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

Available Episodes

5 of 42

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
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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
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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
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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
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E35 - Mastering IT Project Management: Tips and Tools for Success
Mastering IT Project Management: Tips and Tools for Success Welcome to Off the Wire, the podcast dedicated to helping you manage cybersecurity risks and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the world of project management, specifically IT project management. They begin by recounting their experiences and the critical importance of having clear goals, plans, and user buy-in to make projects successful. They discuss the significance of strong communication, flexibility, and involving end-users in the process for better outcomes. The episode also covers evaluating project management tools such as ClickUp, Asana, and Smartsheet, along with practical tips and tricks to improve project management in your organization. Lastly, the hosts emphasize the need for continuous improvement and leveraging the strengths of your team members. Join Tanner and Anthony as they share valuable insights and real-life experiences to help you master IT project management. 00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast 00:59 Upcoming Conferences and Events 02:42 Diving into IT Project Management 04:14 Defining Project Success 06:37 Challenges and Lessons in Project Management 16:51 Current Project Management Practices 26:41 Scoring Vendor Demos 28:15 Project Management Tools Overview 30:03 Choosing the Right Tool 33:14 Implementing ClickUp 39:56 Virtual vs. In-Person Meetings 41:08 Effective Communication Strategies 45:03 Cybersecurity in Projects 47:00 Improving Project Management 49:43 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
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52:15