Securing Innovation: Cyber Threats in Defense Engineering (CMMC, AI & OSINT Risks)

How can defense contractors, engineers, and advanced manufacturers protect prototypes, product IP, and people while meeting evolving Department of Defense cybersecurity standards? In this episode of JAKTALK, JAKTOOL founder Jeff Kinsberg sits down with Neal Fennimore, Director of IT at JAKTOOL and a cybersecurity engineering expert with 14+ years of defense contracting experience. Together, they break down the real-world challenges of compliance with CMMC and NIST 800-171, the role of FedRAMP and ITAR in secure environments, and why “checking the box” is never enough. The conversation goes deeper into how open-source intelligence (OSINT), global supply chains, and smart devices create hidden vulnerabilities—and how AI is transforming both the attack surface and defensive strategies. Neal also shares practical steps that small and mid-sized defense contractors can take to strengthen cybersecurity without slowing productivity. If you’re a defense supplier, engineer, or advanced manufacturer, this episode will help you stay both secure and competitive. Chapters 00:00 Why cybersecurity matters in engineering 03:45 CMMC and NIST government requirements for defense contractors 08:55 How FedRAMP helps you choose safely 11:00 Common mistakes small businesses make 15:00 Company devices vs. personal devices 16:45 Smarter networks 22:40 Supply chain surprises 31:00 Hidden data leaks 36:00 AI and cybersecurity 41:45 Quick wins for every small defense contractor About JAKTOOL Our niche: Developing products and accelerating them to market. Let’s build something great together! Over the past 25 years, JAKTOOL has grown into one of the Northeast's premier product development, engineering, precision prototyping, and contract manufacturing companies. Trusted partner: Delivering innovative product development and manufacturing solutions Hands-on expertise: A team of humble engineers, craftsmen, and program managers who love unique problems From idea to done: We mature concepts into physical prototypes for faster transition Low-volume precision: Specializing in parts too precise and low volume for most shops Beyond design firms: We don’t stop at CAD—we fabricate, inspect, and verify what we engineer Proven process: Our unbiased AIM process captures requirements and transitions them into production Connect with us: LinkedIn:   / jaktool   Website: https://www.jaktool.com/