AI in OT Cybersecurity: Real-World Risks, Smarter Defenses & the Future of Critical Infrastructure

AI is rapidly transforming cybersecurity but are critical infrastructure environments ready for what comes next?

In this episode of Protect It All, host Aaron Crow sits down with longtime colleague and cybersecurity expert Clark Liu to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping both IT and OT security operations.

From incident response and compliance frameworks to workforce shifts and operational resilience, Aaron and Clark unpack the real-world opportunities and very real risks of integrating AI into industrial environments.

Together, they tackle the evolving role of frameworks like NERC CIP and NIST, the challenges of balancing compliance with actual security outcomes, and how organizations can responsibly adopt AI without increasing exposure.

You’ll learn:

• How AI is changing OT and IT cybersecurity operations
• The role of AI in incident response, documentation, and monitoring
• Why compliance frameworks alone don’t guarantee resilience
• The risks of adopting AI without strong operational foundations
• How organizations can prepare for AI-powered threats and workforce changes
• Practical insights for balancing innovation, budgets, and security priorities

Whether you’re leading OT security, managing critical infrastructure, or evaluating AI adoption in your organization, this episode delivers practical guidance for navigating cybersecurity’s next major shift.

Tune in to learn how AI is transforming cyber defense and what organizations must do to stay resilient only on Protect It All.

Key Moments; 

05:33 Understanding cybersecurity compliance frameworks

07:11 Overlooked vulnerabilities in systems

09:59 Balancing multiple firewall vendors

15:17 Delegating tasks to AI

19:11 Importance of documenting commits

21:51 Hospital system shutdown crisis

25:11 AI uncovering software vulnerabilities

26:37 Engineers implementing AI in automation

31:26 AI tools and personal security

32:55 Password security practices

36:46 Using AI for basic tasks

39:38 Transition to off-the-shelf software

42:29 Going back to basics with appliances

47:02 Excitement About Future AI Capabilities

Guest Profile : 

Clark Liu is a veteran OT cybersecurity expert and one of the original contributors to the NERC CIP standards. With nearly two decades in energy and critical infrastructure security - including leadership roles at EY and GALLO - Clark specializes in OT risk management, compliance strategy, and securing industrial operations from the plant floor to the cloud.

How to connect Clark: 

LinkedIn :  https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkliu/

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronccrow

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