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Vancord CyberSound Podcast

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

CyberSound
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

101

Home Smart Home: Security vs. Convenience in IoT

In this episode of CyberSound, co-hosts Jason and Michael sit down with Brian Brehart of Vancord to delve into the complexities of securing smart home devices within the context of the Internet of Things (IoT). The conversation explores the balance between convenience and security when integrating smart technology into homes, touching on topics such as wireless thermostats, smart TVs, and voice-activated assistants like Alexa.

The team encourages listeners to educate themselves on the importance of implementing robust security measures to maintain privacy, including setting up separate networks, updating router firewalls, and researching device security features. As the conversation broadens to include considerations for small businesses and the expanding range of internet-enabled devices, the team concludes by underscoring the importance of privacy in the IoT era.

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
Senior Security Engineer
Matt Fusaro

Manager Security Services

Most Recent Episodes

Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 91

The Pillars of Protection: Risk Strategy, Insurance, and the Key Players

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

Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 90

AI Unveiled: From Basics to Business and Beyond

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.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 89

Connecticut Senators on the Cutting Edge: AI & Data Privacy in Focus

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.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 88

The CIO’s Dilemma: Proving Value and Driving Strategic Change with CEOs

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.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 87

Presenting: Vantage Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

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.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 86

Recent Cyber Attacks in CT: Protecting Your Business from Financial Fraud

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.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 85

The Human Element of Security Awareness Training

Technology plays a role in improving security posture, but a well-informed and educated workforce is superior to keeping an organization protected. Security awareness training is crucial to ensuring your team is empowered, productive, and safe – and it doesn’t have to be boring!
On this episode of CyberSound, Jason and Steve welcome Joel Cahill to the podcast. Joel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vancord’s partner company, Infima Cybersecurity, a modern-day security awareness training platform designed to provide seamless, brief, and innovative training for everyone. Tune in today as the team explores behaviors and the human element of security.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 84

Demystifying Threat Hunting vs. Incident Response

Threat Hunting and Incident Response are two tactful measures that help an organization’s cybersecurity journey. But what is the difference between them?
Join us today as Jason, Matt, and Steve dive into the separate services, and discuss the proactiveness of Threat Hunting and the neutralization of breaches through Incident Response. The team also explores where forensics comes into play and how the maturity of an organization can determine what toolsets are appropriate to implement.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 83

Fraud in Higher Education

Higher education institutions have become top targets for student fraudulent activity and scamming. As these threat actors continue to advance, it is more important than ever for universities to have the right tool sets in place to detect and filter out fake student applications.
In this episode, Jason and Steve welcome Maurice Simpkins, President of A.M. Simpkins and Associates, to discuss the interconnection of higher education fraud and cybersecurity. Both parties have the common goal of keeping institutions protected and maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.
Play Video
PODCAST EPISODE 82

MOVEit Vulnerability Exploitation: June, 2023

Progress Software’s file-transfer tool MOVEit recently experienced a massive exploitation. What does this mean for the users of the software and the service providers with clientele under this tool?
Today, Jason, Matt, and Steve walk through the incident and notification processes while advising of basic steps to be proactive against these types of attacks. The team emphasizes that these basic recommendations apply to those involved with the MOVEit vulnerability and those dealing with sensitive data transfers.

Most Recent Episodes

CyberSound ep91
91

The Pillars of Protection: Risk Strategy, Insurance, and the Key Players

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

Play Video
CyberSound ep90
90

AI Unveiled: From Basics to Business and Beyond

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.
Play Video
CyberSound ep89
89

Connecticut Senators on the Cutting Edge: AI & Data Privacy in Focus

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.
Play Video
CyberSound ep88
88

The CIO’s Dilemma: Proving Value and Driving Strategic Change with CEOs

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.
Play Video
CyberSound ep87
87

Presenting: Vantage Managed Detection & Response (MDR)

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.
Play Video
CyberSound ep86
86

Recent Cyber Attacks in CT: Protecting Your Business from Financial Fraud

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.
Play Video
CyberSound ep 85
85

The Human Element of Security Awareness Training

Technology plays a role in improving security posture, but a well-informed and educated workforce is superior to keeping an organization protected. Security awareness training is crucial to ensuring your team is empowered, productive, and safe – and it doesn’t have to be boring!
On this episode of CyberSound, Jason and Steve welcome Joel Cahill to the podcast. Joel is the CEO and Co-Founder of Vancord’s partner company, Infima Cybersecurity, a modern-day security awareness training platform designed to provide seamless, brief, and innovative training for everyone. Tune in today as the team explores behaviors and the human element of security.
Play Video
CyberSound ep84
84

Demystifying Threat Hunting vs. Incident Response

Threat Hunting and Incident Response are two tactful measures that help an organization’s cybersecurity journey. But what is the difference between them?
Join us today as Jason, Matt, and Steve dive into the separate services, and discuss the proactiveness of Threat Hunting and the neutralization of breaches through Incident Response. The team also explores where forensics comes into play and how the maturity of an organization can determine what toolsets are appropriate to implement.
Play Video
CyberSound ep83
83

Fraud in Higher Education

Higher education institutions have become top targets for student fraudulent activity and scamming. As these threat actors continue to advance, it is more important than ever for universities to have the right tool sets in place to detect and filter out fake student applications.
In this episode, Jason and Steve welcome Maurice Simpkins, President of A.M. Simpkins and Associates, to discuss the interconnection of higher education fraud and cybersecurity. Both parties have the common goal of keeping institutions protected and maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity.
Play Video
CyberSound ep82
82

MOVEit Vulnerability Exploitation: June, 2023

Progress Software’s file-transfer tool MOVEit recently experienced a massive exploitation. What does this mean for the users of the software and the service providers with clientele under this tool?
Today, Jason, Matt, and Steve walk through the incident and notification processes while advising of basic steps to be proactive against these types of attacks. The team emphasizes that these basic recommendations apply to those involved with the MOVEit vulnerability and those dealing with sensitive data transfers.
Play Video

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