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In this episode of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, host Mike Shelah chats with James Stanger, Chief Technology Evangelist at CompTIA. James shares his unique journey from a PhD in British Romantic Literature to becoming a cybersecurity expert.

The conversation explores the revolution in cybersecurity, the critical importance of backups in fighting ransomware, and the evolution of technology that's making both our lives easier and more complex. Tune in for valuable insights on digital literacy and the fundamentals that keep our connected world secure. 

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In this episode of the Cyber Savvy podcast, host Mike Shelah continues his conversation with Evgeniy Kharam, discussing Evgeniy's new book "Architecting Success" (released August 2024). Evgeniy shares the inspiration behind writing the book, drawing from his 17 years of experience at Horjavek Group where he observed countless vendor pitches.

Key topics include:

• The importance of asking customers what they need rather than following rigid presentation formats
• How remote work during the pandemic changed customer engagement dynamics
• The evolution of sales engineering roles in the tech industry
• Effective communication techniques, including the power of open-ended questions
• The distinction between hard skills (predictable outcomes) and soft skills (dynamic interactions)
• Strategies for qualifying prospects and determining decision-makers
• Managing burnout in high-pressure sales environments

Evgeniy emphasizes the value of emotional intelligence in professional interactions and shares practical examples of how to engage customers authentically. The conversation bridges technical expertise with effective communication skills that are essential for success in cybersecurity and sales.

The episode concludes with information about where to find Evgeniy's book, available in audio, print and Kindle formats on Amazon, and on his website softskillstack.ca or softskillstack.com.

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 In this episode of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, host Mike Shelah interviews cybersecurity expert Evgeniy Kharam about the fundamentals of effective cybersecurity. Evgeniy shares insights from his journey from firewall engineer to security leader, emphasizing that the biggest challenge in cybersecurity isn't technical knowledge but communicating complex ideas effectively. 

They discuss the importance of understanding a business's "crown jewels" - the critical assets that need protection - and how these vary across different industries. Through real-world examples, they explore why basic security practices often get overlooked and how businesses can better protect themselves by partnering with security professionals who understand their specific needs. 

This conversation highlights the intersection of technical expertise and soft skills in building effective security strategies. 

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This podcast episode of "Cyber Savvy Podcast" features host Mike Shelah continuing a conversation with insurance expert Steven Heller about cybersecurity insurance. They discuss how the cybersecurity insurance landscape has evolved significantly, particularly after COVID-19, with insurers now requiring more rigorous standards and detailed assessments before providing coverage. 

The conversation covers the relationship between managed IT services and cybersecurity insurance, explaining how they complement each other rather than being alternatives. Heller emphasizes the importance of accurately completing insurance applications with professional guidance, understanding policy conditions, and considering various coverage types including business interruption, intellectual property protection, and media liability. 

The episode highlights how proper cybersecurity measures and insurance together create comprehensive protection for businesses.

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 In this insightful episode of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, host Mike Shelah welcomes his longtime friend and insurance expert Steven Heller to discuss the critical role of cybersecurity insurance in today's business landscape. As a self-proclaimed "compliance nerd," Mike explores how proper insurance coverage represents the fourth pillar of his cybersecurity framework for businesses. 

Steven shares his journey in the insurance industry and provides valuable perspectives on approaching risk management as an investment rather than merely an expense. The conversation touches on how insurance needs evolve alongside business growth, the importance of accurate information in insurance applications, and why proper attestation matters when securing coverage. 

Tune in to discover practical insights that could save your business from unexpected financial impacts in an increasingly digital world. 

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We’re back with Ryan Bonner for part two of his sit-down with Mike Shelah on DTC’s Cyber Savvy podcast. 

In this episode, we breakdown the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its implications for government contractors. They explore the importance of CMMC, the certification process and the critical role of action plans in achieving compliance. You’ll also hear insights on the challenges companies face during gap assessments and why strategic planning is essential.  Plus, they discuss how CMMC could reshape the industry, potentially leading to major consolidation.   

Whether you're a contractor navigating compliance or just curious about the future of cybersecurity standards, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways  

Key Takeaways: 

• CMMC is a mandate that organizations must comply with. 
• Plans of action can be misleading and should be approached cautiously. 
• Understanding the CMMC certification process is crucial for contractors. 
• Organizations need to justify CMMC certification as part of a strategic plan. 
• Gap assessments should be conducted iteratively to maintain context. 
• Managing bandwidth and resource constraints is essential for compliance. 
• Organizations should focus on the areas that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI). 
• Consolidation in the industry will require a strategic approach to compliance. 
• Documentation and process management are key to maintaining compliance. 
• CMMC is about more than just compliance; it should align with business strategy. 

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In this episode,  Mike Shelah, host of the Cyber Savvy Podcast, interviews Ryan Bonner, CEO of DefCerts, for an insightful discussion about cybersecurity and CMMC in government contracting. The conversation explores how cybersecurity has evolved from a luxury to a business necessity, common misconceptions in the industry, and the challenges organizations face in meeting security requirements. Ryan shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in the field and hints at important changes coming in 2025 that will affect government contractors. 

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 Join host Mike Shelah and guest Tasha Cornish, Executive Director of Cybersecurity Association, Inc., as they dive into cybersecurity legislation and initiatives planned for 2025.

Tasha discusses their advocacy efforts to expand and modernize the Buy Maryland Cyber Tax Credit, making it more accessible to hospitals, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes. The conversation explores the financial challenges organizations face in implementing cybersecurity measures, particularly in healthcare settings where margins are tight, and resources limited. 

Mike and Tasha also share insights about various cybersecurity frameworks, upcoming events including a CMMC symposium in May 2024, and the association's efforts to build a stronger cybersecurity community in Maryland. Learn about the real costs of cyber-attacks, the importance of proactive security measures, and how businesses can get involved with the Cybersecurity Association's initiatives. 

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Join host Mike Shelah as he sits down with Tasha Cornish, Executive Director of the Cybersecurity Association Inc., to discuss her journey from Maine to Maryland, from medicine to cybersecurity, and her mission to make cyber education more accessible. 

Learn about the Association's three centers of excellence, their approach to workforce development, and how they're helping businesses become more cyber resilient. Whether you're a seasoned cyber professional or just starting to think about cybersecurity for your business, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving cyber landscape. 

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