Dragos CEO and U.S. National Guard Lt. Col. Rob Lee joins hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder to discuss why he returned to military service, the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the role exercises like Cyber Fortress play in preparing both government and private sector operators for real-world cyber incidents.  SHOW NOTES: Things Mentioned: Cyber Fortress 2026: https://va.ng.mil/Cyber-Fortress/Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/confe...

CYBR.SEC.CAST

CYBR.SEC.Media

Episode 64: Rob Lee

MAR 19, 202633 MIN
CYBR.SEC.CAST

Episode 64: Rob Lee

MAR 19, 202633 MIN

Description

Dragos CEO and U.S. National Guard Lt. Col. Rob Lee joins hosts Michael Farnum and Sam Van Ryder to discuss why he returned to military service, the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure, and the role exercises like Cyber Fortress play in preparing both government and private sector operators for real-world cyber incidents. SHOW NOTES:Things Mentioned:Cyber Fortress 2026: https://va.ng.mil/Cyber-Fortress/Upcoming CYBR.SEC.Community events: https://www.cybrsecmedia.com/conference/CYBR.SEC.Careers: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cybr-sec-careers/about/ fundraisers:Cards for a Cause: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrseccareers-nonprofit-cybersecurity-activity-7436794892787359744-v4CzCYBR CLAY SHOOT: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9Proceeds support CYBR.SEC.Careers mission is to build a strong, diverse workforce by providing career exposure, access to education and certifications, and mentorship for students and veterans pursuing careers in cybersecurity.Episode 64 Timestamps:6:48 – Why Lee returned to military serviceLee explains how calls from government and military leaders prompted him to return to the National Guard to help address unresolved questions around defending operational technology (OT) during conflict.9:33 – Role in the 91st Cyber BrigadeLee describes his position as executive officer and the mission of the Army National Guard’s cyber brigade.14:52 – Cyber Fortress exercise explainedLee walks through the origins of Cyber Fortress and how it evolved from a state-level exercise into a broader operational technology training environment.17:53 – How Cyber Fortress worksThe exercise combines training, red-team simulations, and participation from infrastructure operators to practice responding to real OT cyber incidents.20:10 – Cyber conflict and civilian infrastructureLee discusses the growing risk of state actors targeting hospitals, utilities, and other civilian infrastructure.24:23 – Cyber attacks that lead to loss of lifeLee argues the cybersecurity community must acknowledge that cyber operations have already contributed to real-world deaths.27:04 – The role of cyber in modern warfareThe discussion explores how cyber capabilities are increasingly intertwined with traditional military conflict.Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at [email protected]