Defending the grid: From water supply hacks to nation-state attacks | Guest Emily Miller

Cyber Work

This episode we welcome back Emily Miller of Mocana to discuss infrastructure security! We discuss the water supply hack in Oldsmar, Fla., the state of the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure and brainstorm a TikTok musical that will make infrastructure security the next Hamilton!

0:00 - Intro
3:02 - The last two years
5:54 - The impact of COVID
10:10 - The Florida hack
15:50 - Scope and scale of safety systems
18:50 - State and local government responses
23:20 - Logistical issues of security for infrastructure
26:45 - Ideal solutions to security
31:33 - How to improve infrastructure security
39:42 - Aiming toward state and local government
43:20 - Skills to learn for this work
48:13 - Future proofing this role
52:54 - Work and upcoming projects
55:55 - Outro

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Miller is the Vice President of Critical Infrastructure and National Security with Mocana Corporation. Miller has over 15 years of experience protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure in both physical and cybersecurity, focusing on control systems, industrial IoT and other operational technology. Prior to joining Mocana, Miller was a federal employee with the Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT).

On our previous episode back in early 2019, Miller and I talked about IoT security and infrastructure security, and how strengthening IoT and the security systems of our electrical, water and internet infrastructures isn’t just good business, it’s saving lives.

In the last two years, these issues have become even more noticeable and pronounced. Earlier this year, hackers were able to break into the network of a water purification system in a small town in Florida. By changing cleaning and purification levels in the town’s water supply, they could have realistically poisoned the whole town. Miller and I will be discussing not only how to address the problems we have now, but to help the new generation of cybersecurity professionals lead the charge to reverse a 50+ year trend of neglect against our country’s vital infrastructure, from power grids to roads.

About Infosec

Infosec believes knowledge is power when fighting cybercrime. We help IT and security professionals advance their careers with skills development and certifications while empowering all employees with security awareness and privacy training to stay cyber-safe at work and home. It’s our mission to equip all organizations and individuals with the know-how and confidence to outsmart cybercrime. Learn more at infosecinstitute.com.