Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk/BCC is talking to Martijn Grooten, Principal Security Researcher at Censys about "State of the Internet Report".

Overview

The discussion examined findings from Censys’ State of the Internet Report and their implications for organizational cybersecurity.

Report Findings
The report uses Censys’ internet-wide data to describe exposed services, vulnerabilities, threats, and infrastructure; it provides evidence rather than prescriptive guidance.
Many vulnerabilities are patched by vendors, but organizations often delay applying updates. HTTP services are frequently found on nonstandard ports.
Exposure Risks
About 80% of internet-visible hosts running industrial control system services also run a non-ICS service, such as HTTP, SSH, or FTP, expanding potential attack surfaces.
Public-facing AI infrastructure grew 63% during the nine-month period covered. Among observed n8n hosts, 76% had at least one vulnerability with a severity score above 9; patches existed, but updates were not applied promptly.
Threat actors select hosting providers based partly on permissiveness and resistance to takedowns. Shadow IT and shadow AI can arise when employees use unofficial tools to get work done.

Outline
Report Purpose
Censys shares data from its internet-wide observations to inform cybersecurity professionals and organizations.
The report describes exposure and trends rather than providing detailed remediation instructions.
Vulnerabilities and Protocols
Vulnerabilities are routinely discovered and patched, but organizations may be slow to install updates.
Services such as HTTP can run on nonstandard ports, so monitoring only default ports may miss exposed services.
Industrial Systems
About 80% of observed hosts running an industrial control system service also ran a non-ICS service, including HTTP, SSH, or FTP.
These additional services can broaden the attack surface of industrial environments.
Threat Infrastructure
Threat actors choose hosting providers based on cost, functionality, and permissiveness, rather than choosing infrastructure by country alone.
The report observes phishing pages and command-and-control servers, not malware activity on individual computers.
AI and Shadow IT
Public internet-facing AI infrastructure grew 63% during the report’s covered period.
Many observed n8n hosts had severe known vulnerabilities; the interview emphasized delayed patching.
Unofficial tools and AI use can create security risks when organizational systems do not meet employees’ work needs.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

MARTIJN GROOTEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martijngrooten/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/censysio/
Company Website: https://censys.com/
State of the Internet Blog: https://censys.com/blog/state-of-the-internet-report-2026/
State of the Internet Report: https://censys.com/2026-state-of-the-internet-report/

2 0

Industrial Talk is talking to Dominic Mercurio, VP - Insights at the Sales Factory about "State of the Pro 2026 Research Survey".

Overview

Sales Factory presented findings from its first annual State of the Pro survey on contractors’ work, challenges, and outlook.

Survey Findings
The survey covered 1,168 professionals across eight trades. Respondents generally felt positive about job stability and took pride in their work, but cited difficulty finding reliable skilled labor.
How can the industry address the skilled-labor shortage?
Tools and Training
Contractors use AI mainly to save time on administrative work and research; they still need subject-matter experts to verify its outputs, especially for safety-critical decisions.
Forty percent preferred AI-assisted search, and 94% regularly learn about new tools. Contractors also emphasized showing up humble and willing to learn, and investing in quality tools when affordable.

Outline
State of the Pro Survey
Dominic described the first annual survey of more than 1,000 professionals across eight construction and industrial trades.
The research examines contractors’ economic outlook, labor conditions, tools, and expectations for the future.
Workforce Conditions
Contractors reported confidence in employment stability and pride in their work.
Finding reliable skilled workers remains a significant challenge; participants emphasized the importance of investment in the trades.
Advice for new workers included being punctual, humble, and open to learning from experienced crews.
AI and Tools
AI can reduce administrative burdens and speed up information searches, but human expertise remains essential for validating accuracy and safety.
Contractors continue learning about new tools, often relying on peers as a trusted source of information.
Professionals advised investing in quality tools when possible, while noting that overspending can be a source of regret.
Research Resources
The survey report is available through Sales Factory; Dominic also described the company’s quarterly State of the DIYer research.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

DOMINIC MERCURIO'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-mercurio-iv/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-sales-factory/

Company Website: https://salesfactory.com/

0 0

Industrial Talk/BCC is talking to Ulrich Seldeslachts, CEO at LSEC about "What CISOs are losing sleep over in 2026".

Overview

The discussion examined cybersecurity risks facing organizations and how leaders can protect operations without slowing business activity.

Key Challenges
Legacy operational technology, IT/OT alignment, and supplier vulnerabilities make it difficult to keep manufacturing and other critical operations secure.
The European NIS2 regulation requires covered organizations to demonstrate cybersecurity measures and address supply-chain risk. Scarce cybersecurity talent and expensive, complex tools add to the burden.
Ulrich described difficulty securing management support and resources when executives do not prioritize cybersecurity.
Approaches and Open Questions
AI can help analyze security data and review product documentation, but its output needs guardrails and human review.
The Cyber Resilience Act will require products with digital elements sold in Europe to meet cybersecurity and documentation requirements; noncompliant products may be removed from the market. New products must comply from January 2028.
How can organizations secure extensive supplier networks and legacy systems while maintaining business continuity and pace of innovation?

Outline
CISO and Operational Risk
Legacy operational technology and IT/OT alignment create ongoing security challenges.
Supplier cybersecurity is a business-continuity risk, reinforced by NIS2 requirements.
Cybersecurity staffing gaps and poorly fitted or underused tools constrain organizations.
AI and Regulation
AI supports analysis of large volumes of security data and review of compliance documentation; guardrails and human review remain important.
The Cyber Resilience Act applies to products with digital elements entering the European market, with requirements for new products from January 2028.
Organizational Readiness
Executives must understand cybersecurity risks and provide appropriate resources.
Ulrich described practical engagement with hospital teams and boards to build awareness and improve cybersecurity maturity.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

ULRICH SELDESLACHTS' CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ulrichseldeslachts/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lsec---leaders-in-security/
Company Website: https://www.digitalsecuritycatalyst.com/

0 0

Industrial Talk is talking to Clint Bundy, Managing Director at the Bundy Group about "Navigating the financial complexities of industrial growth and acquisitions".

Overview

The discussion explained how the Bundy Group helps privately held companies pursue sales or capital raises and highlighted growth opportunities in industrial, energy, and technology-enabled services.

Bundy Group
Clint described the firm as an advisor representing business owners, not a private-equity investor or equity holder in transactions.
Its main sectors are business and industrial services, energy and infrastructure, technology-enabled services, and healthcare.
The firm helps owners maximize value, prepare management and financials, and identify strategic or financial partners.
Market Outlook
AI-driven data-center demand has significantly increased activity and investment in energy services.
Owners may seek liquidity, a growth partner, or capital for expansion; available options are broader than in prior decades.
Clint emphasized stability, profitability, growth, and scale as foundations for transaction readiness.
How long will current AI and data-center-driven energy demand continue to support elevated growth and investment?

Outline
Firm Role
The Bundy Group advises privately held businesses on sales and capital raises.
It works on behalf of owners to maximize value and find suitable partners.
The firm does not take equity positions or operate as a private-equity buyer.
Sector Experience
Business and industrial services
Energy and infrastructure
Technology-enabled services, including automation and control-system integration
Healthcare
Transaction Preparation
The firm evaluates management strength and financial readiness before launching a process.
It may recommend strengthening leadership or addressing financial issues before going to market.
Potential buyers include strategic acquirers, private-equity sponsors, or both.
Market Trends
AI data centers are driving increased demand for power and energy services.
Automation and AI are creating opportunities for privately held companies to grow more quickly.
The mergers-and-acquisitions market is expected to continue experiencing periods of both expansion and contraction.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

CLINT BUNDY'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clint-bundy-0a3a48/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bundy-group/
Company Website: https://bundygroup.com/
Podcast:  https://www.youtube.com/@BG.Insights?app=desktop

0 0

Industrial Talk is talking to Jay Roxe, Chief Marketing Officer at Inriver about "Is your Product Information Management system ready for the benefits of the AI boom".

Overview

Jay and Scott discussed how Inriver helps manufacturers manage, enrich, and distribute product information across increasingly complex digital sales channels.

Core Challenge
Product data is often fragmented across ERP, PLM, spreadsheets, suppliers, and other systems, creating a need for a single source of truth.
Manufacturers must support more channels and increasingly detailed product information, including regulatory and digital product passport requirements.
Inaccurate or incomplete data can affect search, AI-generated answers, product discovery, replacements, and aftermarket sales.
Platform Value
Inriver can onboard data from upstream systems and suppliers, use AI-assisted cleanup and enrichment, manage workflows, and syndicate channel-specific information.
Reported customer outcomes include 30–40% faster time to market and 20–25% less work maintaining product data.
Deployments may take 30–60 days for focused use cases or about 90 days for a quick start; enterprise integrations require more time. Open questions include which use case offers the fastest return and how the platform should fit the organization’s existing technology stack.

Outline
Product Information Management
Jay explained that Inriver provides product information management and product experience management.
The platform creates a centralized source of product truth and distributes channel-specific information.
Data Operations
Data can come from ERP, PLM, supplier files, spreadsheets, and other upstream systems.
Inriver supports AI-assisted cleanup, enrichment, categorization, translation, workflow, and syndication.
The discussion highlighted the risks of inaccurate product descriptions, images, measurements, and replacement-part information.
Market Changes
Manufacturers now manage more sales channels and more detailed product requirements.
Customers increasingly use LLMs such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to find products, increasing the importance of accurate, structured data.
Human review remains important for trustworthy, compliant, and on-brand content.
Value And Adoption
Reported benefits include faster time to market, reduced product-data maintenance, and fewer costly product-information errors.
Adoption may be limited by competing priorities and the need to demonstrate a clear return on investment.
Implementation timing depends on the use case and integration scope, including existing ERP systems.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

JAY ROXE'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jroxe/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inriver-ab/

Company Website: https://www.inriver.com/

0 0