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

Unlocking the Power of Low-Code Development with Adam W. In this episode of Off the Wire, hosts Tanner and Anthony are joined by Adam W., a Senior Workflow Engineer at Shift Four, to dive deep into the world of low-code and no-code development. Adam shares his journey from help desk technician to low-code expert, discusses the various levels of coding, and explains how low-code platforms can revolutionize businesses, especially for small to medium-sized companies. The discussion also touches on AI integration, security concerns, and the overall impact of low-code solutions in today's tech landscape. Tune in for an insightful conversation about modern coding and its potential to transform business processes. 00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast 00:19 Meet Our Guest: Adam W, Senior Workflow Engineer 00:36 Adam's Journey into Low-Code Development 03:32 Understanding Low-Code, No-Code, and Traditional Coding 05:55 Impact of Low-Code on Small and Medium Businesses 07:13 Cool Low-Code Projects and Their Impact 09:52 Balancing Technical and Soft Skills in Low-Code Development 21:05 Choosing the Right Low-Code Platform 26:01 Security Considerations in Low-Code Platforms 29:18 The Role of AI in Low-Code Development 32:48 Encouragement for Aspiring Low-Code Developers 34:21 Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Deep Dive into Microsegmentation for Cybersecurity 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 discuss the concept of microsegmentation, its implementation, and its importance in improving network security. With decades of IT experience, they provide insights into the basics of microsegmentation, tools and methods for implementation, and the benefits of integrating this approach in business environments. Learn how to ensure network security, reduce vulnerabilities, and implement effective microsegmentation strategies. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more cybersecurity insights! 00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast 00:22 Discussing Microsegmentation 02:07 Understanding Microsegmentation Tools and Techniques 05:05 Challenges and Solutions in Microsegmentation 16:40 Implementing Zero Trust and Microsegmentation 30:30 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Building a Lasting Security Culture in Your Organization In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony, sit down with special guest Fletus Poston, a senior manager of security operations at CrashPlan, to discuss the creation and sustainment of a strong security culture within an organization. Fletus shares his extensive cybersecurity experience and emphasizes a human-centric approach to security.  See more from Fletus on his channel: https://youtube.com/@fletusposton?si=OXDTXSBLDgx_jb63 00:00 Introduction to Off The Wire Podcast 00:20 Creating a Lasting Security Culture 00:53 Meet Fletus Poston: A Journey in Cybersecurity 02:34 The Human Element in Security 03:42 Real-World Security Scenarios 07:15 Building a Security Culture in Organizations 08:49 Practical Steps for Enhancing Security 14:23 Effective Communication in Security 23:32 Building Security Champions 23:47 Practical Security Tips for Different Roles 24:50 Creating a Security-Conscious Culture 25:41 Engaging the Board and Leadership 33:35 Gamification and Creative Training Methods 39:06 Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing 42:54 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Protecting Operational Technology Systems: Tips, Tricks, and Insights In this episode of Off the Wire, Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the world of operational technology (OT) systems, discussing what they are, their importance in various industries, and how to protect them effectively. The duo covers the significance of reliable hardware and software controls, referencing the infamous Stuxnet incident as a wake-up call for OT security. They outline critical controls and practical tips for safeguarding OT environments, from network segmentation to passive monitoring and endpoint security. Tune in to learn actionable strategies to secure your OT systems and ensure operational reliability. 00:00 Introduction and Subscription Request 00:48 Understanding Operational Technology (OT) 02:07 The Importance of OT Security 04:56 Common OT Security Issues 11:13 Critical Controls for OT Security 15:02 Practical Tips for OT Security 25:12 Final Thoughts and Collaboration 26:55 Conclusion and Contact Information