Ep 72: Bridging IT and OT Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Field with Patrick Gillespie

Welcome to another episode of Protect It All, where we dive deep into the world of IT and OT cybersecurity! In this episode, host Aaron Crow sits down with Patrick Gillespie, OT Practice Director at GuidePoint Security, for a candid conversation that's as insightful as it is relatable. Patrick, whose journey has taken him from working in manufacturing and building freight trains to leading OT security initiatives, shares real-world stories about the challenges and realities of protecting operational technology.

Together, Aaron and Patrick discuss the blurred lines between IT and OT, the importance of understanding business priorities in security, and why collaboration rather than heavy-handed mandates makes all the difference in securing critical infrastructure.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started in cyber, you’ll come away with practical insights on risk management, building trust with operations teams, and the vital role of mentorship in developing the next generation of OT security experts.

Stay tuned for a grounded, actionable conversation that reminds us all: when it comes to securing the intersection of IT and OT, it’s about more than just technology -it’s about people, process, and the bigger business picture.

Key Moments:

05:53 IT and OT System Confusion

07:43 Implementing Fortigate and Managing Risks

11:21 Outdated Systems and Patch Challenges

15:43 Comprehensive Onsite Assessment Toolkit

17:56 AI or Traditional? Balancing Approaches

21:16 "Securing OT: Remote Access and Training"

25:47 Cybersecurity Skill Growth Forecast

26:38 "Mentorship in Cybersecurity Careers"

30:22 Understanding Your Network Setup

35:39 Balancing Security and Accessibility

36:09 Leveraging Operational Team Buy-In

39:27 IT Budget Prioritization for OT Needs

42:44 Challenges in OT Security Adoption

46:56 Tech Growth & Infrastructure Expansion

About the Guest :

Patrick Gillespie has spent over 15 years immersed in the world of cybersecurity, with the last three and a half years serving as the OT Practice Director at GuidePoint, a leading value-added reseller specializing in cybersecurity products.

At GuidePoint, Patrick leads a dedicated team of OT engineers focused on securing both operational technology (OT) environments and the rapidly growing array of IoT devices. Recognizing that clients often CISOs may not directly own OT assets or remediation processes, Patrick excels at bridging the gap between IT security leaders and their operational counterparts, such as plant managers and controls engineers.

Through his work, Patrick guides organizations to understand and address the unique challenges of OT security, helping them build collaboration across teams to strengthen their overall cyber defenses.

How to connect Patrick :

GuidePoint Security University: https://www.guidepointsecurity.com/gpsu/

MilMentor: https://www.milmentor.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cpgillespie/

Connect With Aaron Crow: