(CS)²AI Podcast Show: Control System Cyber Security

In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, host Derek Harp is joined by Jonathan Pollet, Marc Visser, and Bryan Singer for a deep-dive Q&A discussion following CS2AI’s January 21st community event on OT Monitoring & SOC and Incident Response. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience across industrial environments worldwide, the panel expands on questions that couldn’t be fully addressed during the live sessions.
The conversation explores why OT monitoring and SOC capabilities must come before incident response, and how poor network architecture, lack of visibility, and organizational silos continue to undermine response efforts when incidents occur. Jonathan outlines the architectural foundations required to support effective detection, response, and recovery, while Marc emphasizes the practical realities of implementing OT monitoring—from working with factory engineers to reducing alert fatigue and building usable SOC workflows.
Bryan brings the incident responder’s perspective, sharing real-world insights from global OT incidents, including prolonged dwell times, ransomware impacts on production, and why organizations without proper segmentation and monitoring often experience the most severe and prolonged outages. The discussion also tackles common questions around Fusion SOCs vs. dedicated OT SOCs, the human challenges of translating OT data into actionable intelligence, and what asset owners should realistically expect from incident response retainers.
This episode is a must-listen for OT practitioners, security leaders, and asset owners looking to move beyond theory and understand what actually works in the field. Whether you are just beginning your OT monitoring journey or refining mature SOC and IR capabilities, this discussion offers practical guidance rooted in real operational experience.

In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, host Derek Harp is joined once again by Dale Peterson, Founder of the S4 Conference and one of the longest-standing voices in OT cybersecurity. As Dale marks 25 years in the industry, the conversation takes a forward-looking turn toward what he believes is the next major inflection point for industrial security: connectivity driven by AI, data, and business systems.
Dale explains why the 2026 S4 Conference theme, Connect, is not just about networking people, but about the explosive growth of connections between OT systems, enterprise platforms, and analytics driven by AI. From MES, ERP, and PLCs to asset inventories and security telemetry, these connections are accelerating faster than most security teams are prepared for—often driven by business value rather than security design.
Listeners will hear why manufacturing is emerging as the epicenter of this transformation, how AI is enabling real-time querying across operational systems, and why OT security teams must prepare for a future where their tools become just another data source in larger operational workflows. Dale also shares how this shift will reshape risk, attack surfaces, and even the role of humans in control and response.
The episode also provides an inside look at S4 2026, including this year’s Proof-of-Concept Pavilion, where vendors will be forced to demonstrate their technologies live on a real manufacturing environment, as well as updates on attendance, ticket availability, and why this will be the final year S4 is held in Miami Beach before moving back to Tampa.
This is a must-listen for OT security professionals, automation leaders, and anyone trying to understand how AI-driven connectivity will redefine both risk and opportunity across industrial environments in the years ahead.

In this insightful episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, host Derek Harp welcomes Jay Gignac, Vice President of Sales at FoxGuard Solutions, (CS)²AI Fellow and a passionate OT cybersecurity evangelist. The conversation centers around some of the most pressing challenges in the control systems industry—asset visibility, patch management, and community collaboration. Jay, who will be speaking at the upcoming Level Zero OT Cybersecurity Conference, offers expert-level advice for professionals navigating the complex world of operational technology security.
Listeners will hear real-world examples of how OT differs from IT, particularly in areas like patching and compliance. Jay shares how asset discovery and lifecycle management remain fundamental hurdles, even after over a decade of cybersecurity initiatives. The discussion explores the nuances across industry verticals—energy, manufacturing, oil & gas—and underscores why tailored approaches are critical when securing diverse OT environments.
This episode is a must-listen for OT professionals, cybersecurity leaders, and anyone attending Level Zero or looking to deepen their understanding of control systems security. Discover why collaboration, not just technology, is key to long-term success in the OT space. Whether you’re an engineer, a procurement officer, or a seasoned CISO, there’s valuable insight here for everyone working to protect the core of their company’s operations.

Lucian Niemeyer, Chief Executive Officer of Building Cyber Security and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, joins Derek Harp to discuss the growing cyber risks to operational technology (OT) systems and the urgent need for proactive frameworks to protect public safety. Recorded live at Hack the Capitol 7.0, this episode delves into the vulnerabilities in smart buildings, connected infrastructure, and critical systems that could have life-threatening consequences if exploited.
Lucian shares how his experience in national security shaped his focus on OT cybersecurity, emphasizing the physical impacts of cyberattacks on HVAC systems, elevators, and even water utilities. He introduces the concept of cyber commissioning, a process that ensures building systems are configured securely from the start. Lucian also explains how Building Cyber Security is creating industry-specific frameworks to help facility managers, building owners, and policymakers mitigate risks and reduce insurance liabilities.
With increasing threats from ransomware, nation-states, and insider errors, this episode highlights why securing operational technology is critical to protecting both property and lives. Learn how Lucian’s nonprofit is driving collaboration across industries to address this rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Roya Gordon, previously the Executive Industry Consultant - Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity at Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence and currently, is the Deputy CISO at ENGIE North America Inc., joins Derek Harp live from Hack the Capitol 7.0 to explore the evolving landscape of asset inventory in operational technology (OT). Roya breaks down the differences between asset visibility, inventory, and management, sharing her firsthand experiences from both passive and configuration-based methodologies.
Roya highlights the critical role of asset inventory in building a strong OT cybersecurity foundation. From distinguishing between passive and active network monitoring to the importance of configuration management, she emphasizes how a multi-layered approach can offer comprehensive visibility and risk management. Roya also dives into why organizations often overlook configuration change management, and how integrating different solutions can optimize security efforts.
Whether you’re a seasoned OT professional or just starting your cybersecurity journey, this episode offers valuable insights into improving asset management, reducing risks, and fostering collaboration between vendors and operators.