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

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Excellent Local Government Leadership

Join us in this episode of Off the Wire as we interview Glenn Hasteadt, a retired IT director and longtime leader in local government. Glenn shares his insights on the importance of great government leadership, the impact technology has on communities, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career. From managing emergency services during Hurricane Florence to fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture, this conversation explores the numerous ways local government can uplift communities, states, and even the nation. Tune in to discover how intentional leadership and empathy can make a real difference in public service.

00:00 The Power of Great Local Government

00:50 Introducing Glenn Hasteadt

01:39 Debunking Myths About Local Government

04:34 Handling Crises and Team Dynamics

08:42 Building a Strong Team Culture

12:40 Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth

15:18 Communication in Crisis Situations

23:13 Resourcefulness in Local Government

25:35 The Impact of Local Government IT

30:47 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Welcome back to the Off the Wire Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity from an offensive standpoint. We sit down with Slade, the President of Contextual Security Solutions, to uncover what truly works in defending against real attack methods. Slade shares captivating stories and practical insights on penetration testing tools, the effectiveness of current security solutions, and the importance of visibility in cybersecurity. We discuss everything from the impact of technical configuration and tuning to the challenges of ransomware as a service. Learn how to communicate effectively with senior leadership, understand the significance of a dedicated cybersecurity budget, and get advice on the traits to look for when building a cybersecurity team. Real-world examples and fascinating anecdotes make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in enhancing their cybersecurity posture. Don't miss out on Slade's valuable knowledge and entertaining demonstrations that aim to increase awareness and security mindfulness. Get ready to take notes and share this insightful discussion with your peers!

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Podcast

00:23 Meet Slade: The Cybersecurity Expert

00:48 Slade's Attention-Grabbing Demos

05:30 Memorable Pen Testing Stories

08:51 Challenges in Cybersecurity

11:49 Small IT Departments and Security

16:12 Effective Security Measures

24:41 Business and Technical Perspectives

29:41 The Importance of Measurement and Incentives

31:05 Emerging Technologies and AI Challenges

33:24 Cybersecurity Threats and Preparedness

43:56 Soft Skills and Career Advice

46:55 Technical Skills and Budgeting in Cybersecurity

49:05 Reflections and Personal Growth

53:59 Future Topics and Final Thoughts

Meeting People Where They Are: A Cybersecurity Journey with Lindsay

Join us in this insightful episode of the Off the Wire podcast as we welcome Lindsay, a cybersecurity professional who transitioned from a decade in real estate to making impactful strides in the world of cybersecurity. Lindsay shares her unique journey, beginning with multinational moves from Minnesota to Hawaii to South Dakota, and ultimately settling in Colorado. She speaks candidly about the ethics of real estate, a chance podcast that led her to reconsider her career, and her dive into the world of cybersecurity education.

Lindsay discusses the importance of patience, empathy, and understanding users' backgrounds to effectively teach cybersecurity. She also sheds light on the value of community support through organizations like ISSA, her experience with micro training, and the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the cybersecurity landscape. Don't miss Lindsay's tips on how to improve cybersecurity awareness in organizations and her special focus on training for small businesses and seniors.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:35 Lindsay's Early Life and Career Path

02:10 Transition from Real Estate to Cybersecurity

04:39 Impact of Political Science Degree on Cybersecurity Career

08:07 Teaching Cybersecurity in Plain Language

13:21 Building Trust and Positive Culture in Cybersecurity

17:40 Tailoring Cybersecurity Training for Small Businesses and Seniors

21:43 Building Engagement in Classes

21:56 Advice for New Instructors

22:31 Humorous Classroom Anecdotes

22:57 Encouraging Listener Interaction

23:21 Introduction to ISSA

24:07 The Cybersecurity Community

26:02 Networking and Career Growth

27:18 The Importance of Community

29:15 Women in Cybersecurity

32:08 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

35:52 The Future of Cybersecurity Training

37:01 The Impact of AI on Cybersecurity

39:14 Effective Communication in Cybersecurity

41:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 

Beyond the Sales Pitch: Evaluating Tech Products and Preparing for 2026

In this episode, join Anthony and Tanner as they share their experiences and insights on evaluating tech products, from avoiding long-term contracts based on sales pitches to the importance of defining specific needs and conducting rigorous proof of concepts. They discuss their unique approaches in the co-op world and various tools and strategies to ensure they make the best decisions for their organizations. Additionally, they delve into what they're excited about for 2026, including micro-segmentation, AI use cases, server upgrades, camera systems, and much more. Don't miss their tips and stories to help you navigate through the complex landscape of tech evaluations.

00:00 Introduction: The SIEM Purchase Story

00:22 Breaking Down the Sales Pitch

01:24 Evaluating New Products: Processes and Challenges

02:57 Defining the Problem and Setting Criteria

04:00 The Importance of Demos and Objective Guides

05:33 Handling Large Group Evaluations

13:43 Contract Length and Vendor Relationships

18:05 Proof of Concepts and Pilots

22:40 Gathering References and Final Thoughts

24:39 Evaluating Group Sizes and Demos

25:11 Microsegmentation Software Evaluation

25:46 Bonus Tip: Re-evaluating Before Purchase

26:25 Exploring Container Tools and Virtualization

28:31 Starlink for Emergency and Broader Deployment

30:01 Email Protection and Human Element in Cybersecurity

31:24 Replacing End-of-Life Devices

32:45 Enhancing Browser Protection

34:06 Server 2016 Retirement Plan

35:05 Standardizing Email Signatures

37:29 Camera Project for Physical Security

38:28 Advanced AI Use Cases

39:52 Process Improvement and R&D Budget

41:21 Expanding Video Conferencing Rooms

46:12 Revisiting Co-Pilot for Enhanced Productivity

49:00 Final Thoughts and Appreciation

Unlocking Career Advancement: The Subtle Secrets to Getting Noticed

In this episode of 'Off The Wire,' hosts Anthony and his colleague discuss critical aspects that can influence your career progression. From key behaviors that get positively noticed to pitfalls that can set you back, they share valuable insights from their extensive careers. Topics include: being a problem solver rather than a task-doer, the importance of efficiency, being interviewed daily, the significance of being a principled person, and the balance of risk-taking. Tune in to learn how to stand out and advance in your professional journey.

00:00 Introduction: Seizing New Opportunities

01:06 The Importance of Problem Solving

02:44 Being Noticed Every Day

04:44 Principles and Leadership

10:39 Avoiding Complacency

23:18 The Value of Communication

25:29 Taking Risks and Owning Challenges

27:45 Conclusion: Sharing Knowledge and Growing

Finding the Perfect Vendor: Navigating IT Vendor Relationships

Welcome to Off The Wire, the podcast that helps you curb your cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, Tanner and Anthony, seasoned IT executives, discuss the ins and outs of selecting the right vendors for your business. They explore the qualities to look for in a good vendor, the red flags to avoid, and how to maintain a healthy vendor-customer relationship. The duo delves into anecdotes from their own experiences, providing practical advice on transparency, communication, and trust. Whether you're sifting through vendors for new technology or reassessing current relationships, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make informed decisions. Tune in for expert tips on ensuring your vendor relationships are mutually beneficial and long-lasting.

00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast

00:19 The Vendor Dating Game

01:03 Qualities of a Good Vendor

04:04 Red Flags in Vendor Selection

08:06 Vendor Size and Culture

09:54 Maintaining Good Vendor Relationships

14:13 The Importance of Loyalty and Trust

17:19 Getting Multiple Quotes

23:18 Commodity Vendors vs VARs

23:35 Vendor Preferences: VARs vs. Commodity Vendors

24:50 The Role of VARs in Selection and Support

26:39 Consulting Vendors: Experiences and Insights

31:52 Identifying When to Move On from a Vendor

41:09 Vendor Breakups and Quiet Quitting

44:06 Final Thoughts on Vendor Relationships

Embracing AI in the Cooperative Sector: Insights and Strategies

Join Tanner Greer, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Ridge Energy, and Anthony Kent from Four County EMC as they share their perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence in the cooperative industry. With a combined 35 years of IT experience, they discuss practical approaches, use cases, and challenges of AI adoption.

Discover the benefits of intelligent search, simple language query, and customized AI solutions, as well as important considerations for data privacy and addressing AI-related job impacts. Tune in to learn how cooperatives can leverage AI to enhance efficiency, productivity, and strategic thinking. Don't miss out on these valuable insights from North Carolina's IT leaders!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:13 Meet the Presenters

01:21 AI in the Cooperative Sector

02:55 Understanding AI and Its Impact

06:16 AI Use Cases in Cooperatives

08:30 Building and Implementing AI Solutions

10:58 Challenges and Considerations

12:57 AI Hardware and Cost Management

16:34 Leveraging AI for Efficiency

19:26 Integrating AI with Documentation

20:04 Future Goals for AI Implementation

20:14 Empowering Knowledge Base with AI

22:13 Challenges and Concerns with AI

25:28 Misconceptions About AI

30:35 Data Privacy Issues

31:57 Impact of AI on Jobs

37:25 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Top 5 Cybersecurity Policies Vital for IT Departments | Off The Wire Podcast Join Tanner and Anthony, seasoned IT executives with over 35 years of experience, as they debate the top five critical cybersecurity policies that every IT department should implement. From incident response plans to password policies, they break down the most vital measures needed to protect your organization against cyber threats. This episode is packed with insights on how best to secure your tech environment while keeping your company safe. Tune in and share the valuable lessons with your network! 00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast 00:19 Debate on Top Five IT Policies 02:13 Incident Response Policy 03:17 Patch Management Policy 12:18 Security Awareness and Training Policy 14:37 AI Policy Discussion 18:18 Password Policy 23:44 Identity and Access Management Policy 28:06 Backup and Recovery Policy 30:58 Final Thoughts and Conclusion