crow | Operational Technology & Cybersecurity Host, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.