Bridging IT and OT: Exploring Machine Identity and MFA in Cybersecurity with Anusha Iyer

In this episode, host Aaron Crow engages in a riveting conversation with Anusha Iyer, the CEO and founder of Corsha, a Washington, D.C.-based cybersecurity company. With over 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity space and a newfound interest in operational technology (OT), Anusha shares insights into her company's innovative approach to identity and access management for machines.

The discussion covers key topics such as the convergence of IT and OT, the essential need to understand machine-to-machine communication, and the revolutionary potential of machine identity and multi-factor authentication (MFA) in securing industrial environments. Aaron and Anusha explore practical strategies for bridging IT and OT gaps and highlight real-world examples of implementing zero-trust principles.

This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for cybersecurity professionals, OT engineers, and tech enthusiasts alike. It emphasizes how modern security measures can transform and protect critical infrastructure. Tune in to gain valuable insights into the future of OT cybersecurity and the importance of embracing comprehensive security measures.

Key Moments: 

06:16 Machine Identity in OT Environments

08:40 Machine MFA for Secure Access

10:23 Understanding Secure Endpoint Communication

14:07 Cybersecurity vs. Safety Concerns

17:37 Achieving Zero Trust in Network Security

20:50 Overcoming Cloud Security Fears

26:10 Tech Implementation and Management Challenges

31:54 Complex Architecture: Costly and Complex

36:05 Understanding System Data Flow Benefits

40:36 Technology Deployment Before Cybersecurity Era

47:50 Simplifying Machine Implementation Benefits

51:19 Manual System Updates Challenges

51:58 Balancing IT and OT Efficiency

About the guest : 

Anusha Iyer is the Founder and CEO of Corsha - a leader in identity and access management for operational systems and critical infrastructure. With over 20 years in cybersecurity, Anusha is passionate about demystifying cyber and security, making it accessible, easy to adopt, and self-assuring.

Reach out to Anusha at [email protected] if you want to talk OT and Cyber and how to use machine identity in your industrial networks to unlock secure automation.

Find out more about Corsha and request a demo here: https://corsha.com/request-a-demo

Connect With Aaron Crow:

• Website: www.corvosec.com 


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

Learn more about PrOTect IT All:

• Email: [email protected] 


• Website: https://protectitall.co/ 


• X: https://twitter.com/protectitall 


• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrOTectITAll 


• FaceBook:  https://facebook.com/protectitallpodcast 

To be a guest or suggest a guest/episode, please email us at [email protected]

Please leave us a review on Apple/Spotify Podcasts:

Apple   - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/protect-it-all/id1727211124

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vvi0euj3rE8xObK0yvYi4