In this conversation, the speakers discuss the intersection of data strategy and AI strategy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different roles within the organization. They outline their 12-month plans for AI implementation, focusing on governance, risk management, and the challenges of data governance. The discussion also touches on the ownership of AI production systems and the principles that guide decision-making in the face of conflict. The speakers highlight the need for a balance between innovation and risk management, as well as the importance of maintaining strong partnerships within the organization. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Data and AI Strategy 08:52 12-Month Plan for AI Implementation 17:45 Balancing Innovation and Risk Management 24:50 Data Governance and Security Challenges 27:21 Managing Shadow AI and Encouraging Innovation 28:46 Vision and Innovation: The Importance of Rechecking Paths 30:34 Navigating Customer Relationships and Risk Management 31:40 Understanding NPU Technology and Its Implications 34:09 Balancing AI Workloads: Cloud vs. Local Processing 35:31 Contractual Considerations in AI Partnerships 38:48 Ownership of AI Production Systems: A Collaborative Approach 43:29 Establishing Governance and Support Structures for AI 46:04 Defining Tiebreaker Principles in AI Decision-Making 50:07 Operationalizing Governance and Risk Management 51:55 Commitments to Innovation and Collaboration

In this episode, the Connection Security Center of Excellence team takes us on a journey—both literal and technical—sharing insights gained from a recent reconnaissance road trip across the United States. Their firsthand experiences offer a front-line perspective on the evolving landscape of post-quantum insecurity. Listeners will hear from our security experts as they unpack the evolving risk landscape that we may be challenged with in a post-quantum world—supported by real world field observations. Join us for a timely and thought-provoking discussion that blends technical insight with real-world reconnaissance that will help us all navigate the post-quantum future. For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity. Or, if you’re ready to start the conversation around what Connection can do to help your organization—Call 1.800.998.0067.   Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to the Quantum Road Trip 02:50 Objectives and Planning of the Research Trip 05:34 Understanding Post-Quantum Security 08:09 Current Preparedness for Quantum Threats 10:45 Real-World Observations and Insights 13:28 Future Predictions and Data Analysis

In this episode of the Connection Cybersecurity Podcast, host Kim Coombes is joined by our Security Center of Excellence leaders John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo, along with Microsoft Security expert Robin Camirand, to unpack the biggest insights from the RSAC 2025 Conference. From the rise of AI-powered defenses and identity threats to the growing buzz around quantum computing, the team shares key takeaways, favorite moments, and what these trends mean for the future of cybersecurity. Whether you're curious about agentic AI, post-quantum cryptography, or just want to hear about goats and code-breaking shenanigans—this recap of the conference includes insights from our experts and has something for everyone. For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity If you’re ready to start the conversation around what Connection can do to help your organization—Call 1.800.998.0067. Or, if you have a Connection account team already in place, please reach out. Speakers John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Robin Camirand, Inside Solution Architect, Connection    Show Notes 00:00 Welcome and Overview of RSAC 2025 02:27  Community and Collaboration at RSAC 04:39 Identity Management Challenges 07:58 Zero Trust Principles in Security 08:37 Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography 10:20 Agentic AI in Security Operations 12:42 Emerging Defenses Against AI-Powered Attacks 14:48 Best Practices for Leveraging AI in Security 17:04 Favorite Moments from RSAC 2025 20:25 Summing Up RSAC 2025

Join Jamal Khan and Jennifer Johnson as they explore the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare, focusing on its applications, ethical considerations, data privacy, and the role of Chief AI Officers. This discussion highlights the importance of governance, patient consent, and the potential of AI to improve healthcare workflows while addressing data security challenges. Learn about how to implement AI responsibly for better healthcare outcomes and operational excellence.  Speakers: Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Business Development at Connection   Show Notes: 00:00 The Evolution of AI in Healthcare 03:04 Ethics and Governance in AI Applications 06:05 Data Privacy and Security Concerns 08:49 The Role of Chief AI Officers 12:07 Patient Consent and Data Usage 14:54 AI's Impact on Healthcare Workflows 18:00 Computational Power in Health Data Analysis 20:47 Virtual Assistants in Healthcare 24:00 Clinical Trials vs. Drug Discovery 26:55 The Future of Patient Data Management 28:11 AI Adoption in Insurance Companies 33:05 Transparency and Explainability in AI 37:28 AI Use Cases in Healthcare 44:10 Cloud vs On-Prem AI Solutions 49:23 Data Orchestration in Healthcare   For more information on AI services for healthcare, visit https://www.cnxnhelix.com/healthcare.     

Quantum computing represents a significant shift in computational power, offering both opportunities and challenges for securing sensitive data. Join the Connection Security Center of Excellence team as we delve into the transformative threats that quantum computing poses for cybersecurity and the countermeasures we should be considering to address those threats. We'll explore the fundamentals of quantum computing, including concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement, and how these principles can enhance encryption and threat detection. Quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation, and quantum machine learning are some of the promising applications that could revolutionize device security. However, quantum computing also poses risks to traditional cryptographic methods, potentially compromising data integrity, authentication protocols, and long-term data security. We'll discuss the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and the importance of transitioning to quantum-safe technologies to protect against future quantum-enabled threats. Join us as we navigate the exciting yet complex landscape of quantum computing and security, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and future directions that will shape the approach to cybersecurity in the quantum era.  Speakers John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Lindsay Nelmes, Microsoft Solution Sales Executive, Connection Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity02:31 Real-World Impacts of Quantum Computing04:49 The Timeline for Quantum Threats06:29 Industries at Risk and Proactive Measures08:36 Understanding Quantum Resistant Algorithms09:59 Leveraging Quantum for Cybersecurity Improvements12:08 AI and Quantum Computing Synergy14:07 Microsoft's Role in Quantum Security15:30 Future Milestones in Quantum Computing18:02 Misconceptions About Quantum Computing20:12 Final Thoughts and Takeaways For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity.

AIOps is revolutionizing IT operations, enabling businesses to manage infrastructure more efficiently than ever. In this episode, we explore how automation, AI, and machine learning are reshaping IT management—driving self-healing systems, autonomous operations, and proactive performance optimization. As organizations scale, ensuring resilience, minimizing downtime, and controlling costs are more critical than ever. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the key trends fueling AIOps adoption and the strategies IT leaders can use to future-proof their operations. Expect actionable insights on leveraging AI-driven automation for smarter, more scalable, and cost-effective IT management. Speakers: Taruna Gandhi, Head of Product Marketing for OpsRamp, Hewlett PackardCameron Bulanda, VP of Technical Sales and Centers of Excellence, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Operations03:11 The Importance of Observability05:54 Breaking Down Silos with AIOps09:10 Real-Life Examples of Self-Healing Systems12:02 Proactive Management with AI Insights14:51 Leveraging Anonymized Data for Better Insights18:05 Future of AI in Operations Management20:49 Driving Sustainability with AI23:59 Choosing the Right Partner for AI Solutions

In a world where hospitals rely on interconnected medical devices to save lives, there are continuous hidden vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface. This podcast dives into the realities of IoMT security with John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect and author of the newly released novella Silent 1ntrusions, alongside cybersecurity expert Rob Di Girolamo, to break down the threats, the lessons, and what we can do to defend against them. We’ll delve into topics Silent 1ntrusions’ main character, Dr. Kristi Chiro experiences as she battles a relentless hacker. A pacemaker’s glitch, insulin pumps go haywire, and an entire hospital teeters on the edge of collapse. In an era of hyperconnected healthcare, how safe are we really? Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, ConnectionRob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, ConnectionKimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to IOMT Security and Silent Intrusions02:46 Real-World Inspirations Behind Silent Intrusions06:10 Exploring IOMT Vulnerabilities in Healthcare08:49 Challenges in Securing IOMT Devices11:46 Attack Scenarios and Realistic Threats14:50 Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals18:08 Future Threats in Healthcare Security

Artificial intelligence for IT security operations (AISecOps) is revolutionizing cybersecurity. In this episode, we discuss how AI and machine learning are used to analyze IT data, allowing organizations to: Proactively identify and respond to threats: Detect anomalies, predict outages, and automate incident response. Improve efficiency: Streamline security operations and optimize resource allocation. Enhance threat detection: Uncover complex attack patterns and stay ahead of emerging threats. We'll cover real-world applications of AISecOps, the challenges in implementing this technology, and future trends in AI-driven security. Finally, we'll provide actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture with AISecOps. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, ConnectionRob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, ConnectionKimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to AIOps and Cybersecurity 03:07 The Role of AIOps in Threat Detection 06:01 Adapting to Evolving Cyber Threats 08:58 AI in Proactive Threat Hunting 11:55 Challenges in AIOps: False Positives and Data Quality 14:51 The Future of AIOps and Self-Healing Systems 17:45 AI and Zero Trust Strategies 21:07 AIOps for Small and Medium Businesses 23:52 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In this episode, our Security Center of Excellence team delves into a real-world cybersecurity mystery and its unexpected solution. This incident is a perfect storm, highlighting the complexities of modern IT environments and how seemingly unrelated actions can cascade into significant business disruptions and major security incidents. But here's where it gets fascinating: what appeared to be a sophisticated cyber-attack turned out to be something far more mundane, yet equally dangerous. The hero of this story is an AI-powered assistant, still in its proof-of-concept phase, that cracked the case. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the Phantom Brute Force attack and the AI detective that solved it. This isn’t just a mere cautionary tale about the complexities of modern IT environments; it serves as a stark reminder of how easily security can be compromised in unexpected ways. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, ConnectionRob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, ConnectionKimberlee Coombes, Senior Security Architect, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges 01:02 The Incident Unfolds: A Case Study 03:51 Utilizing AI Tools for Incident Resolution 10:29 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 15:35 Bridging Theory and Practice in Cybersecurity 18:00 Best Practices: Hard-Coded Passwords and Change Management 23:43 Empowering Users with AI Tools  

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead isn't just an option—it's a necessity. In this episode, we peel back the layers of the latest attack vector trends and take you into the heart of a recent cyber incident that challenged conventional defenses. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about the human element—everyday people navigating an invisible battlefield.  We’ll break down the anatomy of a sophisticated malware attack that slipped past traditional security measures with ghost-like precision. Discover the tools, strategies, and decisions that led to its eventual detection, containment, and remediation.  Beyond the technical deep dive, we’ll explore the critical role of Zero-Trust principles in building resilient defenses and highlight how fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance can be the ultimate game-changer. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting your cybersecurity journey, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to fortify your defenses and stay ahead of emerging threats. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, ConnectionRob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, ConnectionPam Kennedy, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, ConnectionKevin Knapp, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Trends 02:50 Ransomware Evolution and Tactics 06:07 AI's Role in Cyber Threats 09:01 Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities 11:52 Supply Chain and Vendor Attacks 15:11 Identity-Based Attacks and Authentication Challenges 18:05 Key Takeaways for Organizations 20:57 Case Study: The Wave Browser Incident 27:12 Post-Incident Analysis and Lessons Learned

The manufacturing sector is racing towards a digital future, but this innovation brings an explosion of cyber threats. This episode exposes the hidden vulnerabilities putting manufacturers at risk and reveals essential strategies to protect your operations. Discover how to secure vulnerable legacy systems, maximize your cybersecurity insurance, and gain critical visibility into Operational Technology (OT). We'll also explore how Microsoft and AI are revolutionizing cybersecurity defense. Don't let cybercriminals cripple your progress. Tune in now for actionable insights and expert advice to fortify your manufacturing business against evolving threats. Host: James Hilliard Speakers: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director, Connection Travis Guinn, Principal Partner Solutions Architect for Security,Microsoft Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Industry 4.0 Security Challenges 03:03 Assessing Current Security Postures in Manufacturing 05:54 Cybersecurity Insurance and Its Impact on Manufacturers 09:12 The Need for Visibility and Insight in Manufacturing 12:02 Modernization and Integration of IT and OT 14:52 Decision-Making in Cybersecurity Modernization 17:49 Leveraging Microsoft Tools for Cybersecurity 21:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Cybersecurity 25:46 Conclusion and Next Steps for Manufacturers

Manufacturing is undergoing a quiet transformation as AI becomes embedded across the industry, often without companies fully realizing it. Despite abundant data, many manufacturers are missing chances to boost productivity and quality control. With mature tools like Vision AI gaining traction, the future of manufacturing will rely on intelligent automation, edge computing, and AI as a workforce enhancer rather than a replacement. In this episode, we delve into the current and future role of AI in manufacturing, highlighting practical applications and the impact on efficiency. We’ll cover how manufacturers can better leverage data, embrace embedded AI, and foster collaboration to successfully implement AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in this evolving space. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Ryan Spurr, Senior Manufacturing Strategy and Business Development Director at Connection Jeff Minushkin, VP Helix Core Engineering Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Manufacturing 02:52 Current State of AI Adoption in Manufacturing 06:05 The Future of AI: Trends and Innovations 09:03 Identifying Wins: Productivity and Quality Control 11:51 Technological Changes on the Horizon 14:47 Impact on Workforce: Operators, Engineers, and Managers 20:50 Engagement Process: From Strategy to Execution 26:57 The Path Forward with AI in Manufacturing

Embedded AI is revolutionizing industries by making advanced technology accessible to all organizations, driving innovation through applications like contract automation and proposal generation. In this episode, we explore how our clients are leveraging embedded AI solutions and address key challenges, including ROI concerns and ethical considerations. Learn why it's vital to start your AI journey today—and how Connection can help you stay ahead. If you want to learn more about how Connection is helping its customers to improve productivity through AI Embedded AI, check out our pages  www.connection.com/solutions-services/artificial-intelligence and www.connection.com/solutions-services/digital-workspace.   Speakers: Brian Gatke – Vice President, GTM Solutions Strategy and Portfolio at Connection Travis Cook – Director, Industry Solutions at Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI Adoption Challenges 02:50 Understanding Embedded AI and Its Applications 06:06 The Democratization of AI 08:58 Navigating Hesitancy in AI Implementation 11:47 Exploring Use Cases for AI in Various Industries 15:09 The Importance of Clear Business Challenges 18:02 Ethical Considerations in AI Deployment 20:52 The Urgency of Getting Started with AI

AI is transforming the retail landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities to enhance efficiency, personalize the customer experience, and optimize operations. But with these opportunities come new challenges. In this episode, we explore how AI can empower employees, drive hyper-personalization, and revolutionize supply chain management. We also delve into the critical security risks associated with AI adoption and discuss how retailers can balance innovation with robust security measures. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Brian Gallagher, Connection Retail Strategy Director  Rai Basharat, Connection Senior Director Data Orchestration, Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Retail 03:08 Top Benefits of AI for Retail 05:59 Enhancing Customer Experience with AI 08:52 AI's Role in Employee Productivity 11:59 AI in Supply Chain Optimization 14:48 Security Implications of AI in Retail 18:00 Balancing Innovation and Security 21:06 The Future of AI in Retail 23:52 The Human-AI Relationship in Retail 26:48 Conclusion and Next Steps  

AI is revolutionizing healthcare by analyzing massive datasets to uncover hidden patterns, leading to breakthroughs in disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Join Jennifer Johnson and Jamal Khan as they explore AI's impact on healthcare. They delve into critical ethical considerations, governance structures, data security measures, and AI's role in clinical decision support. Speakers: Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Business Development at Connection Jamal Kahn, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and AI Ecosystem Shifts 02:07 Ethical Considerations and Governance in AI Healthcare 05:49 Challenges of Data Poisoning and Model Drift in AI Healthcare 08:02 Role of CAIOs in Healthcare Governance and Data Strategy 10:48 Importance of Patient Consent and Cross-Jurisdictional Challenges 13:01AI's  Impact on Healthcare Provider Work Environment 17:45 Vetting AI Partners and Virtual Assistants in Healthcare 19:39 Patient Accessibility and Engagement in Healthcare 22:50 Clinical Trials and Technology in Healthcare 24:13 Challenges of Merging Patient Data in Healthcare 27:01 AI Adoption in Healthcare: Impact on Insurance Providers 32:08 Challenges of Transparency and Explainability in AI 35:58 AI in Clinical Settings: Promising Use Cases 37:18 Choosing Hyperscalers for Healthcare AI Implementation 48:01 Data Orchestration for Patient Care with AI 50:17 Following Patients Through Care Settings with AI 52:08 Excitement and Challenges of AI Integration in Healthcare

Feeling overwhelmed by the switch to Windows 11? Wondering if it's worth the hassle or worried about a complicated migration process? Unsure if Windows 11 is a complete overhaul or a familiar friend with new features? In this podcast, we'll tackle all these questions and more, including the exciting world of AI integration within Windows 11. We'll also explore strategies for planning your upgrade, running both Windows 10 and 11 side-by-side, and top tips for a smooth and successful migration. By the end of this episode, you'll be a Windows 11 upgrade pro, ready to unlock the next generation of user experience. Host: James Hilliard Guest: Rob McGilvrey, Americas Specialist for Windows Pro & Modern Endpoints at Microsoft   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction and Windows Upgrade Experiences 02:22 Windows 11 as a Feature Update 05:17 Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 11 08:05 Impact of Windows 11 on End User Productivity 10:25 Hardware Requirements for Windows 11 13:16 AI Integration in Windows 11 16:05 Procurement Planning for New Hardware 23:06 Creating a Refresh Plan for Windows 11 26:23 Running Windows 10 and 11 Concurrently 29:32 Tips for a Successful Windows 11 Migration 30:27 Resources

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been nothing short of revolutionary for the manufacturing industry. From research and development to production, and even extending to aftermarket services, AI can drastically improve productivity, bolster quality control, and optimize supply chains in the industry. However, adopting AI in manufacturing is not without its challenges and complexities. Join us as we navigate this evolving landscape, explore practical applications of AI for manufacturers, and uncover the business benefits it can bring. Guests: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director at Connection Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection Show Notes 00:00 Introduction00:46 The Impact of AI in Manufacturing03:01 Challenges in AI Adoption in Manufacturing05:30 Unique Challenges in Manufacturing08:22 Job Displacement in Manufacturing09:40 Drivers for AI Adoption in Manufacturing11:43 Factors Enabling AI Adoption14:35 The Role of Data in AI Adoption18:48 Applications of AI in Manufacturing24:52 Use Cases and Workloads in AI28:36 The Power of Camera Vision in Manufacturing34:06 The Importance of Supply Chain Twins38:41 The Role of Synthetic Data in AI45:25 Connection's Approach to AI in Manufacturing50:15 Six Areas of Focus50:45 Partnerships and Technology Stacks51:08 Opportunity and Feasible Use Cases51:36 Limited Sampling of Use Cases52:03 Learning More about AI in Manufacturing52:17 Closing Remarks

Manufacturers demand better technology delivery.   In this podcast, we'll explore how Connection's Technology Integration and Distribution Center (TIDC) can help manufacturing IT organizations invest in automation, tech modernization, and leverage our deep technology experience to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and free up it staff to focus on more strategic initiatives.   Host: James Hilliard Guests: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director at Connection Mark Wulfhorst, Senior Director for the Solution Engineering Group at TIDC, Connection Show Notes: 00:03 Introduction to Connections Technology Integration and Distribution Center 00:49 Challenges Faced by Manufacturing Customers 01:23 Disruptive Initiatives in Manufacturing 02:12 The Changing Expectations of IT 03:04 The Struggle to Hire Competent People 03:57 The Reality of IT Staffing in Manufacturing 05:30 The Increasing Demand for Better Technology Delivery 06:39 The Evolution of Customer Needs and TIDC Services 07:43 The Benefits of TIDC Services 08:57 The Impact of COVID on IT Delivery 11:43 The Transition to Windows 11 20:12 The Role of TIDC in IT Asset Disposal 22:05 The Engagement Process with TIDC 23:55 Conclusion and Contact Information    

The pace of work has increased exponentially—along with the crush of data, information, and always-on communications. People are struggling to shoulder the weight of it all, while business leaders feel pressure to increase productivity amid economic uncertainty. New Windows 11 Pro devices are well-positioned to tackle these challenges and accelerate workflows and collaboration with experiences that elevate the potential of everyone on your team.  In this podcast, we'll discuss what the move to Windows 11 Pro devices can do for you and your users. With simple deployment and advanced security protection, the time to upgrade to Windows 11 is now.  Host: James Hilliard Guests: Dan Ortiz, Director of Center of Excellence Workspace Transformation Solutions at Connection Rob McGilvrey, Americas Specialist for Windows Pro & Modern Endpoints at Microsoft

Guests: Brian Gallagher, Retail Strategy Director at Connection Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection   The role of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prominent in the retail landscape. Discover how AI is reshaping the retail landscape, from enhancing customer experiences and optimizing supply chains to boosting employee engagement. Join us as we explore practical applications of AI for retailers and uncover the business benefits it can bring.