Understanding Cybersecurity Risks and Management: Insights from Harry Thomas

In this episode, host Aaron Crow dives into cybersecurity and risk management with guest Harry Thomas, CTO and co-founder of Freanos. This episode tackles the complexities of managing security risks in large organizations, from outdated systems to inconsistent cybersecurity postures across various sites. Listeners will learn how companies leverage consultants and community support to bridge knowledge gaps and the importance of operationalizing cybersecurity tools. Harry Thomas shares his views on the evolving landscape of OT security tools, the role of AI in enhancing productivity, and innovative approaches to addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. The episode also explores the advantages of hybrid cloud models for improved resilience and ROI and offers practical advice on risk management and adaptability. Get Harry's book recommendations and learn about Freanos' platform, which is designed to efficiently prioritize and mitigate risks. Tune in for essential knowledge and strategies to "protect it all," whether you're an experienced cybersecurity professional or just starting out. This discussion is packed with actionable insights and innovative perspectives you won't want to miss.   Key Moments:  04:07 Understanding comprehensive risk environments requires collective expertise. 11:43 Flexible onboarding for diverse technological infrastructures. 14:21 Tools are costly; operational transfer challenges value. 17:22 Replicated improves network security troubleshooting efficiency. 21:07 OT must embrace new technologies for growth. 25:17 Cloud's benefits outweigh outdated equipment's drawbacks. 27:12 Fast internet enables remote power plant operation. 30:46 Prioritize resources over patching 80,000 devices. 35:13 Patching insufficient in OT, unlike IT systems. 37:43 Different risk approaches for IT vs. OT scenarios. 45:41 All business involves people, adaptability, and growth. 47:42 Cybersecurity will shift focus to customer impact.   About the guest :  Harry Thomas, a cybersecurity veteran with over a decade of expertise, specializes in offensive penetration testing and securing industrial and healthcare infrastructure. As CTO of Frenos, Harry leads the company’s strategic innovation, focusing on advanced cybersecurity solutions to safeguard critical systems against evolving threats.   An accomplished educator and speaker, Harry has taught “Hacking PLCs” at DefCon and BSIDES Orlando, spoken at BSIDES NH, and appeared on the Secure Insights podcast, sharing insights on cybersecurity challenges and advancements.   Previously, he served as Director of Product R&D at Dragos, where he strengthened security in industrial control systems, and at AWS, where he developed AI/ML-driven User Behavioral Analytics to enhance security. Known for his technical expertise and leadership, Harry is a prominent speaker at global cybersecurity conferences, offering strategic insights into threat mitigation.