Kristin Demoranville: Safeguarding the Food Industry with Cybersecurity Expertise

Kristin Demoranville, a visionary leader in the world of cybersecurity, has carved a remarkable path at the intersection of technology, operational resilience, and the vibrant realm of food manufacturing. As the Founder and CEO of AnzenSage, a specialized cybersecurity resilience firm catering to the Food Sector, Kristin brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for safeguarding critical infrastructure.   

With a solid educational background in Environmental Management and 25 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity, Kristin's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her diverse portfolio spans various manufacturing sectors, focusing on food manufacturing, production, supply chain, and risk initiatives in different global regions. This extensive background equips her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges the food industry faces in cybersecurity.   

Unconventional Journey to Cybersecurity   

Kristin's path to cybersecurity has been anything but conventional. Initially working in IT, she found herself at a crossroads, contemplating various paths such as cloud computing, sysadmin, and database management. However, when the opportunity to join the field of cybersecurity arose, she was initially skeptical. The image of security professionals as problem-focused individuals who lacked collaboration and empathy didn't appeal to her.   

Despite her reservations, Kristin's manager persisted in convincing her to explore cybersecurity, eventually presenting her with an enticing offer. Taking a leap of faith, Kristin entered the realm of security, determined to be a different kind of professional. She quickly realized that cybersecurity is not solely about technology but also about people and processes. Recognizing the significance of diversity in building robust security measures, Kristin embraced her unique perspective as a woman in the industry.   

Her journey took an unexpected turn when she found herself working for a baking company, immersed in the world of food manufacturing. Spending time on production floors and in warehouses, she developed a deep admiration for the industry's operational technology and industrial control systems. With a lineage of firefighters in her family, Kristin's affinity for the big equipment and the blue-collar workers in the sector felt like a natural fit.   

As her career progressed, Kristin's work took her across the globe, experiencing different cultures and witnessing the diverse challenges faced by manufacturers worldwide. Sharing religious meals in factories in Malaysia and engaging in discussions about monkeys causing security concerns highlighted the global nature of her work and deepened her appreciation for the industry.   

Kristin's unique journey and passion for the food sector led her to establish AnzenSage , a specialized cybersecurity resilience firm. By combining her operational technology, cybersecurity, and risk management knowledge, she addresses the distinct challenges the food industry faces. Through her expertise and dedication, she strives to create a culture of security and resilience within the sector, ensuring that both people and processes are safeguarded from cyber threats.   

Cybersecurity Solutions for the Food Industry   

AnzenSage was born out of Kristin's desire to create a specialized cybersecurity firm that focuses exclusively on the food sector. From food and beverage to food manufacturing, agriculture, and all aspects of the supply chain, AnzenSage caters to a wide range of businesses, from small-scale local wineries to large corporations. The firm provides strategy and advisory services, working closely with clients to address their specific cybersecurity needs and challenges.   

One area where AnzenSage excels is in strategic advising. Recognizing that standard compliance-based cybersecurity awareness training is often uninspiring and ineffective, Kristin takes a different approach. She offers operator cybersecurity awareness training tailored to each client's factory, region, or country. This advanced advising goes beyond the basics, equipping employees with the knowledge to identify potential threats and take proactive measures to protect their systems and data. This creates a gamification effect, fostering a sense of competition among factory teams and empowering them to police each other's cybersecurity practices in a friendly yet effective manner.   

AnzenSage also offers executive-level consulting to ensure decision-makers and board members fully comprehend the importance of cybersecurity within their organizations. Kristin understands that executives may lack technical expertise in this field, so her advising is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of cybersecurity principles and strategies, enabling executives to make informed decisions and prioritize cybersecurity initiatives.   

Whether working remotely or on-site, AnzenSage is flexible in its approach. Kristin understands that each organization has unique preferences and needs. For some clients, face-to-face interactions may be crucial, while others may prefer the convenience of remote consultations. AnzenSage accommodates these preferences, ensuring clients receive the expertise and support they require.   

As AnzenSage continues to make strides in the cybersecurity landscape, Kristin's focus remains on fostering a culture of safety within the food industry. By connecting the dots between cybersecurity and food safety, she aims to change the perception that cybersecurity is a separate entity. Instead, she advocates for cybersecurity to be viewed as an integral part of overall safety practices, similar to fire safety protocols.   

Building Resilient Cultures and Strong Security   

Kristin advises companies on building strong security postures and fostering resilient cultures. For smaller companies entering the prepared foods market, Kristin emphasizes identifying and mitigating potential risks, such as transportation logistics, power outages, and internet connectivity. By developing adaptable business continuity plans, these companies can proactively manage risks and ensure smooth operations.   

Kristin recognizes the importance of the human element in security. She assesses employee culture and promotes the adoption of security tools, training, and best practices. Vetting third-party vendors and establishing access protocols are vital steps in maintaining a secure environment. In larger corporations, Kristin collaborates with existing security teams, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with regional regulations.   

Kristin's expertise extends to advising security operations centers, enabling personnel to effectively manage security alerts without disrupting production processes. She strives to embed resilience within a company's culture by engaging in important conversations with leadership teams. By prioritizing production and employee safety alongside consumer safety, companies can protect their brand reputation while upholding the highest security standards.   

With her comprehensive understanding of the food industry and a combination of technological expertise and people-centric approaches, Kristin guides businesses toward robust security postures. Her ultimate goal is to safeguard operations, protect employees, and maintain customer trust in an evolving cybersecurity landscape. Kristin Demoranville and AnzenSage are at the forefront of driving positive change and resilience in the ever-evolving world of food cybersecurity.   

Fostering Automation and Empowering Employees   

Kristin believes that having a dedicated cybersecurity person may not be necessary for every company. With advancements in automation, companies can leverage external consultants or retain cybersecurity experts for specific hours or projects, rather than hiring a full-time employee. This approach can be more cost-effective, as it eliminates the need for insurance, bonuses, and other associated expenses. Additionally, companies can explore the option of empowering their existing IT personnel to take on cybersecurity responsibilities, provided they have the interest and aptitude.   

Kristin also highlights the unique perspective of those working in the food industry. Food is not merely a job but a culturally significant and emotionally evocative field. Employees in the food sector possess a heightened sense of emotional intelligence, which can be leveraged to build a robust security culture. By connecting the work to its broader significance, employees can develop a vested interest in maintaining a secure environment, fostering job satisfaction and a sense of purpose.   

Kristin's view is that companies should prioritize creating a security-conscious culture and empowering their employees, recognizing that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that extends beyond dedicated personnel.