From a TRS-80 to OT Cybersecurity
From OT After Hours by Rockwell Automation
August 22, 2025 · 19 min · Season 2 · Episode 9
About this episode
Tyler Bergman shares his journey from early programming to a career in OT cybersecurity.
In this episode, we trace the career of Tyler Bergman , Operations Team Lead at Rockwell Automation (formerly Verve Industrial), whose early fascination with computers and programming sparked a path that led through SCADA operations, utility cooperatives, and consulting before finding a home in OT cybersecurity. Join host Ken Kully , Systems Support Lead at Verve Industrial, as Tyler shares how persistence, hands-on experience, and a thirst for knowledge shaped his expertise—and why networking fundamentals are the backbone of OT security. Key Takeaways A lifelong passion for technology: From programming on a TRS-80 as a child to building custom systems for nonprofits, Tyler's curiosity and drive shaped his technical foundation. SCADA and utility experience: Years spent in municipal and cooperative environments provided hands-on exposure to the OT landscape long before "OT security" was a defined field. The value of persistence: Earning a CCNA after multiple attempts showed the resilience required to keep advancing in cybersecurity. Networking as the cornerstone: Understanding networks and how devices present themselves is one of the most critical skills in OT security. Bridging…
People in this episode
Host: Ken Kully
Guest: Tyler Bergman
Topics covered
- OT cybersecurity
- career development
- networking fundamentals
- SCADA operations
- technology passion
- critical infrastructure
Keywords
- TRS-80
- cybersecurity
- networking
- SCADA
- consulting
- critical infrastructure
- persistence
- technology
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Rockwell Automation, Verve Industrial, SCADA, utility cooperatives
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