Vancord logo
Vancord CyberSound Podcast

Protect your business with tips & tactics from our IT security experts

CyberSound podcast
CyberSoundTM is a podcast built by and for business owners and professionals. Tune in as our cybersecurity experts cover the latest news regarding IT security, the most recent and relevant threats organizations are facing today, and provide tips to keep your business safe.

Where to Listen to CyberSoundTM

Enter Giveaway to Celebrate our 100th CyberSound Episode!

Learn how we work together with our clients to manage, defend, and respond to their infrastructure needs.

Most Recent Episode

115

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024: Essential Skills and Practical Tips for Personal and Business Safety | CyberSound by Vancord | Ep 115

In this CyberSound episode, hosts Jason Pufahl, Steve Maresca, and Michael Grande examine the enduring and evolving cybersecurity challenges we face today. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month reaches its 21st year, the message remains consistent—stay vigilant against threats like phishing, ransomware, and MFA bypasses. But while the themes may feel familiar, the landscape is anything but static. From QR code scams and AI-driven attacks to new techniques in credential theft, cyber threats have become more sophisticated, personal, and pervasive.

With a mix of foundational advice and timely insights, the team explores why annual reminders are still crucial, and what’s new in today’s threat environment. Discover actionable strategies to safeguard your personal and professional data, from interpreting suspicious links and QR codes to safely navigating AI tools like ChatGPT. This episode offers vital guidance on staying resilient in a world where cybersecurity risks continue to adapt and grow.

Meet the Hosts of CyberSoundTM

CyberSoundTM is hosted by cybersecurity professionals who work in the industry on a daily basis. Meet Vancord’s Jason Pufahl, Steven Maresca, and Matt Fusaro.
Jason Pufahl
VP Security Services
Steven Maresca

Principal Architect, vISO

Matt Fusaro

Security Services Director

Most Recent Episodes

PODCAST EPISODE 95
Recent news has surfaced concerning the popular DNA Testing company 23andMe, as a security breach has compromised the data of thousands of users. This conversation delves into the consequences of such occurrences and examines the varying perspectives surrounding user accountability versus the company’s obligation to protect sensitive information.
In this segment, Jason and Michael are accompanied by Vancord's Rob McWilliams, Data Privacy Consultant, and Brian Brehart, Information Security Officer, as they navigate the evolving landscape of data breaches and address the possible legal implications.
PODCAST EPISODE 94
Mastercard is committed to protecting consumers and businesses from fraud, particularly in the realm of open banking. Real-time identity and data validation are crucial to implement in the transactional financial space.
In this episode, Jason is joined by Steve and Michael, with a special guest, Patrick Pearson, Vice President of Open Banking Partnerships at Mastercard. The team delves into cardholder data security, with an emphasis on the prioritization struggles faced by organizations tackling fraud and the importance of partnerships built on trust in the cybersecurity landscape. Stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity news and industry insights by subscribing to our channel and visiting our blog.
PODCAST EPISODE 93
The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) is the state’s largest business organization and is committed to fostering a competitive business climate to make Connecticut an attractive place to live and work.
In this episode of CyberSound, hosts Jason Pufahl and Michael Grande welcome Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of the CBIA. Join the conversation as they discuss CBIA's rich history, its role in advocating for businesses, and the array of services it provides to small and medium-sized enterprises. Whether you're a business owner or just interested in the economic landscape of Connecticut, this episode offers valuable insights into the initiatives shaping the state's future. Vancord is proud to be a partner of the CBIA as the Exclusive IT Provider. Check out the Press Release here.
PODCAST EPISODE 92
Happy Holidays from the team at CyberSound!
In this episode, Jason, Steve, and Michael take a unique and entertaining approach to explore the intersection of Christmas folklore and advanced technology. In particular, the hosts delve into the whimsical character of Frosty the Snowman and propose a fascinating theory that Frosty could be an early version of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The hosts dissect the lyrics of the classic song, presenting a thought-provoking perspective on the implications of AI development.
PODCAST EPISODE 91
Risk management is a crucial practice that business owners should implement and revisit regularly. On this episode of CyberSound, the team explores strategies to safeguard businesses from various angles, including legal, economic, and personnel-related risks.
Jason and Michael welcome Darren Violette of Profectus Financial Partners to explore the broader landscape of risk and how strategic planning, insurance, and strong employee retention can elevate your business valuation.

Disclaimer: This material contains the current opinions of the presenter but not necessarily those of Guardian or its subsidiaries and such opinions are subject to change without notice. Profectus Financial Partners offers fee-based planning, wealth advisory services, and securities through Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS) and insurance through The Bulfinch Group Insurance Agency, LLC. Fee-based plans may include tax and wealth planning suggestions, but we do not give tax or legal advice. You should consult your tax or legal advisor regarding your individual situation. Darren Violette is an Investment Advisor and Registered Representative of PAS and Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), supervised from: 160 Gould Street, Suite 310, Needham, MA 02494, 781-449-4402. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Profectus Financial Partners and The Bulfinch Group are affiliated, but neither firm is an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Darren Violette, CA Insurance license # OM18222; FL Insurance license # P171418. PAS is a member FINRA, SIPC. Links to external sites are provided for your convenience in locating related information and services. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents and employees expressly disclaim any responsibility for and do not maintain, control, recommend, or endorse third-party sites, organizations, products, or services and make no representation as to the completeness, suitability, or quality thereof. 2023-163344 Exp 10/25

PODCAST EPISODE 90
Navigating the intricate landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be daunting– but it doesn’t have to be. On this episode of CyberSound, the team provides valuable insights into generative AI, explores its strengths, weaknesses, and how it has garnered widespread attention in the professional services landscape, and discusses practical business applications across various industries.
Today, Jason, Michael, and Steve are joined by Zach Warren, Technology and Innovation Insights Lead at Thomson Reuters Institute, to shed light on this groundbreaking technology for listeners.
PODCAST EPISODE 89
Connecticut has been a leader in addressing data privacy issues and Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulation through policies that protect residents and foster innovation.
In this episode of CyberSound, Jason and Michael have a thoughtful conversation with Senator Tony Hwang and Senator James Maroney of the State of Connecticut on the complexities of AI, data privacy, and the state’s approach to transparency and accountability in AI usage. The Senators address social equity concerns and emphasize the importance of a balanced and informed approach to these issues.
PODCAST EPISODE 88
Often, CIOs and CISOs are faced with the challenge of needing to prove the value of implementing cybersecurity controls to secure an organization. Today, we discuss the tools available for both IT strategy and cybersecurity risk management that enable executives to drive strategic change for their business.
On this episode of CyberSound, Jason, and Michael are joined by Brian Doyle, Co-Founder of vCIOToolbox and Cybrance, to discuss his product development journey and the need he found to create simple software that helps meet business objectives and needs.
PODCAST EPISODE 87
Endpoint protection is a popular space in the market for businesses right now, whether it be to meet cyber liability insurance requirements or to boost an organization’s comprehensive approach against threats.
Today, Jason Pufahl, Michael Grande, Matt Fusaro, and Mike Lang, all of the Vancord team, are proud to present Vantage MDR: a cutting-edge managed endpoint detection and response solution powered by industry-leader Microsoft, fully delivered by Vancord's security experts.
PODCAST EPISODE 86
This summer, numerous businesses around Connecticut have fallen victim to cyber-attacks. These sophisticated and often expensive incidents remind organizations that they need good processes and controls in place to stay protected.
On this topical segment of CyberSound, Jason sits down with the President & CEO of Vancord, Michael Grande, to put a financial perspective on the implications of these attacks. Jason and Michael discuss common threat actor motives and methods, the importance of vendor management, cyber liability insurance, and best practices that organizations can employ.

Sign Up for More

Subscribe for the latest updates from the Vancord team