It's no question that blockchain, NFTs, and several cryptocurrencies have been a big topic worldwide for some time now.

Derik & Gary decided to bring in our subject matter expert, James Fair, to give us a crash course in this ever-expanding maze of technology. Over the course of 3 episodes, we'll cover:

We hope you enjoy the show! 

Gary and Derik welcome a new voice to the podcast, Sandra Smith, Chief Administrative Officer @ Executech!

Having been with Executech for over 10 years, Sandra brings some serious expertise when it comes to HR, back-office, and administrative functions of an organization. She joins us to talk about how IT can help an organization's administrative staff.

We cover a lot more in this episode; we hope you enjoy it!

With the large movement of people working from home, the need and usage of VPNs has skyrocketed. Derik and Gary welcome back James Fair to talk about what a VPN is, how it works, when you should use one, and some alternatives to them that provide similar services. 

As always, if your organization has questions about getting VPNs for your remote staff, cybersecurity, or managed IT in general, just reach out here!

Nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a major vulnerability that leaves an alarming number of applications, websites, and organizations at risk. 

In this episode, Derik and Gary talk to Tyler Rasmussen, VP of Cybersecurity, about the Log4j/Log4Shell vulnerability. Tyler explains how it works, who's affected, and how to help mitigate the risks. 

In this episode, join us for a webinar replay as we welcome guests from the Sacramento Kings, Executech, and Acronis to discuss critical cybersecurity and data protection issues.

Takeaways:

• Learn about the biggest digital threats facing businesses today

• Understand why all businesses are at risk of cyber attacks

• Techniques for adapting to ever-changing technology environments

• Best practices and tools for securing your data

• How any business can follow the Kings in stepping up their digital protection

As with most service industries, those who work them long enough end up with some pretty incredible stories. We've got some great tales about highs, lows, and even embarrassing situations in this episode of Between the Bytes. Join Gary & Derik as they talk with two of our most senior technicians about their time and experiences in the field of IT.

What makes a great IT Consultant? Technical skills? Personal skills? A mastery of turning things off and then back on again? Or is it some combination of all of these things?

In this episode, Gary & Derik welcome James Fair and Ben Rees to talk about IT Consultants. We cover what technical and personal skills we look for, how Executech trains in both of those areas, and how both traits can be either roadblocks or opportunities for growth inside the company.

Hacking, malware, and ransomware have skyrocketed in the US over the past two years, and most industries have felt the pain and stress as a result. Two sectors have felt this pain more than others, however - healthcare and schools. 

Recently, The White House passed a bill requiring research on how hard cybercrimes are hitting schools across the US. In this episode, Gary & Derik talk details with James Fair.

- How long will the research take?

- What training will be provided?

- How will this affect teachers and other staff?

- Who will be in charge of making sure it happens?

- And a lot more! 

White Hat hackers find vulnerabilities inside an organization's technological infrastructure to help the organization stay in front of the more nefarious players in the world of cybersecurity. 

In this episode, Derik welcomes James and Tyler to talk about these "hackers for good," bug bounty programs, and the other colors of hats hackers may wear. 

Gary & James discuss the importance of IT Roadmaps for your organization, who should be involved in creating one, and what should be included. 

An IT Roadmap is precisely what it sounds like: it's a visual representation of the future of your technology and systems.

IT Roadmaps allow businesses to take advantage of the infrastructure and systems already in place while still planning how to improve and innovate in the future. A well-maintained, customized, and strategic technology setup isn't something that just happens. It's something that businesses and technology experts map out and plan for.