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

Available Episodes

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Marketing IT: Making Your Departments Value Known
Marketing IT: Making Your Department's Value Known In this episode, Tanner and Anthony discuss the challenges IT departments face in communicating their value within an organization. They explore methods for showcasing daily work and major projects to both employees and senior leadership. Key topics include effective internal marketing, handling visibility problems, and balancing technology wins with transparency about challenges. The episode also features a fun game where the hosts put each other on the spot to come up with marketing strategies for various IT scenarios. Whether you're struggling with perception issues or looking to improve your communication strategy, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips. 00:00 Understanding the Importance of Communication in IT 00:48 Common Misconceptions About IT Roles 02:43 The Visibility Problem in IT Departments 03:36 The Impact of Improved IT Systems 05:21 The Role of Security Tools in IT 06:36 The Challenge of IT Perception 10:30 The Importance of Framing Communication 17:30 Sharing Technology Wins and Success Stories 23:25 Celebrating Security Wins 24:18 Importance of Employee Testimonials 26:07 Branding IT Solutions 28:18 Communicating IT's Value to Leadership 30:08 Transparency in IT Struggles 31:26 Effective Metrics and Reporting 33:34 Marketing IT Initiatives 38:10 Interactive Marketing Exercise 45:19 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
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Tech, Trust, and Teamwork: Lessons from a Local Government Leader
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
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If Attackers Built Your Security Plan
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
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Teaching Cyber Without Fear: Lindsey Mote on Making Security Click for Everyone
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
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E50 - Beyond the Sales Pitch: Evaluating Tech Products and Preparing for 2026
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
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