48: Engineering: The Perfect Transition to Cybersecurity with David Brearley

Derek Harp is excited to have David Brearley joining him today! David is currently the Operational Technology Cybersecurity Director at HDR.

David Brearley (GICSP, PMP) is a senior professional associate and the operational technology cybersecurity director at HDR in Charlotte, North Carolina. David has nearly 20 years of international experience providing IT and OT (operational technologies/industrial controls) solutions, services, and consulting. In providing hands-on configuration, assessment, design, and consulting services, his experience covers the comprehensive control system life cycle. David is motivated by helping improve the security awareness and risk posture for HDR’s cross-sector clients.

David grew up in New Jersey, just off Long Beach Island, and went to school in South Carolina. He is a husband, sailor, chef, outdoorsman, programmer, controls, and cybersecurity enthusiast. 

In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, he talks to Derek about his professional journey, how his career has evolved, and his current role at HDR. He also offers some nuggets of advice for anyone considering a career in cybersecurity.  

You are sure to gain a lot from this episode if you want to get into the cybersecurity space or are an engineer who would like to augment what you do. Stay tuned for more!

Show highlights:

• David shares his modern-day superhero backstory.
• He started looking at computer engineering after getting into programming in high school.
• David discusses his experience as an intern with GE and talks about the benefits of doing an internship.
• GE went through several transitions and eventually returned to being a privately-held company. 
• David talks about an opportunity that let him learn a lot more about networks and programming in an industrial environment.
• He discusses the breadth of environments he has worked in his career.
• How did David end up in his current role?
• Where did cybersecurity first intersect with his career?
• A book David recommends for getting one’s mindset geared for the cybersecurity space. 
• David discusses the mentorship and cybersecurity training programs he is involved in, both within and outside of HDR.
• David describes how they are building a cybersecurity culture at HDR.
• The benefits of having experience across diverse platforms.
• What you should study to be on the cutting edge in the future.