Understanding Cybersecurity Risks to Critical Infrastructure with Joe Weiss

In Episode 101 of the Afterburn Podcast, host John "Rain" Waters sits down with Joe Weiss, a nuclear engineer and pioneer in ICS cybersecurity, to discuss the critical importance of securing industrial control systems. With over 40 years of experience in industrial instrumentation, control systems, and automation, Joe sheds light on the vulnerabilities within our infrastructure that are often overlooked. From power plants and water systems to the complex networks that keep our daily lives running, Joe explains how these systems are at risk and what needs to be done to protect them. This eye-opening conversation is essential for anyone interested in cybersecurity, industrial systems, and the future of our nation's critical infrastructure. Joe Weiss Blog: https://www.controlglobal.com/unfettered Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/@AfterburnPodcast Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts: Apple - https://apple.co/3dLradT Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3SAeSUr Afterburn Podcast Links: Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=en 🎙️Afterburn Podcast Sponsors🎙️ Launch Your Aviation Career - BogiDope: https://bit.ly/BogiDope Secure Your Digital Identity - Aura: https://aura.com/afterburn E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation Join our free weekly newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geo-politics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:29 Definition and Function of Industrial Control Systems 07:58 Vulnerabilities of Control Systems and the Need for Security 17:31 Cyber incidents: hacking, mistakes, and compromised data. 23:13 Pre-Stuxnet, cyber incidents were less apparent. 28:31 Unauthorized access, manipulation of critical systems exposed. 38:48 Stuxnet was a complex, unprecedentedly successful cyberattack. 44:13 Stuxnet showed attacks can look like malfunctions. 43:25 Unveiling the Vulnerabilities 44:48 The Deceptive Nature of Control System Vulnerabilities 49:55 The Lack of Imagination 53:45 Chinese Transformers and Cyber Vulnerabilities 56:23 Chinese Port Cranes and Extra Electronics 01:03:34 Real Physical Kinetic Damage 01:08:45 Nation-State Attacks on Water Utilities 01:12:38 Addressing Control System Cybersecurity Keywords industrial control systems, cybersecurity, control devices, vulnerabilities, Stuxnet attack, control systems, cyber threats, critical infrastructure, vulnerabilities, Stuxnet, water utilities, nation-state attacks, equipment malfunctions, cultural shift, technical preparedness