Podcast: Episode #34 - Jonathan Tubb: Unlocking Business Value at the Intersection of IT, OT, Operations, and Cybersecurity

September 28, 2023

Episode 34: Jonathan Tubb: Unlocking Business Value at the Intersection of IT, OT, Operations, and Cybersecurity

About Jonathan Tubb: Jonathan Tubb is a seasoned cybersecurity expert, renowned for his proficiency in crafting innovative solutions to address the most pressing security issues in the power generation sector. With a background in Computer Engineering from Ohio State University and a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, he has over 15 years of hands-on experience. Currently serving as the Director of Industrial Cyber and Digital Security at Siemens Energy, Inc., Jonathan also imparts his knowledge as a lecturer for a master's course in Operational Technology Cyber Security at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering.

In this episode, Aaron and Jonathan Tubb discuss:

Navigating the evolving landscape of OT cybersecurity
Implementing cybersecurity measures for small modular reactors in the energy industry
Cross-disciplinary expertise in OT cybersecurity and the need for specialized training programs
The future of IT-OT convergence

Key Takeaways:

In the evolving landscape of industrial cybersecurity, the shift from minimal compliance to recognizing the real-world impact and the urgent need for cross-training in IT and OT is crucial to bridging the knowledge gap and securing critical infrastructure effectively.
As the energy industry progresses with new technologies like small modular reactors, the existing regulatory frameworks and cybersecurity practices face challenges in adapting to these changes, highlighting the need for flexible and scalable cybersecurity solutions in critical infrastructure.
In the complex world of OT cybersecurity, the key to success lies in having the right people with a deep understanding of both engineering and cybersecurity, bridging the gap between the two worlds to protect critical infrastructure and ensure reliability in an ever-evolving landscape.
The future of IT/OT convergence holds both excitement and concern, as the integration of these systems could lead to unprecedented efficiencies and insights, but a heavy-handed approach may risk pulling the plug on progress, hindering the potential benefits for both cybersecurity and operations.

"I hope that the outcome of all this is positive for both sides of the industry, for practitioners, for the business side, like I see a destination where cybersecurity and operations are holding hands, skipping through a field." — Jonathan Tubb

Connect with Jonathan Tubb:

Email: jonathan.tubb@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-tubb

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Hackers Teaching Hackers Event: https://www.hthackers.com

GridSecCon 2023: https://www.nerc.com/pa/CI/ESISAC/Pages/GridSecCon.aspx

Connect with Aaron:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

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Learn more about Industrial Defender:

Website: https://www.industrialdefender.com/podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/industrial-defender-inc/