OT Cybersecurity That Works: Budgets, Soft Skills & AI Reality for Stronger Defense

Podcast: PrOTect It All (LS 27 · TOP 10% what is this?)Episode: OT Cybersecurity That Works: Budgets, Soft Skills & AI Reality for Stronger DefensePub date: 2026-03-30Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationStrong OT cybersecurity programs aren’t built on tools alone, they're built on strategy, communication, and smart investment. In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow is joined by cybersecurity expert Don C. Weber for a candid, real-world discussion on what it actually takes to build and sustain effective security programs across IT and OT environments. From CapEx vs OpEx decisions to the growing role of AI in both attack and defense, this conversation cuts through the noise and focuses on what drives real outcomes: understanding business workflows, aligning with leadership, and developing the soft skills needed to turn strategy into action. You’ll learn: Why budgeting (CapEx vs OpEx) directly impacts security success The underrated power of soft skills in driving security programs How to connect cybersecurity efforts to business value and operations The role of pen testing and assessments in improving maturity Where AI adds value and where it introduces new risk How training and process understanding strengthen long-term resilience Whether you’re building a new security program or scaling an existing one, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven insights to help you make smarter decisions and drive real impact. Tune in to learn how to align strategy, people, and investment for stronger OT cybersecurity only on Protect It All. Key Moments:  05:49 Technical skills and security requirements 09:10 Understanding data workflows 12:29 Building a vulnerability management program 13:26 Understanding organizational decision history 17:44 Budgeting challenges with CAPEX and OPEX 21:36 Steps in a security assessment 24:17 Starting a cybersecurity program 28:02 Prioritizing remote access security 31:21 Discussing AI's impact on cybersecurity 32:55 Using AI in cybersecurity 38:07 AI simplifying complex knowledge 40:35 AI tools making data queries easier 45:02 Detecting and responding faster 46:05 Networking and shared experiences About the guest:  Don C. Weber is a visionary cybersecurity leader who helps defenders safely prove security where it matters most in industrial operations. He is a SANS Principal Instructor, Founder of Cutaway Security, co-author of SANS ICS613: ICS/OT Penetration Testing & Assessments, and he also teaches SANS ICS410: ICS/SCADA Security Essentials to SANS student around the world. He brings years of field work into creating step-by-step labs and planning methods teams can use right away. How to connect Don:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cutaway/  Cutaway Security: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cutaway-security-llc  CutSec Github: https://github.com/cutaway-security  CutSec GasPot HMI Lab: https://github.com/cutaway-security/gaspot-hmi-lab  SANS ICS ICS613 ICS/OT Penetration Testing and Assessments: https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-courses/ics-ot-penetration-testing-assessments Connect With Aaron Crow: Website: www.corvosec.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow Learn more about PrOTect IT All: Email: [email protected]  Website: https://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 [email protected] 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/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4The 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.