When Mauricio Iglesias talks about his journey into cybersecurity, it’s clear this isn’t a typical story. With a background rooted deeply in operational technology (OT) and control systems, the very backbone of critical infrastructure, Mauricio brings a unique perspective to a rapidly evolving industry. As CEO of Bastazo, he’s spearheading efforts to secure some of the most vital and complex systems that keep our modern world running.
A Different Path to Cybersecurity Leadership
Mauricio’s route into cybersecurity wasn’t the usual tech-industry track. “I didn’t come from a traditional cybersecurity background,” he explains. Instead, his hands-on experience working with control systems and operational technology, combined with a growing interest in AI and machine learning, gave him the insight needed to dive into OT security.
“Understanding how operational technology works and the challenge in securing it was the spark,” Mauricio says. “That knowledge, blended with AI and machine learning, is what led me to build Bastazo.”
Leading with Empathy and Purpose
For Mauricio, leadership isn’t just about strategy and targets; it’s about people. “I care deeply about my team,” he shares. “Leadership means listening, constantly gathering feedback, and ensuring everyone is aligned on our mission.”
He recalls a recent conversation with a colleague new to leadership, emphasizing the importance of guiding people toward success while steering the company forward. “You have to understand your own team’s problems just like you need to understand your customer’s.”
Bastazo’s Mission: Securing Critical Infrastructure with AI
Bastazo’s focus is crystal clear: protect critical infrastructure through advanced cybersecurity solutions tailored to OT environments. Mauricio highlights how the team’s strong alignment around this mission fuels their innovation.
Co-founder Philip Huff, Bastazo’s chief scientist, even helped draft important industry regulations, while other team members are dedicated to cybersecurity education and training. This unified vision is more than just business; it’s a commitment to safeguarding vital systems that power everything from utilities to transportation.
Tackling Unique OT Challenges with Cutting-Edge Tech
Securing OT systems isn’t like protecting traditional IT environments. “It’s not just about digital data,” Mauricio points out. “There’s human data, machine data, all kinds of data that can’t be ignored.”
Bastazo approaches these challenges by building a team with deep expertise in AI and control systems. Despite being a small company, they boast a remarkable roster of AI researchers and cyber experts, all focused on solving problems from the ground up.
“It’s about constructing solutions based on real-world data, not just theory,” Mauricio explains. “Our technology is designed to solve the underlying problems at their source.”
Looking Ahead: AI-Powered Cybersecurity on a Global Scale
What’s next for Bastazo? Mauricio envisions a future where their AI-driven solutions are deployed worldwide, protecting critical infrastructure in the US, Europe, and beyond.
“We want to be the ‘Mission Control’ for critical infrastructure ,” he says, referring to complex security challenges that go far beyond traditional cyber threats. “It’s not just a cybersecurity issue; it’s about ensuring safety and resilience in every connected system.”
Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
For those hoping to make an impact in cybersecurity, Mauricio’s advice is both practical and inspiring: “Don’t think in silos. Data isn’t just data; you need to connect the dots, think outside the box, and expand your understanding beyond what’s obvious.”
This holistic approach, he believes, will be key for the next generation of leaders tasked with defending the world’s critical infrastructure.
Mauricio Iglesias’ leadership and vision at Bastazo remind us that cybersecurity is evolving and that it takes diverse experience, innovative thinking, and a dedicated team to tackle the challenges ahead.
