Kristin King
CEO of AnzenOT & AnzenSage, host of the Bites and Bytes Podcast
Winchester, Virginia, United States
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Kristin King is a cybersecurity and risk management expert with over 25 years of experience in the tech industry. She is the founder and CEO of AnzenSage, a consulting firm focused on securing the critical infrastructure of food, agriculture, zoos, and aquariums. Kristin is also the co-founder of AnzenOT, a SaaS OT Cybersecurity Risk Intelligence platform purpose-built for cyber-physical systems. With a degree in environmental management and a research background in gorilla behavior, she brings a systems-thinking approach that bridges science, technology, and operational realities. Kristin specializes in OT/ICS environments and has become a trusted voice for sectors often overlooked in cybersecurity conversations. She also hosts the award-winning Bites & Bytes Podcast, where she leads thoughtful discussions at the intersection of food, technology, and cybersecurity.
Area of Expertise
Topics
Securing What Feeds Us
Food is the most essential system we have and the easiest to take for granted. We see full shelves and stocked markets, but we don’t see the invisible technology holding it all together. Farms, factories, and storage facilities are now connected to digital networks, and those networks are under attack. When ransomware locks a milking parlor, cows suffer. When cold storage is hacked, food spoils. When farmers are harassed with online disinformation, trust in the food system erodes. Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding our lives. In this talk, Kristin Demoranville challenges the dangerous myth of food’s permanence and reveals why securing what feeds us means rethinking not just how we grow food, but how we protect the entire food system. If hackers already understand the fragility of our food system, why don’t we?
Gorilla Tactics: Applying Primate Social Dynamics to Cybersecurity
Discover how the social dynamics of gorillas can revolutionize your approach to cybersecurity through the lens of systems thinking. Inspired by research with a troop of bachelor gorillas at a zoo, this session explores how their behaviors—rooted in hierarchy, collaboration, and vigilance—can inspire more resilient and adaptable cybersecurity practices. We will connect specific gorilla social structures to the challenges faced in the cybersecurity realm, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership, clear communication, and community.
Attendees can expect a mix of engaging storytelling and practical insights, with examples of gorilla behavior providing a unique perspective on cybersecurity strategies. Additionally, this session will encourage you to draw from your life experiences—whether from past careers, hobbies, or personal interests—to inform and enhance your cybersecurity mindset. Learn how to implement ‘gorilla tactics’ to anticipate and counteract evolving threats and leave with actionable takeaways to build stronger, more collaborative cybersecurity defenses. This session promises a fresh, nature-inspired perspective on integrating personal insights into professional practice, highlighting the importance of diverse thinking in cybersecurity.
Agriculture at Risk: Recognizing and Securing Our Forgotten Critical Infrastructure
In an era where cyber threats to OT/ICS systems are escalating in sophistication and frequency, the agriculture sector remains alarmingly under-protected. As a cornerstone of critical infrastructure, agriculture is uniquely vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt food supply chains, economic stability, and national security. This presentation will underscore the urgent need for the OT/ICS community to prioritize agricultural cybersecurity.
Through this session, we will explore the specific threats targeting agricultural control systems, illustrated by real-world case studies. We will examine the impact of the war in Ukraine on agricultural supply chains and the JBS ransomware attack, highlighting the vulnerabilities introduced by digital transformation technologies like smart farming and IoT, which open new attack vectors in OT environments.
Key Takeaways:
• Understanding Unique Challenges: Gain insights into agricultural OT systems' unique cybersecurity challenges.
• Learning from Real Incidents: Analyze actual incidents to uncover lessons learned and enhance security postures.
• Practical Risk Management: Discover practical strategies for risk management, continuous monitoring, and incident response tailored to the agricultural sector.
• Education and Awareness: Recognize the importance of educating farmers on cybersecurity practices and equipping OT professionals with knowledge of the agrifoods business.
This session will provide actionable strategies to safeguard agricultural operations against cyber threats and emphasize the critical importance of cross-industry collaboration. Join this talk to understand why securing our agricultural infrastructure is an urgent priority and to lead the charge in protecting our food supply from the ever-growing cyber threat landscape.
IAAPA Expo Upcoming
Cyber in the Wild: Why Attractions, Zoos, and Aquariums Must Think Beyond IT
Most guests don’t notice the critical systems behind the scenes like HVAC for habitats, water life support, or guest kiosks that keep attractions, zoos, and aquariums running smoothly. Many are now connected to networks and the internet which improves management but introduces cybersecurity risks. Treating cybersecurity as just an IT issue can leave gaps that jeopardize animal welfare, staff safety, and guest experience. This session offers a practical overview of cybersecurity’s impact on operations and provides clear, actionable steps for those involved in animal care, facility management, or guest services to help mitigate these risks.
Industrial Cyber Day
Session 10: Cybersecurity is Food Safety – What NIS2 Means for Agri-Food OT
Food and agriculture form the backbone of every society, yet the sector is often overlooked in cybersecurity discussions. With the EU’s NIS2 Directive raising the bar for operational technology (OT) security, food producers and distributors face new pressures that reach far beyond Europe. Much like GDPR reshaped global data practices, NIS2 will ripple through international supply chains, influencing companies worldwide.
This session explores what NIS2 means for the agri-food sector, why cybersecurity and food safety are now inseparable, and what organizations should prioritize as these regulations take hold. Drawing on regional insights and real-world incidents, it will highlight the sector’s unique risks and show how securing technology is increasingly part of securing society itself.
Key Learnings:
How the EU’s NIS2 Directive will shape agri-food OT security in EMEA and beyond
Why cybersecurity and food safety are critically interconnected across the supply chain
The unique challenges and risks facing the agri-food sector under new regulatory pressures—and how organizations should respond
2024 ICS Cybersecurity Conference Sessionize Event
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