Mastering Manufacturing Cybersecurity: Bridging IT and OT for Operational Excellence, with Tom Molden from Tanium

10 Questions to Cyber Resilience

In this podcast episode, Luigi Tiano interviews Tom Molden from Tanium to delve into the challenges of manufacturing cybersecurity. The conversation explores the convergence of IT and OT, emphasizing the critical need for collaboration between the two domains. Tom emphasizes three key points for manufacturers to enhance their cybersecurity:

1. Cultural Collaboration: Build a bridge between the IT and manufacturing engineering teams. Establish a collaborative culture that recognizes and utilizes the distinct skill sets present in each domain.
2. Visibility: Gain comprehensive visibility into all technology assets, from lower-tier OT devices to more IT-like devices. Recognize the importance of modern technology tools to track, monitor, and assess the state of assets in real time.
3. Hygiene Culture: Introduce a hygiene culture in manufacturing plants, focusing on practices like patching, maintaining cleanliness, and adhering to security best practices. This cultural shift toward cybersecurity resilience is essential for protecting manufacturing environments.

The conversation also touches on the historical perspective of manufacturing security, the challenges posed by legacy systems, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in an era of increased connectivity.

Throughout the discussion, Tom emphasizes the potential for operational efficiency gains through the convergence of IT and OT, and he briefly touches on the role of AI in manufacturing, highlighting its potential for preventative maintenance.

Resources:

Watch the episode: https://youtu.be/t07G8fOwUZ8

Tom Molden’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tmolden/

Tanium website: https://www.tanium.com/

Luigi Tiano’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luigitiano/

Assurance IT Website: http://www.assuranceit.ca/

About Tom Molden:

"I am a versatile technology executive with an international background and a successful leadership track record in IT, Strategy, Finance, and Operations. I have a reputation as a change agent, and a unique combination of business and technology expertise.

I have led growth and transformation strategies, as well as multiple M&A initiatives, in high-tech, semiconductor and automotive. I have built and led high performing teams in large global enterprises as well as in rapidly growing mid-sized companies.

I have an MBA in finance and MIS from the University of Texas, a BA in International Studies from the University of Washington and an Advanced Computer Security Certificate from Stanford University. I also speak French, German and English.

Specialties:

• Strategic Planning - FP&A, M&A deal side, JV’s, short and long-range plans

• IT Strategy and Governance - Portfolio & PMO, budgets, post-merger integration, carve-outs, cybersecurity

• Business/Digital Transformation - Roadmap development, program structuring, organizational design

• Innovation - Data & analytics, ERP, custom development"

About 10 Questions to Cyber Resilience:

Twice per month, learn about how IT leaders are strengthening their cyber security practices. Every episode comprises of 10 questions that get you one step closer to cyber resilience. Subscribe to stay up-to-date with hot topics in cyber security.

About Assurance IT:

Assurance IT (www.assuranceit.ca) specializing in data protection and data privacy for the mid-market in Canada, since 2011. The Montreal-based company’s unique approach to helping customers become cyber resilient is called the PPR Methodology which stands for Prepare, Protect and Recover. Based on industry best practices, the PPR Methodology is an easier way to achieve cyber security and compliance objectives.