In this episode of Amped Up, Melissa Parvis and Payam Hojjat discuss the critical importance of cybersecurity in the power industry and the broader implications for national infrastructure. As the Cybersecurity Risk & Governance Chief for the State of California, Payam shares his journey into cybersecurity and explore the vulnerabilities of industrial control systems, the motivations behind threat actors, and the essential role of employees in maintaining cybersecurity. The conversation also highlights the increasing sophistication of phishing attacks and the importance of awareness and training for employees. In this conversation, Payam and Melissa delve into the complexities of cybersecurity, focusing on the importance of a Zero Trust architecture, the identification of phishing emails, and the various tactics employed by social engineers. They discuss the implications of generative AI in cybersecurity, particularly in terms of fraud and spoofing, and explore the reconnaissance strategies used by threat actors. The conversation emphasizes the need for vigilance and verification in an increasingly digital world. In this conversation, Payam and Melissa discuss the complexities of cybersecurity, discussing the vulnerabilities of personal information, the role of AI in cyber attacks, and the importance of multi-factor authentication. They explore the risks faced by individuals versus organizations, the necessity of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving field of cybersecurity, and the inevitability of cyber incidents. Payam emphasizes the need for proactive measures and risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats.