Ep 47: The Intersection of AI, OT, and Cybersecurity with Sulaiman Alhasawi

In this episode, host Aaron Crow is joined by Sulaiman Alhasawi, a cybersecurity expert based in Kuwait. Sulaiman shares his journey into OT security, beginning with his PhD research in Liverpool and leading to his creation of ICSrank.com, a search engine for OT devices.

The discussion gets into individuals' unique cybersecurity paths, emphasizing the importance of learning from diverse experiences. They explore the challenges asset owners face in understanding vulnerabilities, the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the international perspective on OT security.

Throughout the episode, Aaron and Sulaiman highlight the significance of community, knowledge sharing, and taking actionable steps to improve cybersecurity posture in critical infrastructure. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a newcomer, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice to help you protect it all.

Key Moments:

01:10 Sharing Diverse Experiences

05:44 Simplifying Asset Management Challenges

08:15 Action Transforms Ideas to Value

11:44 Unexpected Targets in Cyber Attacks

13:20 "Obscurity Isn't Security"

16:50 Simplifying Cybersecurity Communication

21:12 Unintended Internet Exposure Risks

24:49 Podcasting for Community Impact

28:53 OT's Vital Role in Hospitals

32:26 Diverse Experiences in Power Plants

35:54 OT Data Integration Priorities

36:55 Prioritizing Safety Over Immediate Updates

42:10 Global Business Resource Allocation Challenges

46:08 Finding Our Podcast & Resources

47:25 Global Unity in Shared Struggles

About The Guest :

Sulaiman Alhasawi is an active researcher in ICS/OT cybersecurity, with a PhD specializing in securing critical infrastructure. He is the founder of ICSrank.com, a platform dedicated to discovering and assessing security risks in Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Operational Technology (OT), and Industrial IoT.

As the host of the ICS Arabia Podcast, Sulaiman brings together global experts to discuss cutting-edge topics in OT security, bridging the gap between research, industry, and real-world cyber threats.

His latest research, "How to Find Water Systems on the Internet", was featured in SecurityWeek magazine, shedding light on OSINT techniques used to uncover vulnerable water infrastructure. (Read it here: https://zerontek.com/zt/2024/09/30/how-to-find-water-systems-on-the-internet-a-guide-to-ics-ot-osint/)

Follow Sulaiman for insights on ICS/OT security, threat intelligence, and ethical hacking: