In this episode, Suzan Chin-Taylor welcomes engineer, innovator, and educator Farokh Kakar for a powerful conversation about the rising cybersecurity threats facing water and wastewater utilities. Farokh shares her remarkable personal journey—from refugee life and overcoming barriers to becoming a PhD, professor, and founder of Blue College, a hybrid institution focused on building the next generation of skilled water professionals.
Together, they pull back the curtain on why cybersecurity training is no longer optional for utilities. With cyberattacks on critical infrastructure increasing worldwide, Farokh explains the consequences of a breach, why hackers are always evolving, and how utilities can prepare, protect, and stay one step ahead.
Host: Suzan Chin-Taylor | Guest: Farokh Kakar
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Key Takeaways:
- Why cybersecurity is now a mission-critical skill for water and wastewater utilities
- How cyberattacks can disrupt operations, safety, and public health
- Why utilities need at least one trained cybersecurity professional on staff
- The unique challenges of securing OT systems in the water sector
- How Blue College is closing the skills gap with industry-specific training
- The opportunity to use cybersecurity roles to recruit the next generation of talent
Why This Matters for Utilities:
Cyber threats are growing, hackers are advancing, and outdated infrastructure leaves utilities vulnerable. From remote access systems to SCADA networks, utilities must shift from reactive to proactive—and it starts with training, awareness, and a cybersecurity-focused culture.
Contact Information:
Farokh Kakar
Blue College
Email: farokhlaqa.kakar@gmail.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farokh-laqa-kakar/
Website: bluecollege.ca
Conclusion:
Farokh Kakar’s journey from refugee to engineer and founder of Blue College is a powerful reminder that resilience and purpose can create lasting impact. Her mission to strengthen cybersecurity awareness in the water and wastewater industry highlights an urgent need: protecting the systems that protect us all. As utilities evolve, staying educated, vigilant, and proactive isn’t just smart—it’s essential to keeping our water safe and our communities secure.
Until next time—keep growing, and keep it flowing. 💧
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Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva’s Smells Like Money Podcast:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/
Email: raven@creativeraven.com
Telephone: +1 760-217-8010
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