From strengthening OT expertise to driving collaboration in rail cybersecurity, TAC is closing out September with momentum and a clear vision for the months ahead.
Developing OT Skills That Make an Impact
September at TAC has been focused on strengthening the cybersecurity workforce through our Operational Technology (OT) BoOTcamp.This 5-day course equips participants with the foundational skills to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks in Operational Technology and Industrial Control Systems, bridging the gap between IT and OT.
Training the workforce of cyber and tech professionals is at the heart of TAC’s non-profit mission. Through the BoOTcamp, students gain hands-on experience that translates directly into real-world scenarios, enabling them to better protect the companies and critical systems they support.
TAC Training Hub For the Enterprise
For organizations seeking to strengthen their IT and OT teams, partnering with TAC’s BoOTcamp offers a unique opportunity. Companies can provide staff or students with cutting-edge OT cybersecurity training, build internal expertise, and foster collaboration between IT and operational teams, ultimately improving resilience across the enterprise.
The October 2025 OT BoOTcamp is already full, but seats are still available for November 3-7, 2025 and they are filling fast. Don’t miss the chance to secure a spot for your team or explore a partnership with TAC.
Hands-on exercises are a core part of the BoOTcamp experience. One student reflected on the bootcamp:
“I really enjoyed the course. I was expecting something related to programming, but was pleasantly surprised with the cyber info and all the hands-on activities. I enjoyed the oven plant hacking scenario. We got to see an attack from all perspectives, attacker, defender, and operator.” – Thomas Jacobs, COPT Defense Properties
Looking to prepare your team for today’s OT threats? Visit our website for a complete breakdown of the OT BoOTcamp and see how it equips participants to face real-world challenges.
Defend The Railroad Preparation Underway
Planning for Defend The Railroad 2026, powered by TAC in partnership with Cylus and Amtrak is in full swing. We are excited to announce the Association of American Railroads (AAR), and American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), has joined us as collaborative host sponsors! This initiative brings together cybersecurity experts, government agencies, rail operators, and industry leaders to safeguard America’s rail systems against evolving digital threats. We are now accepting speaker proposals and sponsor applications.
Join This Mission. Become a Sponsor.
Sponsoring Defend The Railroad gives your company a unique opportunity to showcase leadership in rail and transportation cybersecurity and your support is essential. Our four sponsorship tiers: Conductor, Dispatcher, Operator, and Passenger, offer direct access to industry experts, government officials, and infrastructure stakeholders while highlighting your solutions to critical rail security challenges.
Sponsors are a crucial part of the event’s overarching mission: to defend and protect our nation’s critical railway systems. We can’t do this without you, your partnership helps drive collaboration, knowledge sharing, and real-world impact in rail cybersecurity.
Call for Speakers
We are looking for experts to share their knowledge at Defend The Railroad 2026. If you have experience in cybersecurity, rail operations, or critical infrastructure, we want to hear from you.
We’re seeking speakers with expertise in:
- Emerging cyber threats targeting railways
- Railway OT & ICS security
- Incident response and crisis management
- Data privacy, safety, and regulatory compliance
- AI/ML applications for railway threat detection
- Securing the railway supply chain
- Case studies of recent cybersecurity incidents
Want to make an impact in railway cybersecurity? Apply to speak and help protect our nation’s critical rail systems.
Chris Hollifield’s Vision for the Future
August marked a new chapter for TAC with the appointment of Chris Hollifield as CEO. In his first month, Chris has been focused on reviewing ongoing initiatives and setting a clear path forward for the months ahead. His vision is rooted in strengthening TAC’s role at the intersection of training, innovation, and collaboration.
When asked about his top goals as we head into the end of the year, Chris shared:
“Our mission is driven by a commitment to meet the evolving needs of our mission customers through three core lines of effort: Train, Accelerate, and Connect. My goal for the team is to be part of the solution in training the workforce, accelerating innovation, and connecting the ecosystem across government, industry, academia, and investment.”
On the projects ahead, one stands out to him:
“I’m excited about all the projects we are working on now. They are all important in providing enduring advantage to the nation, with a focus on securing critical infrastructure. But if I must select one—it is our 5-day OT BoOTcamp training. There are so many cybersecurity professionals that have deep understanding of securing information (IT), but have not had the opportunity to get hands-on training to secure physical processes (OT). We aim to be part of the solution. I believe as more people see what we are doing, they will beat the doors down at TAC to get this low-cost/high-impact training.”
Chris also emphasized the importance of TAC’s academic outreach efforts:
“I love the academic outreach part of TAC. I would argue that of everything we do, it is the most important. STEM engagements and internships are the foundation of inspiring the next generation of cyber warriors—the professionals that will be next up on the front lines to defend the nation’s critical infrastructure. Every time I see the ideas and creativity in this generation, I cannot help but be optimistic about our future. We just have to keep looking for opportunities to guide people into these important careers.”
With this leadership transition, Chris is bringing fresh energy and focus to TAC’s mission of advancing the nation’s cyber and defense technology and workforce. Starting with growing training programs, expanding government-industry collaboration, and investing in the next generation of talent.
Continuing the Mission
As we move toward the end of 2025, TAC is energized by the momentum of our training programs, collaborative events, and leadership growth. With so much on the horizon, we are optimistic about the impact we can make together in securing critical infrastructure and preparing the workforce to meet tomorrow’s cybersecurity challenges.
Stay connected, and thank you for supporting TAC’s mission!
