As an Operational Technology (OT) Security Researcher at Palo Alto Networks, Rick brings a unique blend of operational and cybersecurity expertise. Rick is instrumental in the development and management of the OT Threat Research Lab, where he conducts cutting-edge research on new vulnerabilities and attack surfaces. He developed his security expertise as a NERC CIP Compliance Analyst at Michigan’s largest public utility, where he served as an OT cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert and integrated new security concepts into robust compliance programs. This specialized expertise is uniquely informed by over a decade of hands-on experience in manufacturing operations, which provides a deep, practical understanding of the physical processes and systems at the core of his cybersecurity work.