The biggest challenge in OT cybersecurity isn’t just technology - it’s people.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Mike Holcomb to explore one of the most urgent issues facing the industry today: the growing skills gap in OT and ICS cybersecurity.

Mike shares his journey from IT into operational technology security and breaks down why more professionals are needed to defend the systems that power energy, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure worldwide.

This conversation goes beyond awareness - it’s about practical pathways into the field and how the community is stepping up to make OT cybersecurity more accessible.

You’ll learn:

• Why OT cybersecurity is one of the most in-demand and underserved fields
• How to transition from IT to OT cybersecurity
• The biggest barriers newcomers face - and how to overcome them
• What foundational skills and controls matter most in ICS environments
• The role of community initiatives like BSides ICS in closing the gap
• Why training, mentorship, and collaboration are critical for the future

Whether you’re looking to break into cybersecurity, pivot your career, or build stronger teams, this episode delivers actionable guidance and inspiration from someone actively shaping the future of OT security.

Tune in to learn how to build a career while helping protect the infrastructure the world depends on - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

03:07 Getting started in cybersecurity

06:33 Early passion for cybersecurity

11:54 Hurricane Katrina aftermath discussion

15:50 Awareness and education on OT security

17:49 First experiences with GRID class

25:07 Early challenges in OT cybersecurity

29:17 Importance of effective communication

35:11 Global expansion of cybersecurity events

39:52 Building a foundation in OT cybersecurity

43:36 Excitement for new CompTIA exam

46:48 Expressing appreciation for community involvement

About the guest:

Mike Holcomb is an independent consultant focused on OT/ICS cybersecurity and an educational content creator. Prior to supporting clients full-time through UtilSec, he was the Fellow of Cybersecurity and the OT/ICS Cybersecurity Global Lead for one of the world’s largest engineering and construction companies, providing him with the opportunity to work in securing some of the world’s largest OT/ICS environments, from power plants and commuter rail to manufacturing facilities and refineries. As part of his community efforts, Michael founded the BSidesICS/OT with multiple events planned globally in 2026. He has his master’s degree in OT/ICS cybersecurity from the SANS Technology Institute. Additionally, he maintains cyber security and OT/ICS certifications such as the CISSP, GRID, GICSP, GCIP, GPEN, GCIH, ISA 62443, and more. He was awarded the SANS Difference Maker Award for Practitioner of the Year: ICS/OT Defender for 2025 and BEER-ISAC's Community Builder Award for 2026. He posts regularly on LinkedIn and YouTube to help others learn more about securing OT/ICS and critical infrastructure.

How to connect Mike:

Main Site: mikeholcomb.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikeholcomb

YouTube: youtube.com/@utilsec

Instagram: instagram/_mikeholcomb/

Newsletter: utilsec.kit.com/95e31307f7

BSidesICS/OT: bsidesics.org

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Webs...

You can’t manage risk you can’t measure - or even see.

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with Nicholas Friedman to explore how organizations can move beyond compliance and build real, measurable cybersecurity programs across IT and OT environments.

With experience spanning banking, aerospace, and critical infrastructure, Nicholas shares how risk management principles translate across industries - and why understanding business context is critical to protecting operational systems.

This conversation dives into one of the biggest challenges in OT today: asset visibility and risk quantification. From outdated spreadsheets to modern automation, Aaron and Nicholas break down what it actually takes to understand exposure, justify investment, and communicate risk at the board level.

You’ll learn:

• Why asset inventory is the foundation of OT security
• How to move from compliance checklists to real risk reduction
• The importance of risk quantification for CISOs and executives
• How to communicate cybersecurity in business and financial terms
• The role of automation and knowledge transfer in scaling security programs
• Lessons from banking and aerospace applied to utilities and critical infrastructure

Whether you’re leading a cybersecurity program, managing OT environments, or presenting to the board, this episode delivers practical strategies to align security with business value and measurable outcomes.

Tune in to learn how to turn cybersecurity into a risk-driven, business-aligned strategy - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

05:14 Understanding business risk basics

08:40 Building effective OT cybersecurity teams

13:26 Challenges with aging IT and OT systems

14:19 Organizing IT and OT assets

18:31 Understanding OT and IT risks

21:53 Evaluating security risks and priorities

25:31 Improving asset deployment and management

29:14 Evaluating and prioritizing risks

31:12 Shifting focus to success plans

35:59 Selling tech that delivers results

37:22 Hands-on approach to cybersecurity

42:39 Challenges with NERC audit processes

44:47 Balancing compliance and security

49:45 Challenges in power utility operations

51:55 AI, OT, and risk management

56:31 Importance of early compliance planning

About the guest :

Nicholas Friedman is an enterprise risk and governance leader with 25+ years of experience across Fortune 500 companies and government sectors. He specializes in integrated risk management, compliance, and AI governance - helping organizations build scalable frameworks that align security, risk, and business resilience.

How to connect Nicholas Friedman :

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasfriedman/

Website : https://www.templarshield.com/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• Website: https://protectitall.co/
• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall

In this special milestone episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow steps away from the usual format to share his personal journey - from early days working with PLCs at a kitchen table to building a platform that connects and educates cybersecurity professionals around the world.

This episode is more than a reflection - it’s a story of persistence, curiosity, and community.

Aaron walks through the evolution of IT and OT cybersecurity, the lessons learned from decades in the field, and how conversations with experts across 100 episodes have shaped his perspective on what it truly means to “Protect It All.”

You’ll hear:

• How Aaron’s career in IT and OT began - and what kept him going
• The biggest lessons learned across 30+ years in cybersecurity
• What building a podcast taught him about community and leadership
• How the industry has evolved - and what still hasn’t changed
• Why relationships and shared knowledge matter more than ever
• What’s next for the future of cybersecurity and the podcast

Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re just discovering the show, this episode offers inspiration, perspective, and a deeper look behind the mic.

Tune in to celebrate 100 episodes and the journey of protecting what matters most - only on Protect It All.

Key Moments:

04:12 Early tech projects and hobbies

09:31 First tech job setting up classrooms

11:20 Getting certified in IT

16:49 Early career in power and cybersecurity

18:08 Building a versatile IT team

24:23 Starting the cybersecurity podcast journey

26:28 Feeling recognized in the podcast world

29:22 Getting started in cybersecurity

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: info@protectitall.co
• 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 info@protectitall.co

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/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4