Off the Wire: A Play by Play on Cybersecurity and Technology Issues

E43 - Are AI Jobs the FUTURE of Work or a Threat to Human Employment?

AI's Impact on Jobs & Cybersecurity: Off The Wire Podcast Special Edition

In this special edition of Off The Wire, IT executives Tanner and Anthony dive deep into a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market and cybersecurity. With 35 years of combined experience, they share personal insights, debate differing viewpoints, and explore the potential future of AI in various industries. They also discuss advice for the younger generation, the role of regulation, and practical use cases of AI in current workflows. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with expert opinions and thought-provoking questions about the evolving tech landscape.

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire

00:20 Today's Unique Format

01:18 Diving into AI's Impact on Jobs

01:56 Advice for the Next Generation

04:16 AI in Cybersecurity

06:01 The Double-Edged Sword of AI

08:40 Challenges and Limitations of AI

18:46 Real-World AI Applications

23:16 AI's Current Limitations and Future Potential

23:50 The Challenge of Knowledge Transfer

24:53 AI in the Workplace: Opportunities and Hurdles

27:04 The Future of AI and Human Adaptation

30:01 Speculations on AI's Long-Term Impact

34:44 Embracing AI: Strategies for Success

43:04 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

E42 – Breaking Up with 'One-and-Done' Tech Training

Mastering IT Training: Best Practices and Pitfalls | Off The Wire Podcast

Welcome to Off The Wire, the podcast that helps you curb your cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the intricacies of technology training. They discuss how current training methods can be improved, the importance of training throughout the lifecycle of technology, and share real-world success stories and challenges. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in future training methods, the impact of organizational size, and the importance of having dedicated training personnel. Tune in to learn how to make training more engaging and effective in your organization!

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:20 Technology Training Overview

01:08 Challenges in Technology Training

05:52 Effective Training Methods

07:34 Training Tools and Techniques

21:25 The Role of AI in Training

26:34 Real-World Training Successes

33:18 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

E41 - Mastering System Monitoring: Essential Techniques and Tools

Mastering System Monitoring: Essential Techniques and Tools | Off The Wire Podcast

Welcome back to Off The Wire Podcast!

Join Tanner and Anthony, IT executives with 35 years of experience, as they delve into the crucial topic of system monitoring. Discover why this less-than-flashy software is indispensable for maintaining reliability and preempting issues before they impact end users. Learn about the key tools available, both open-source and paid, and explore how to effectively set up your environment. Also, hear unique use cases and war stories that underscore the value of robust system monitoring. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on tackling cybersecurity risks and technology challenges. Share with friends to help our community grow!

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:50 The Importance of System Monitoring

04:00 Key Components to Monitor

06:05 Open Source and Paid Monitoring Tools

12:36 Agent-Based vs. Agentless Monitoring

14:23 Managing Alerts and False Positives

17:49 Benchmarking and Performance Metrics

20:52 Unique Monitoring Alerts

21:29 API and Service Monitoring

22:18 VMware Snapshots and Password Expirations

23:51 User Account Monitoring

24:32 Application-Specific Monitoring

26:43 War Stories: Monitoring in Action

32:59 The Importance of System Monitoring

38:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

41:34 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

E40 - Unpacking the 2025 Verizon DBIR Report: Key Cybersecurity Insights for SMBs

Unpacking the 2025 Verizon DBIR Report: Key Cybersecurity Insights for SMBs

Welcome back to Off The Wire! In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). With 35 years of combined IT experience, they discuss the evolving threat landscape, notable trends in cybersecurity, and the importance of proactively researching and analyzing risks. From third party breaches and rising ransomware attacks to the increasing impact of AI and the critical role of patch management, we break down the actionable insights every small to medium-sized business needs to know. Tune in to understand the current cybersecurity dynamics and how they can affect your organization. Don’t forget to subscribe and share the podcast to help us grow and aid others in their cybersecurity journey!

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:20 Diving into the Evolving Threat Landscape

01:14 Unpacking Verizon's DBIR Report

04:11 Notable Trends and Rising Threats

04:25 Third Party Breaches and Risks

09:09 Ransomware: Trends and Insights

14:03 Espionage and Nation-State Threats

18:11 Understanding Attack Vectors

23:03 Mitigating Zero-Day Exploits

23:34 Importance of Regular Scanning and Patching

24:19 Internal vs External Vulnerability Management

25:21 Credentialed Vulnerability Scans

28:14 BYOD and Credential Security

30:43 AI's Role in Cybersecurity

34:23 Phishing and Training Effectiveness

35:43 Ransomware Threats to SMBs

37:17 Backup Strategies and Recovery

43:43 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

E39 - Can you hear me now? The changing role of communication in the workplace

Is the Phone Call Dead? Office Communications in Modern Workspaces

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' IT executives Tanner and Anthony dive into the evolution of office communications, discussing whether phone calls are becoming obsolete. They explore the use of chat applications like Microsoft Teams, the rise of email, and the role of face-to-face interactions.

The discussion also covers the generational differences in communication preferences, the potential impact of AI on office communication, and the integration of third-party vendors through chat systems. Tune in to gain insights into how technology is reshaping workplace interactions and managing cybersecurity risks.

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:21 Is the Phone Call Dead?

01:03 Current Communication Methods in Modern Offices

01:27 Internal vs External Communication Preferences

06:27 Evolution of Phone Systems

14:14 The Rise of Chat Systems

18:35 Generational Differences in Communication

21:02 Generational Differences in Communication Styles

21:51 The Role of Punctuation and Informality in Chats

23:12 Departmental Variations in Communication

24:31 Choosing the Right Communication Medium

28:07 AI's Impact on Office Communication

35:25 Third-Party Collaboration and Security Concerns

42:11 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

E38 – Stop Shadow IT with one easy trick!

Shadow IT: Identifying and Managing Unauthorized Technology Use

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' Tanner and Anthony discuss 'Shadow IT' and its implications on organizational security and efficiency. They delve into concrete examples, such as unauthorized software subscriptions and unapproved hardware purchases. Tanner and Anthony provide insights on why users engage in Shadow IT and the risks associated with it. They emphasize the importance of communication and understanding user needs to manage and potentially reduce Shadow IT. They also share practical tips and tools for identifying and mitigating the risks related to unauthorized technology use within an organization.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:49 Understanding Shadow IT

01:36 Real-Life Examples of Shadow IT

03:20 Addressing Shadow IT Concerns

08:48 Risks and Security Implications

11:48 Tools and Strategies to Detect Shadow IT

15:59 Effective Communication and User Engagement

24:33 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

E37 - How to Choose the Right Vendor for Your Business (Tips & Tricks)

Mastering Technology Evaluations: Insights for IT Executives

In this episode of 'Off The Wire,' IT executives Tanner and Anthony delve into the intricacies of technology evaluations, covering both hardware and software. With 35 years of combined experience, they discuss the importance of starting with the 'why,' involving the right people, and the significance of demos, pricing, and references. They also explore best practices for evaluating new vendors and products to ensure successful implementation. Whether you're an IT leader or simply interested in technology strategies, this episode offers practical advice you won't want to miss. Don't forget to subscribe and share if you find our content valuable!

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:32 Subscribe and Support

00:54 Starting Technology Evaluations

01:38 Involving the Right People

03:24 Balancing Team Size

05:31 Evaluating IT-Specific Projects

07:22 Objective Evaluation Criteria

17:20 Effective Demo Strategies

24:39 Importance of References

29:43 Considering Price and Value

33:40 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

E36 - IT Strategic Tech Planning: Communicating with Leadership Effectively

Mastering Strategic Tech Planning: Communicating with Leadership Effectively

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' we dive deep into the essential topic of strategic technology planning and the importance of effectively communicating these plans to CEOs, executive leaders, and board members. Hosts Anthony and Tanner discuss their personal experiences and approaches to planning, including the facets of building on previous years, incorporating feedback from all company levels, and ensuring alignment with company goals and strategic plans.

They emphasize the significance of clear communication, especially avoiding technical jargon when conveying plans to non-technical stakeholders. The episode also tackles the critical aspects of cost, risk, and impact assessment and underscores the importance of a feedback loop post-approval to track progress and continuously refine strategic initiatives. Tune in to learn actionable insights on how to gain trust and buy-in from your organization's leadership for your tech proposals.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:42 Importance of Strategic Planning

01:38 Building and Updating Technology Plans

02:46 Involving Other Departments

04:23 Leadership and Strategic Partnerships

07:07 Communicating with Leadership

12:12 Feedback and Continuous Improvement

14:54 Presenting to the Board and CEOs

18:15 Effective Communication Strategies

25:47 Final Thoughts and Tips