Former Pfizer head of global automation engineering Jim LaBonty joins the Nexus Podcast to discuss an article he wrote for Nexus on the need to secure data centers during kinetic conflict. He also explains the interlock between data centers and manufacturing facilities, and why a cyberattack against a data center can be devastating to the uptime and reliability of factory floors.

This interview was pulled from Episode 2 of Nexus Digest, a monthly recap of content published on Nexus.

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In this episode, Dino and LuRae address why system integrators, OEMs, and ecosystem partners are often a manufacturer’s most underused cybersecurity resource.

Dino explains why many IT leaders lack real visibility into the plant floor, what it takes to operationalize OT security beyond “checking the box,” and why asset inventory is the first practical step toward protecting control systems.

The conversation also covers the realities of remote access after COVID, the need for governance measures such as change control and auditing, and why manufacturers should build real partner relationships rather than purely transactional vendor engagements.

Chapters:

• (00:00:00) OT security requires time inside the plant, not an “ivory tower” view
• (00:01:00) Introducing Dino and the topic: partners as a cybersecurity asset
• (00:02:00) Why OT assets get excluded from cybersecurity strategy
• (00:03:00) The real opportunity: system integrators and OEMs already in the plant
• (00:05:00) Getting started: identify who’s working in each facility
• (00:08:00) Step one: accurate OT asset inventory and visibility
• (00:10:00) Remote access: detect, audit, and control what partners are doing
• (00:12:00) “Compliance” vs. operational reality on the plant floor
• (00:16:00) Resourcing reality: why most teams cannot self-perform OT security
• (00:20:00) Final advice: budget, ROI of downtime, and act before the incident

Links And Resources:

• Want to Sponsor an episode or be a Guest? Reach out here.
• Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedIn
• Cybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedIn
• BW Design Group Cybersecurity
• Dino Busalachi on LinkedIn
• Craig Duckworth on LinkedIn

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