Episode 70

Cyber Threats, China, and the Global Wake-Up Call

Published on: 24th April, 2025

Dino and Craig address the recent acknowledgment by China of their role in U.S. infrastructure hacks. They explore the urgent cybersecurity challenges facing industrial environments.

With rising geopolitical tensions, tariffs, the push to bring more manufacturing back to the U.S. and increasing attacks on critical infrastructure, the stakes have never been higher.

From end-of-life PLCs still running core operations, to the disconnect between IT and OT leadership, this conversation identifies the systemic gaps leaving industrial operations exposed.

They outline the pressing need for visibility, actionable incident response plans, and a cultural shift toward collaboration across the stack, from plant floor to the boardroom.

Whether you’re a CISO or an operations lead, this episode offers real-world insights, battle-tested perspectives, and one clear takeaway: in cybersecurity, doing nothing is no longer an option.

Chapters:

  • 00:00:00 - Kicking Off: Why IT-OT Unity Isn’t Optional Anymore
  • 00:01:17 - Cyber Threats, China, and the Global Wake-Up Call
  • 00:02:16 - CISA’s New Role: From Background Player to OT Ally
  • 00:05:32 - Still Separate, Still Vulnerable: Why IT & OT Must Sync Up
  • 00:09:48 - Blind Spots Kill: Why Visibility Is the Real MVP
  • 00:10:43 - Remote Access Realities and the Myth of the Air Gap
  • 00:20:29 - Crisis Mode: Are You Ready for the Worst?
  • 00:23:50 - Dino & Craig’s Parting Shot: Do Something - Now

Links And Resources:

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About the Podcast

Industrial Cybersecurity Insider
Everything You Need to Know to 'Get Safer Sooner'
Industrial Cybersecurity Insider offers a thorough look into the field of industrial cybersecurity for manufacturing and critical infrastructure. The podcast delves into key topics, including industry trends, policy changes, and groundbreaking innovations. Each episode will feature insights from key influencers, policy makers, and industry leaders. Subscribe and tune in weekly to stay in the know on everything important in the industrial cybersecurity world!

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Hector Santiesteban