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A bi-weekly podcast that helps you curb cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges
Episodes
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
Tuesday Dec 12, 2023
In November 2021, Delta-Montrose Electric Association faced a cyber-attack that tested their limits. Now, hear the gripping behind-the-scenes story in our latest interview with CIO, Bob Farmer.
️ Exclusive Insights:
- ️ Inside the Attack: The critical moments and decisions
- Turning Point: Strategies that turned the tide
- Team Effort: How collaboration and training made the difference
- Future-Proofing: Lessons learned for enduring cybersecurity
Why You Can’t Miss This:
- Learn from real-world experiences
- Gain insights on effective incident response
- Understand the importance of proactive cybersecurity
️️ Whether you’re in IT, manage a team, or just love a good comeback story, this interview is a must-listen!
Tune in to discover how resilience, expertise, and quick thinking can triumph in the face of digital adversity.
Subscribe and Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to “Off the Wire” for more insightful conversations. Stay tuned for our next episode!
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
In this enlightening episode of “Off the Wire,” Anthony and Jon sit down with Eric Braxton, a award-winning leader in the cybersecurity field, specializing in the energy sector. Eric brings his extensive experience and a unique perspective to the discussion, sharing insights from his journey in cybersecurity.
Key Points Discussed:
- Eric’s Path in Cybersecurity: We delve into Eric’s background, exploring his transition into becoming a cybersecurity expert.
- The Role of Cybersecurity in Energy: Eric discusses the critical importance of cybersecurity in the energy sector and its impact electric cooperatives.
- Strategic Security Architecture: Learn about Eric’s approach to creating robust security architectures that align with both security standards and operational objectives.
- Challenges and Triumphs: Eric shares his experiences in handling complex cybersecurity challenges, and his successes in implementing effective strategies.
- The Human Element: Beyond technology, Eric emphasizes the role of trust, commitment, and teamwork in cybersecurity, influenced by his roles as a parent, husband, and friend.
- The Tim Peede Technology Excellence Award Eric received at the 2023 CTCE conference.
Guest Bio: Eric Braxton is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a Master’s Degree in Cybersecurity. He’s currently advancing cybersecurity initiatives at Central Electric Membership Corp. As a member of the Cybersecurity Members Advisory Group at NRECA, he is deeply invested in safeguarding electric cooperatives.
Resources Mentioned:
Closing Thoughts: Eric Braxton’s dedication to cybersecurity, particularly in electric cooperatives, is not only inspiring but also crucial in today’s digital age. His insights remind us of the importance of safeguarding our systems and the values they represent.
Subscribe and Follow: Don’t forget to subscribe to “Off the Wire” for more insightful conversations. Stay tuned for our next episode!
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
Tuesday Nov 14, 2023
In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intricacies of ChatGPT and its impact on the cooperative workplace. We weigh the pros and cons of integrating this advanced AI technology, exploring its potential as both a tool and a challenge in electric cooperative environments.
Highlights:
- Pros of ChatGPT:
- Described as a virtual personal assistant, ChatGPT’s capabilities in generating, revising, and summarizing various documents – from emails to legal texts – are discussed.
- Cons of ChatGPT:
- The episode addresses the alarming statistic that 2.3% of workers have inadvertently shared confidential information via ChatGPT, raising questions about company confidentiality and the need for robust data loss prevention strategies.
- We examine the recent Samsung data leak, highlighting the need for document label classification and integrating ChatGPT into data security policies.
- An in-depth analysis of how top corporations like Disney, New York Times, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are responding to the potential risks posed by generative AI platforms.
- Navigating the Challenges:
- Discussion on OpenAI’s recent terms of service update and the essential role of a Large Language Model Acceptable Use Policy in today’s digital landscape.
Join us in this episode as we explore the multifaceted world of ChatGPT, discussing its implications for privacy, security, and the future of AI integration in the cooperative world.
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Tuesday Oct 31, 2023
Episode Highlights:
- Defining Geoblocking: Learn about the mechanisms that allow for regional blocking and how it can be applied in real-world settings.
- The Good, The Bad, and The VPN: While geoblocking can fortify your network security, it’s not without its downsides—such as easily being bypassed by VPNs and potentially alienating customers.
- Real-Life Examples and Case Studies: Get firsthand accounts and studies that show how geoblocking is used in the real world, including insights into firewalls that support it natively, like Palo Alto.
Connect with Us: At the end of the episode, learn how you can get in touch with Jon Watkins Consulting and share your thoughts about geoblocking through our social media channels or via email.
Support Us: If you love what you hear, consider supporting us by donating. Your support means financial sustainability, quality improvement, and the growth and longevity of the podcast. Donate here
Don’t miss this eye-opening episode; hit that subscribe button now!
Monday Oct 23, 2023
Monday Oct 23, 2023
In this riveting episode of Off the Wire, hosts Jon Watkins and Anthony Kent delve into the controversial world of password rotation—should you change your passwords regularly or stick with what you know?
We kick things off by exploring why the traditional advice has been to change passwords frequently and what experts like NIST and Microsoft have to say about it today. We’ll break down the arguments for and against regular password changes:
- Against: Learn why most password attacks don’t care about password complexity and why Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) might be a better security measure.
- For: Discover scenarios where changing your password could actually save you from a breach.
We also share real-life examples and dive into Payment Card Industry (PCI) password requirements that every cooperative should know.
Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable advice and real-world implications. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or just someone who wants to improve their online security, this episode has something for everyone.
Links from the show
https://www.sans.org/blog/time-for-password-expiration-to-die/
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/identity-access/microsoft-entra-id
Support Off the Wire: Your Contribution Makes a Difference!
Love what you’re hearing? Your support can go a long way in making Off the Wire even better. By contributing, you’re not just helping us cover costs—you’re investing in quality content, cutting-edge topics, and the longevity of a show that’s committed to enlightening you about the evolving world of cybersecurity and technology.
Choose from one-time or recurring donations and be part of our mission to educate and empower. Every contribution counts in maintaining the financial sustainability, quality improvement, and growth of the podcast. Visit our donation page today and make an impact!
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
Thursday Oct 05, 2023
️ Exciting News: Off the Wire Podcast is LIVE! ️
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new podcast, Off the Wire, hosted by Jon Watkins and Anthony Kent!
Season 1, Episode 1: Phish or Foe?
In this inaugural episode, we dive deep into the world of phishing simulations. We explore the pros and cons, and discuss whether they are a necessary evil or a cybersecurity savior.
Why Now?
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to kickstart a dialogue about the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.
What to Expect
- Expert debate about cybersecurity topics
- Real-world case studies
- Interviews with cooperative defenders
- And much more!
Who Should Listen?
- Cybersecurity professionals
- Cooperative leaders
- Tech enthusiasts
- Anyone else interested in staying secure online
We invite you to tune in, share your thoughts, and join us in making the digital world a safer place for everyone.
Stay Connected
Follow us to stay updated on future episodes and join the conversation using the hashtag #OffTheWire.
We can’t wait for you to join us on this exciting journey!