Hacktivism, Quantum Threats, and the Future of OT Security with Forescout CEO Barry Mainz

Forescout CEO Barry Mainz joins host Frank Cilluffo to unpack the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape—from nation-state hacktivism to post-quantum vulnerabilities. Mainz highlights how adversaries are leveraging crowdsourced expertise and agentic AI to target critical infrastructure, especially operational technology (OT) systems in sectors like water, energy, and healthcare. The conversation explores Forescout's research on hacktivist proxy groups, the growing danger posed by embedded and aging devices, and the urgency of preparing for post-quantum cryptographic threats. Mainz emphasizes the need for visibility, containment, and cultural alignment between IT and OT security teams to build genuine resilience in both the public and private sectors. Main Topics Covered: • Hacktivist proxy campaigns and nation-state coordination • Vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, especially water and energy • Embedded devices and the rise of OT-targeted malware • The looming impact of quantum computing and agentic AI on encryption • Cultural and structural barriers between IT and OT security teams • Practical steps toward building resilience and post-quantum readiness Key Quotes: "Nation state bad actors were using multiple hacktivism groups like an open source… crowdsourced to solve problems… It's not 10 people sitting in a room somewhere, it could be up to several thousand." – Barry Mainz "You can't secure stuff you don't see. So it's really about… asset visibility." – Barry Mainz "If your cyber vendor doesn't have quantum-safe technology built in, it's a problem." – Barry Mainz "The culture is 'Hey, I'm in OT, stay out of my business. I'm in IT, stay out of my business.' And I think this lack of 'Hey, let's go and take an approach together' is missing." – Barry Mainz "Every one of the times we've engaged with a large corporation and they had an issue, it was costing them way more than if they would have just bought the [necessary technology protections] up front." – Barry Mainz Relevant Links and Resources: Forescout's Vedere Labs The Rise of State-Sponsored Hacktivism  Forescout Quantum-Safe Solutions Guest Bio: Barry Mainz is the Chief Executive Officer of Forescout Technologies, where he leads the company's mission to secure the world's most critical assets across IT, OT, IoT, and medical device environments. Appointed CEO in early 2023, Mainz brought more than 25 years of executive leadership experience across infrastructure software and cybersecurity, including roles as CEO of MobileIron and President of Wind River Systems, a division of Intel.