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. Lee explains how the National Guard’s unique model allows civilian experts from energy, utilities, and security companies to bring their real-world expertise into military cyber operations. The conversation also explores escalating geopolitical tensions—particularly involving Iran and China—and why attacks on civilian infrastructure represent a dangerous shift in cyber conflict that the cybersecurity community must confront directly.
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-v4Cz
- CYBR CLAY SHOOT: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cybr-sec-careers_cybrclayshoot-cybersecurity-cybercareers-activity-7435353518951084033-1iw9
- Proceeds 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:
4:48 – Rob Lee introduces his new daughter
Lee briefly shares personal news and discusses balancing family life with leadership responsibilities.
6:48 – Why Lee returned to military service
Lee 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 Brigade
Lee describes his position as executive officer and the mission of the Army National Guard’s cyber brigade.
14:52 – Cyber Fortress exercise explained
Lee 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 works
The 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 infrastructure
Lee discusses the growing risk of state actors targeting hospitals, utilities, and other civilian infrastructure.
24:23 – Cyber attacks that lead to loss of life
Lee argues the cybersecurity community must acknowledge that cyber operations have already contributed to real-world deaths.
27:04 – The role of cyber in modern warfare
The discussion explores how cyber capabilities are increasingly intertwined with traditional military conflict.
31:03 – Encouraging cybersecurity professionals to serve
Lee highlights the National Guard’s citizen-soldier model and encourages cybersecurity professionals to consider contributing their expertise.
34:36 – Final thoughts
Lee ends with an optimistic message about defense and the importance of focusing on the many good people working to protect critical infrastructure.
Do you have a question for the hosts? Reach out to us at media@cscgroupllc.com
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In this episode:
- Host: Michael Farnum
- Host: Sam Van Ryder
- Guest: Rob Lee
- Production and editing: Lauren Andrus
- Music by: August Honey
