Bites and Bytes Podcast Cybersecurity Shouldn’t Suck: Fixing the Real Problems with Tom Sego
What happens when cyber threats hit critical infrastructure?
In this episode of the Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville sits down with Tom Sego, a cybersecurity leader with a fascinating background from chemical engineering to Apple to professional poker, now focused on making security simpler and more effective for critical infrastructure as CEO at Blastwave.
Cyber risks in critical industries are real, but so are the solutions. Kristin and Tom discuss why current security models create more problems than they solve, how the human element is often overlooked, and what needs to change to make security actually work for the people keeping our systems running.
🔎 In this episode, we unpack:
✅ How cyber threats can disrupt production & cold storage 🚜❄️
✅ Why critical infrastructure sectors struggle with cybersecurity adoption 🛑
✅ The AI-powered cyber threats targeting supply chains 🤖💥
✅ The human side of security—trust, simplicity, and keeping people safe 🛡️
✅ Why passwords are outdated and cause more harm than good
✅ How security teams can build trust instead of friction
✅ And yes… we also talk about wine, food obsessions, and French pastries 🍷🥐
Whether you’re in OT, security, or just sick of cybersecurity being unnecessarily complicated, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and real solutions.
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🎯 Episode Key Highlights
00:00:20) - Introduction to the Episode & Guest: Tom Sego
(00:01:20) - Guest’s Favorite Food & Food Memories
(00:05:54) - Tom Sego’s Background & Career Journey
(00:09:23) - The Ukraine Electric Grid Hack: A Pivotal Moment for Tom
(00:10:51) - The Importance of OT Security & Community Building
(00:11:26) - How Tom & Kristin Met – A Conversation Over Wine
(00:14:43) - Why Tom Founded BlastWave & His Mission
(00:16:21) - The Human Factor in Cybersecurity & Biggest OT Risks
(00:19:17) - The Future of Cyber Threats in OT & Supply Chains
(00:24:04) - Mid-Episode Break: Celebrating 8,000 Downloads!
(00:26:07) - Why Farmers & Food Producers Struggle with Cybersecurity
(00:32:46) - Real-World Cold Storage Cybersecurity Risks
(00:37:50) - How AI is Impacting Cybersecurity & Attack Strategies
(00:40:39) - Cyber-Physical Security & Real-World Consequences
(00:42:27) - Trust in Cybersecurity: Why It’s Critical for OT
(00:43:26) - Final Takeaways: Tom’s Advice for Staying Secure
(00:44:31) - The Role of AI in Cybersecurity: Opportunities & Risks
(00:45:17) - Outro & Closing Remarks
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Show Notes
🔹 Cyber-Attack Against Ukrainian Critical Infrastructure:
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-alerts/ir-alert-h-16-056-01
🔹 Zim Ketter’s Wired Magazine Article about Ukraine’s Power Grid Hack:
https://www.wired.com/2016/03/inside-cunning-unprecedented-hack-ukraines-power-grid/
🔹 Port of Beirut, Lebanon ammonium nitrate explosion:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7985624/
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Animal Agriculture Alliance’s 2025 Stakeholders Summit
If you enjoyed our episode on agroterrorism and cyber threats to farms featuring the Animal Agriculture Alliance, here’s another opportunity to explore critical conversations about our food system. And if you haven’t listened yet, check it out here:
🎙 Episode Link: Agroterrorism & Cyber Threats – How Farms Are Under Attack
📢 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify
The 2025 Stakeholders Summit, happening April 30 – May 2 in Arlington, VA, will bring together industry leaders from farms, food processing, retail, and more to discuss sustainability and the future of animal agriculture. This year’s theme, “Food for Thought: Dishing on Sustainability,” focuses on collaboration and innovation to shape the future of food production.
Reserve your seat at the table—register by April 25!
🔗 Learn more and register: 2025 Stakeholders Summit
🔗 About the Animal Agriculture Alliance: AnimalAgAlliance.org
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Wicked6 is about women coming together to play cyber games and learn about careers in cybersecurity.
🔥 March 28-30, 2025 – a three-day, global, virtual Hack & Chat event where women worldwide come together to play cyber games, compete, learn, and connect.
💡 We’ve got international speakers, technical talks, hands-on workshops, and of course…the GAMES! Think Capture the Flag, Attack & Defend, and a high-stakes team tournament—all virtually streamed LIVE!
✨ Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a game for you. Plus, there’s networking, prizes, merch, and so much more!
💻 Sign up now at Wicked6.com, and let’s LEVEL UP together! 🔥💪
🎤 Want to share your story? Call for speakers & technical workshops is OPEN!
📹 Ever wonder what cybersecurity careers look like? Submit a “Day in the Life” video!
🙌 Passionate about supporting women in cyber? Join us as a volunteer or referee!
🤝 And companies—be a sponsor! Help empower the next generation of women in cybersecurity.
🚀 Attack & Defense Call for Volunteers – Help design the next big challenge! If you’re a seasoned challenge developer, step up and create a mind-bending cyber challenge for the competition. Just remember—developers can’t compete! 🤯🔐
Sign up here: 🔗 Volunteer Form
🌍 Meet the Wicked6 2025 Advisory Board! This powerhouse team of women is driving the mission forward, building an event that’s about competition, connection, and career growth. Get to know them here: 🔗 Advisory Board - you will see your Bites and Bytes Podcast host there!
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