Bites & Bytes Podcast

Securing Food Systems with a Defense Mindset with Brian Schleifer

💡 What can the food industry learn from 25+ years of defense cybersecurity experience?
In this episode of the Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville talks with Brian Schleifer, a cybersecurity expert with a career spanning the U.S. Air Force, Department of Defense systems, and advanced cyber-physical risk management.  Together, they unpack how the principles of defense cybersecurity, from risk modeling to system resilience, can help protect the food and agriculture sector, one of the most vulnerable critical infrastructures.
This episode explores:
✅  What precision agriculture and defense systems have in common
✅  Why autonomous tractors and food processing systems are prime targets
✅  The reality of protecting proprietary food data and recipes
✅  Cyber-physical risks in modern farming and food production
Whether you work in OT, IT, food safety, risk management, or supply chain, this episode is packed with real talk and relatable analogies (plus homemade tortillas and schnitzel get shoutouts).  Tune in to hear why safety and security must go hand in hand — and what it really means to secure the systems that feed the world.
⚠️Disclaimer: The views expressed by Brian Schleifer are his own and do not represent the Department of Defense, his employer, or any government entity._______________________________________________🎙️ Guest Information: Brian Schleifer, MBA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-schleifer/
People Add Value Experience (P.A.V.E.) Podcast: Hosted by Brian, the People Add Value Experience (P.A.V.E.) podcast explores how individuals contribute to adding value across various aspects of life. Topics include fostering and adoption, professional development, and small business insights.​
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/people-add-value-experience/id1691150774
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@P.A.V.E.
_______________________________________________🎯 Episode Key Highlights
00:17:00)  – Caterpillar as a Cybersecurity Model for Ag & Food Systems(00:19:50) – The Solar Flare That Took Out GPS on Tractors(00:24:50) – Is Food Data Secret? Yes — Here’s Why It Matters(00:14:41) – What Food & Ag Can Learn from the Defense Sector(00:21:01) – What a Strategic Attack on Food Infrastructure Might Look Like(00:29:43) – Leadership Failure & Lessons from the Peanut Corporation Disaster(00:37:54) – Why Food Cybersecurity Must Be Treated Like Safety(00:38:04) – Cyber PHAs: Planning for the “What Ifs” in Food Systems(00:45:20) – The Case for Sector-Specific Cyber Frameworks(00:52:00) – When Donuts Got Hacked: The Krispy Kreme Incident(00:52:21) – McDonald’s Onions & Public Awareness of Food Supply Risk(00:53:00) – Ukraine’s War Rippled Through the Wheat Market(00:54:30) – Fiber-Optic Drones and the Future of Cyber-Physical Warfare(00:56:10) – Meet Brian’s Podcast: People Add Value Experience (P.A.V.E.)
_______________________________________________Show Notes:
📚 Books & Documentaries Mentioned:
Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss – A behind-the-scenes look at how processed food is engineered for maximum appeal — mentioned in Brian’s discussion about food memory and food science.https://a.co/d/byO516w
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – Referenced during the conversation on safety culture, behavioral change, and leadership accountability.https://a.co/d/9YwlmM6
Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck – brought up in the context of continuous learning and a growth mindset in cybersecurity and industry adaptation.https://a.co/d/9aherBX
Poisoned (Netflix documentary featuring Dr. Darren Dettweiler) – Recommended by Kristin as a must-watch on food safety failures, systemic vulnerabilities, and public health.https://www.netflix.com/title/81460481
Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers by Andy Greenberg –Brian mentioned the NotPetya cyberattack and its impact on global shipping and food supply chains.https://a.co/d/eWmJH8Y
🧠 Key Terms & Concepts:
Risk Management Framework (RMF) – NIST SP 800-37Referenced in Brian’s experience assessing and implementing cybersecurity controls in defense systems.
STPA-SEC – System-Theoretic Process Analysis for Security (MIT)A systems thinking approach to security based on safety analysis is used by Brian in his academic and professional work.
CMMC – Cybersecurity Maturity Model CertificationBrought up during the discussion on compliance and upcoming requirements for government contractors and vendors.
Cyber-Physical Systems Overview – NISTUsed to frame how digital systems interact with the physical world — particularly in agriculture, food processing, and defense.
IEC 62443 – Industrial Cybersecurity StandardA referenced framework used across OT/ICS environments to manage and mitigate industrial cybersecurity risk.
NIST SP 800-171Cited when talking about supply chain risk, CMMC alignment, and government-facing compliance.
Cyber PHA – Process Hazard Analysis for Cybersecurity Kristin mentioned it as a structured, scenario-based approach to evaluating cyber and safety risks together.
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationDiscussed in comparison to cybersecurity maturity. Brian questioned when formal safety began in industry and compared that moment in history to where cybersecurity is now — on the cusp of needing the same level of attention and resource allocation.
Glenda Snodgrass – Cybersecurity Training & TalksBrian mentioned seeing her speak and appreciated how she used real examples—both good and bad—of how to answer security controls effectively.
⚠️ Real-World Incidents & Case Studies:
Peanut Corporation of America – CDC Overview – Discussed as a case where lack of oversight and bad leadership led to a deadly food safety crisis.
Boar’s Head recall and plant shutdown – USDA FSIS – Cited as an example of how safety and cybersecurity intersect and impact real communities.
JBS ransomware attack – BBC – Used to illustrate food supply chain vulnerabilities to cyber incidents.
Caterpillar vulnerability disclosure – Referenced in Brian’s praise of Caterpillar’s proactive cybersecurity maturity.
John Deere Right to Repair agreement – BBC – Discussed as a milestone in agricultural autonomy and cybersecurity implications for farmers.
Solar Flare & GPS Disruption in Precision Ag – NASA Overview – Referenced by Kristin when discussing how non-cyber events (like solar flares) affect precision farming and GPS reliance.
Krispy Kreme Hack Kristin mentioned this as a food-related cyber incident that gained attention. The event highlighted third-party risk in the food sector and how public perception shapes urgency.
McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak (2024) – CDC OverviewKristin mentioned this outbreak was tied to slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders. It resulted in over 100 illnesses and one death, highlighting the risk of contamination in fast food supply chains and the importance of upstream safety controls.
NotPetya Cyberattack – WiredBrian referenced this attack when discussing the global ripple effects of cyber incidents. NotPetya began as a targeted attack on Ukraine but quickly spread, shutting down shipping giant Maersk and affecting food and seafood shipments worldwide.
NotPetya & Maersk Supply Chain Impact – Control EngineeringAn in-depth look at how NotPetya disrupted global logistics, causing massive economic losses and underscoring the vulnerability of supply chains that include critical goods like food.
Cyberattacks on Ukraine’s Power Grid - ReutersInstances where cyber warfare targeted critical infrastructure, leading to significant blackouts and highlighting the vulnerabilities in national energy systems, are discussed.
Impact on Ukraine’s Food Supply – EU CouncilMentioned how the conflict has disrupted agricultural production and exports, exacerbating global food security concerns.
Deployment of Fiber-Optic-Controlled Drones in the Ukraine Conflict – RFE/RLMentioned in the context of technological advancements in warfare, drones controlled via fiber optics are utilized to evade electronic jamming.
Disruption of the Global Wheat Market Due to the Ukraine Conflict – ScienceDirectDiscussed as a significant consequence of the war, where the invasion led to a surge in wheat prices, exacerbating global food insecurity, especially in import-dependent countries
🏛️ Organizations & Events:
Purdue University – Brian is completing his PhD on embedded system cybersecurity, bridging multiple critical sectors.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity Conference – The event where Kristin and Brian first connected; focused on OT, ICS, and critical infrastructure cybersecurity.
_______________________________________________💡 Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit
If you enjoyed our episode on agroterrorism and cyber threats to farms, featuring the Animal Agriculture Alliance, here’s another opportunity to explore critical conversations about our food system.  And if you haven’t listened yet, check it out here:
🎙 Episode Link: Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats – How Farms Are Under Attack📢 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
The 2025 Stakeholders Summit, happening April 30 – May 2 in Arlington, VA, will bring together industry leaders from farms, food processing, retail, and more to discuss sustainability and the future of animal agriculture.  This year’s theme, “Food for Thought: Dishing on Sustainability,” focuses on collaboration and innovation to shape the future of food production.
Reserve your seat at the table—register by April 25!
🔗 Learn more and register: 2025 Stakeholders Summit🔗 About the Animal Agriculture Alliance: AnimalAgAlliance.org
_______________________________________________
🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.  Visit Now
Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.  Read Our Blog
Audience Survey: We value your feedback!  Help us make the podcast even better.  Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin: Want to share your thoughts?  Schedule a meeting with Kristin!  Schedule Now
Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn

Cybersecurity Shouldn’t Suck: Fixing the Real Problems with Tom Sego

What happens when cyber threats hit critical infrastructure?
In this episode of the Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville sits down with Tom Sego, a cybersecurity leader with a fascinating background from chemical engineering to Apple to professional poker, now focused on making security simpler and more effective for critical infrastructure as CEO at Blastwave.
Cyber risks in critical industries are real, but so are the solutions. Kristin and Tom discuss why current security models create more problems than they solve, how the human element is often overlooked, and what needs to change to make security actually work for the people keeping our systems running.
🔎 In this episode, we unpack:
✅ How cyber threats can disrupt production & cold storage 🚜❄️✅ Why critical infrastructure sectors struggle with cybersecurity adoption 🛑✅ The AI-powered cyber threats targeting supply chains 🤖💥✅ The human side of security—trust, simplicity, and keeping people safe 🛡️✅ Why passwords are outdated and cause more harm than good✅ How security teams can build trust instead of friction✅ And yes… we also talk about wine, food obsessions, and French pastries 🍷🥐
Whether you’re in OT, security, or just sick of cybersecurity being unnecessarily complicated, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real solutions. _______________________________________________
🎯 Episode Key Highlights
00:00:20) - Introduction to the Episode & Guest: Tom Sego(00:01:20) - Guest’s Favorite Food & Food Memories(00:05:54) - Tom Sego’s Background & Career Journey(00:09:23) - The Ukraine Electric Grid Hack: A Pivotal Moment for Tom(00:10:51) - The Importance of OT Security & Community Building(00:11:26) - How Tom & Kristin Met – A Conversation Over Wine(00:14:43) - Why Tom Founded BlastWave & His Mission(00:16:21) - The Human Factor in Cybersecurity & Biggest OT Risks(00:19:17) - The Future of Cyber Threats in OT & Supply Chains(00:24:04) - Mid-Episode Break: Celebrating 8,000 Downloads!(00:26:07) - Why Farmers & Food Producers Struggle with Cybersecurity(00:32:46) - Real-World Cold Storage Cybersecurity Risks(00:37:50) - How AI is Impacting Cybersecurity & Attack Strategies(00:40:39) - Cyber-Physical Security & Real-World Consequences(00:42:27) - Trust in Cybersecurity: Why It’s Critical for OT(00:43:26) - Final Takeaways: Tom’s Advice for Staying Secure(00:44:31) - The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: Opportunities & Risks(00:45:17) - Outro & Closing Remarks
_______________________________________________
Show Notes
🔹 Cyber-Attack Against Ukrainian Critical Infrastructure:
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-alerts/ir-alert-h-16-056-01
🔹 Zim Ketter’s Wired Magazine Article about Ukraine’s Power Grid Hack:
https://www.wired.com/2016/03/inside-cunning-unprecedented-hack-ukraines-power-grid/
🔹 Port of Beirut, Lebanon ammonium nitrate explosion:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7985624/
_______________________________________________Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit
If you enjoyed our episode on agroterrorism and cyber threats to farms featuring the Animal Agriculture Alliance, here’s another opportunity to explore critical conversations about our food system. And if you haven’t listened yet, check it out here:
🎙 Episode Link: Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats – How Farms Are Under Attack📢 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
The 2025 Stakeholders Summit, happening April 30 – May 2 in Arlington, VA, will bring together industry leaders from farms, food processing, retail, and more to discuss sustainability and the future of animal agriculture. This year’s theme, “Food for Thought: Dishing on Sustainability,” focuses on collaboration and innovation to shape the future of food production.
Reserve your seat at the table—register by April 25!
🔗 Learn more and register: 2025 Stakeholders Summit🔗 About the Animal Agriculture Alliance: AnimalAgAlliance.org
_______________________________________________
Wicked6 is about women coming together to play cyber games and learn about careers in cybersecurity.
🔥 March 28-30, 2025 – a three-day, global, virtual Hack & Chat event where women worldwide come together to play cyber games, compete, learn, and connect.
💡 We’ve got international speakers, technical talks, hands-on workshops, and of course…the GAMES!  Think Capture the Flag, Attack & Defend, and a high-stakes team tournament—all virtually streamed LIVE!
✨ Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a game for you.  Plus, there’s networking, prizes, merch, and so much more!
💻 Sign up now at Wicked6.com, and let’s LEVEL UP together! 🔥💪
🎤 Want to share your story?  Call for speakers & technical workshops is OPEN!📹 Ever wonder what cybersecurity careers look like?  Submit a “Day in the Life” video!🙌 Passionate about supporting women in cyber?  Join us as a volunteer or referee!🤝 And companies—be a sponsor!  Help empower the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
🚀 Attack & Defense Call for Volunteers – Help design the next big challenge!  If you’re a seasoned challenge developer, step up and create a mind-bending cyber challenge for the competition. Just remember—developers can’t compete! 🤯🔐 Sign up here: 🔗 Volunteer Form
🌍 Meet the Wicked6 2025 Advisory Board! This powerhouse team of women is driving the mission forward, building an event that’s about competition, connection, and career growth. Get to know them here: 🔗 Advisory Board  - you will see your Bites and Bytes Podcast host there!
_______________________________________________
Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website.  Visit Now
Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.  Read Our Blog
Audience Survey: We value your feedback!  Help us make the podcast even better.  Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin: Want to share your thoughts?  Schedule a meeting with Kristin!  Schedule Now
Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn

Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats: How Farms Are Under Attack

📢 Listener Advisory: This episode discusses unsettling topics, including terrorism, animal harm, cult-like groups, radical activism, and threats to food security. Listener discretion is advised.
What happens when terrorism targets the food we eat?  In this eye-opening episode of Bites and Bytes Podcast, we explore agroterrorism—the deliberate targeting of farms, livestock, and food supply chains to incite fear, economic damage, or ideological change.
Joining host Kristin Demoranville are three leading experts in agriculture, risk management, and security:
👩‍🌾 Hannah Thompson-Weeman – President & CEO of the Animal Agriculture Alliance, Hannah is a leading voice in protecting animal agriculture from activist threats and misinformation.  She has dedicated her career to connecting the food supply chain and defending farms against radical actors.
📜 Michael Urbanik – Insurance and risk management expert at R.K. Tongue Co., Inc., Michael works closely with businesses to understand their vulnerabilities and create protection strategies against emerging threats, including agroterrorism and cybercrime.
🌎 Andrew Rose - A Bites and Bytes Podcast repeat guest, Andrew is a visionary AgFuturist and cybersecurity strategist. He is focused on mitigating threats to agriculture that are generations ahead of their time. As an advisor to BIO-ISAC and an expert in food and climate security, he brings a crucial perspective on the evolving risks to our food systems.
🛑 Who should listen?
Farmers & Ranchers – Protect your livelihood from security threats.
Food Industry Professionals – Learn about supply chain risks and disruptions.
Cybersecurity & Risk Experts – Understand the intersection of cybercrime and agriculture.
Policy Makers & Regulators – Gain insights into the evolving threats to food security.
Concerned Consumers – Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep our food supply safe.
🔍 In this episode, we discuss:
What agroterrorism is (and what it isn’t)
How extremist groups are infiltrating farms and food supply chains
The role of cyberattacks in disrupting agriculture
The impact of activism, misinformation, and social engineering on food production
Best practices for protecting farms and food systems
Real-world examples of agroterrorist incidents and their consequences
Food security is national security.  Join us for a gripping discussion on why agriculture is under attack—and what we can do to defend it.
_______________________________________________
Episode Key Highlights
(0:08:09) - What is Agroterrorism? (0:11:56) - Economic and Social Impact(0:16:42) - Detection Challenges(0:19:16) - Cybersecurity’s Role(0:23:36) - Radical Activism(0:25:03) - Protective Measures for Farmers(0:29:20) - Do We Have the Right Skills?(0:33:38) - Real Agroterrorism Cases(0:38:59) - Cyberbullying & Threats(0:42:22) - Mental Health Toll(0:50:20) - How Cyber Experts Can Help(1:00:15) - Final Thoughts
_______________________________________________
Show Notes:
FBI Definition of Agroterrorism:
https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/agroterrorism-threats-to-americas-economy-and-food-supply#:~:text=A%20subset%20of%20bioterrorism%2C%20agroterrorism,from%20four%20categories%20of%20perpetrators.
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA)
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-markets-financial-institutions-and-fiscal-service/federal-insurance-office/terrorism-risk-insurance-program
Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act:
https://www.congress.gov/109/plaws/publ374/PLAW-109publ374.pdf
_______________________________________________
Wicked6  is about women coming together to play cyber games and learn about careers in cybersecurity.
🔥 March 28-30, 2025 – a three-day, global, virtual Hack & Chat event where women worldwide come together to play cyber games, compete, learn, and connect.
💡 We’ve got international speakers, technical talks, hands-on workshops, and, of course…the GAMES!  Think Capture the Flag, Attack & Defend, and a high-stakes team tournament—all virtually streamed LIVE!
✨ Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a game for you.  Plus, there’s networking, prizes, merch, and so much more!
💻 Sign up now at Wicked6.com, and let’s LEVEL UP together! 🔥💪
🎤 Want to share your story?  Call for speakers & technical workshops is OPEN!📹 Ever wonder what cybersecurity careers look like?  Submit a “Day in the Life” video!🙌 Passionate about supporting women in cyber?  Join us as a volunteer or referee!🤝 And, companies—be a sponsor!  Help empower the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
🚀 Attack & Defense Call for Volunteers – Help design the next big challenge!  If you’re a seasoned challenge developer, step up and create a mind-bending cyber challenge for the competition. Just remember—developers can’t compete! 🤯🔐 Sign up here: 🔗 Volunteer Form
🌍 Meet the Wicked6 2025 Advisory Board! This powerhouse team of women is driving the mission forward—building an event that’s about competition, connection, and career growth. Get to know them here: 🔗 Advisory Board  - you will see your Bites and Bytes Podcast host there!
_______________________________________________
Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website:  Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website.  Visit Now
Merch Shop:  Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog:  Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.  Read Our Blog
Audience Survey:  We value your feedback!  Help us make the podcast even better.  Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin:  Want to share your thoughts?  Schedule a meeting with Kristin!  Schedule Now
Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn

Pathogens and Hackers: A New Perspective with David Hatch

In this thought-provoking episode of the award-winning Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville welcomes David Hatch, Vice President of Digital Solutions Marketing at Neogen®. David brings a wealth of experience, blending decades in data analytics, business intelligence, and information security with his work in food safety at Neogen.
David shares surprising similarities between pathogens and hackers, both of which exploit vulnerabilities with ever-evolving methods. Together, they discuss the future of food safety and cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation, cloud technology, and proactive solutions in protecting food systems and critical infrastructure.
Join Kristin and David as they explore how food safety professionals and technologists can collaborate to safeguard the systems that feed the world.
Neogen®, a global leader in food safety testing solutions, empowers industries to address sustainability, supply chain integrity, and emerging threats through innovative products and cutting-edge digitization. 
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Episode Key Highlights:
(0:03:25) - Exploring Variety in Food and Wine(0:14:43) - Pathogens as Hackers: An Analogy(0:21:57) - Cloud Technology in Food Safety(0:27:25) - Digital Transformation in Food Labs(0:32:01) - Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure(0:50:53) - The Future of Hybrid Roles in Food and Tech(0:55:19) - Food Safety Data as an Opportunity Center
_______________________________________________
Wicked6  is about women coming together to play cyber games and learn about careers in cybersecurity.
🔥 March 28-30, 2025 – a three-day, global, virtual Hack & Chat event where women worldwide come together to play cyber games, compete, learn, and connect.
💡 We’ve got international speakers, technical talks, hands-on workshops, and, of course…the GAMES!  Think Capture the Flag, Attack & Defend, and a high-stakes team tournament—all virtually streamed LIVE!
✨ Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a game for you.  Plus, there’s networking, prizes, merch, and so much more!
🚀 And guess what?  Right now, registration is only $25!  But hurry—prices go up on March 1st.
💻 Sign up now at Wicked6.com, and let’s LEVEL UP together! 🔥💪
🎤 Want to share your story?  Call for speakers & technical workshops is OPEN!📹 Ever wonder what cybersecurity careers look like?  Submit a “Day in the Life” video!🙌 Passionate about supporting women in cyber?  Join us as a volunteer or referee!🤝 And, companies—be a sponsor!  Help empower the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
🚀 Attack & Defense Call for Volunteers – Help design the next big challenge!  If you’re a seasoned challenge developer, step up and create a mind-bending cyber challenge for the competition. Just remember—developers can’t compete! 🤯🔐 Sign up here: 🔗 Volunteer Form
🌍 Meet the Wicked6 2025 Advisory Board! This powerhouse team of women is driving the mission forward—building an event that’s about competition, connection, and career growth. Get to know them here: 🔗 Advisory Board  - you will see your Bites and Bytes Podcast host there!
_______________________________________________
Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website:  Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website.  Visit Now
Merch Shop:  Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog:  Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.  Read Our Blog
Audience Survey:  We value your feedback!  Help us make the podcast even better.  Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin:  Want to share your thoughts?  Schedule a meeting with Kristin!  Schedule Now
Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn
 

ICS/OT Trends and the Food We Eat: A Conversation with Mike Holcomb

Welcome to the first episode of the second season of the Award-Winning Bites and Bytes Podcast!  In this episode, host Kristin Demoranville sits down with Mike Holcomb, Fellow of Cybersecurity and ICS/OT Cybersecurity Global Lead for Fluor.  With decades of experience, Mike secures some of the world's largest and most complex ICS/OT environments, from power plants and rail systems to manufacturing and refineries.  A passionate advocate for education and community, Mike has built cybersecurity programs, founded the Upstate SC ISSA Chapter, awarded the CyberSC’sC’s MG Lester D. Eisner Award for Cyber Excellence in Leadership for the State of South Carolina, and leads the BSides Greenville & BSides ICS conferences.  Join Kristin and Mike as they discuss the evolving ICS/OT cybersecurity landscape, Mike's journey as a leader in the field, and the unique challenges facing critical infrastructure, including food and agriculture.  Mike also shares personal insights, including his favorite food memories and how cybersecurity connects to everyday systems like agriculture and transportation.
Where to find Mike Holcomb:
LinkedIn
Website
Youtube
Github
Newsletter
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Episode Key Highlights:
(0:00:09) - Welcome and Introduction to Mike Holcomb(0:03:10) - Unique Food Combinations and Fun Food Memories(0:07:12) - Highlighting Food and Agriculture in OT Security(0:12:10) - Protecting Critical Infrastructure Systems Impacting Lives(0:17:18) - Food and Agriculture as Complex Critical Systems(0:23:13) - Behind the Scenes of Food Production and Transport(0:24:02) - Cyber Incidents Impacting Grocery Supply Chains(0:30:01) - Regional Food Safety Regulations and Challenges(0:35:10) - Educating Consumers About Food Systems(0:47:25) - Reflections on Community Building in Cybersecurity(0:53:37) - Final ThoughtsMike’ss Personal Message
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Upcoming Conferences:
🌟 BSides ICS/OT Conference
Feb. 10, 2025, in Tampa, Florida 🌴 (the day before S4x25 Conference)
🔗 https://www.bsidesics.org/
SOLD OUT!  BUT we still need help with Sponsorships and Donations!
Questions or Need more information email: info@bsidesics.org
_______________________________________________
Bites and Bytes Podcast Info:
Website:  Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website.  Visit Now
Merch Shop:  Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! 🧢👕 Shop Now
Blog:  Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.  Read Our Blog
Audience Survey:  We value your feedback!  Help us make the podcast even better.  Take the Survey
Schedule a Call with Kristin:  Want to share your thoughts?  Schedule a meeting with Kristin!  Schedule Now
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