IT Unplugged

Explore the evolving role of Chambers of Commerce in the digital age with David Vander Bloomen, CEO of the De Pere Area Chamber of Commerce. 

In this insightful episode of IT Unplugged, discover how local business organizations are leveraging technology to enhance member engagement, support small businesses, and drive community growth. 

David shares innovative strategies for balancing high-tech solutions with high-touch relationships, approaches to cybersecurity education for small businesses, and his vision for the future of chambers in an increasingly digital world. 

Learn about practical tech implementations, from video newsletters to networking platforms, and understand the challenges and opportunities facing community organizations today. 

Whether you're a business leader, community stakeholder, or tech professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of technology, business, and community development.

Dive into a comprehensive analysis of the recent CrowdStrike incident that caused widespread disruptions and billions in damages. 

In this episode of IT Unplugged, hosts Brandon and Mike break down the technical aspects of what went wrong, explore why remote fixes were impossible, and discuss the broader implications for cybersecurity and software deployment strategies. 

Learn about the importance of phased rollouts, the challenges of kernel-level software, and how to mitigate risks in your own IT infrastructure. 

Whether you're an IT professional, business leader, or simply interested in understanding major tech incidents, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of modern cybersecurity and the potential consequences of software updates gone wrong. 

Gain practical knowledge to help safeguard your organization against similar incidents.

Today on IT Unplugged, we're sharing game-changing insights for anyone navigating the complex world of nonprofit technology.

I had the privilege of speaking with Abby, Executive Director of Jackie Nitschke Center, about how forward-thinking nonprofits are using IT to amplify their impact. Here's what you'll learn:

·       Innovative approaches to IT on a nonprofit budget

·       How the pandemic catalyzed a tech revolution in service delivery

·       Strategies for making informed tech decisions at the board level

·       Balancing cybersecurity needs with mission-critical operations

This isn't just theory - it's real-world experience from the frontlines of nonprofit management and technology implementation.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, IT professional, or board member, this episode offers valuable lessons you can apply immediately to enhance your organization's tech strategy.

Join us for an insightful episode of IT Unplugged as we sit down with Stephen, M2 Technology's newest IT consultant. With a passion for technology that started at age eight, Stephen shares his journey from fixing computers for snacks to becoming a seasoned IT professional.

In this episode, we explore:

• Stephen's unique path into IT, starting with a garbage-picked Pentium 2 computer
• The evolution of customer service in IT and how to be a "sociable weirdo"
• Common misconceptions about IT consultants and how to demonstrate value
• Staying up-to-date with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape
• The importance of proactive IT support and transparent communication
• Fascinating projects, including sentiment analysis for algorithmic trading
• Essential cybersecurity tips for small businesses
• The future of IT consulting and its growing importance in business operations

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, business owner, or just curious about the world of IT, this episode offers valuable insights and a glimpse into the mind of a passionate IT professional. Tune in to learn how Stephen and M2 Technology are working to make IT accessible to everyone while demystifying the complex world of business technology.

Breaking In to Stay Secure: The Penetration Testing Deep Dive You Can't Miss

Ever wondered how ethical hackers protect your business? 

Our intern Alexander takes us on a journey from tech-curious kid to cybersecurity pro, revealing:

• Why your network is like your home (and how to lock it down)
• The #1 vulnerability you're probably overlooking
• How AI is making pen testing more accessible
• Ethical landmines in pentesting (and how to avoid them)

Plus: Learn to talk security with your C-suite in plain English!

New episode of IT Unplugged is live now. Don't let your business be the next headline. Tune in and level up your cybersecurity game!

#ITUnplugged #CyberSecurity #PenTesting #TechTalk

www.m2.technology

Buckle up, business owners! We're diving deep into the world of cyber liability insurance with Kelly from Paroubek Insurance. 

In this episode, we unpack why cybersecurity isn't just for the big fish anymore and how your small business could be swimming in dangerous waters without proper protection. From the Target breach that shook the industry to the boom in cyber economy, we're breaking down complex topics into bite-sized, actionable insights.

Learn about the hidden dangers of 'silent cyber,' the impact of remote work on your security, and why your email could be your biggest vulnerability. We'll also spill the beans on how IT companies can help slash your insurance premiums and why some businesses might find themselves uninsurable in the cyber world.

Get ready to bust myths, understand the critical balance between reactive insurance and proactive IT partnerships, and discover the essential steps to safeguard your business in the digital age. 

Whether you're a tech novice or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to help you navigate the murky waters of cybersecurity and insurance. Don't miss out on this crucial conversation that could save your business from a cyber catastrophe

In this enlightening episode of IT Unplugged, we sit down with Alexander, M2 Technology's 18-year-old intern with big dreams in the world of cybersecurity.

Alexander's journey into IT is as unique as it is inspiring. We explore how his passion for real-time strategy games sparked an interest in computer programming, eventually leading him to pursue a career in penetration testing.

But this episode isn't just about coding and hacking. We delve into the often-overlooked social aspects of IT. Alexander shares insights on how public speaking and customer interaction are integral parts of the job, dispelling the myth of the isolated, antisocial IT professional.

We also discuss the parallels between team activities in school and collaborative projects in the IT world. Alexander offers a fresh perspective on how these experiences prepare young professionals for the realities of the tech industry.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Alexander expresses his enthusiasm for hands-on learning and using real-world tools in cybersecurity. His choice to attend Arizona State University not only for its excellent computer science and cybersecurity program but also for its 330 days of sunshine, adds a human touch to his career aspirations.

Finally, we explore how Alexander plans to leverage his internship at M2 Technology as a launchpad for networking and career building. His strategic approach to professional development at such a young age offers valuable insights for both aspiring IT professionals and seasoned veterans looking to mentor the next generation.

This episode is a must-listen for:

• Young adults considering a career in IT or cybersecurity
• Parents and educators guiding students towards tech careers
• IT professionals interested in mentoring or understanding Gen Z in the workplace
• Anyone curious about the evolving landscape of IT skills and education

Join us for a conversation that bridges the gap between gaming, education, and the future of IT. Alexander's story is a testament to the changing face of technology careers and the diverse paths that can lead to success in this dynamic field.

In this eye-opening episode of IT Unplugged, we dive deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence and its impact on cybersecurity and IT. Discover how AI is revolutionizing business protection, with a special focus on SentinelOne's AI-powered endpoint protection.

Key topics include:

• Real-world applications of AI in daily life and business
• The learning process of AI models and the importance of proper training
• AI's role in creative and technical problem-solving
• The future of IT consulting in an AI-driven world
• The evolution of coding education in the age of ChatGPT
• How cybercriminals are leveraging AI for more sophisticated attacks

We also put our host Mike to the test, challenging him to identify AI-generated phishing emails. Learn about the latest red flags in email security and how to protect your business from increasingly convincing scams.

Whether you're a business owner, IT professional, or simply curious about the intersection of AI and cybersecurity, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Don't miss this crucial conversation about the power of AI in protecting and potentially threatening your business. Subscribe now and stay informed with IT Unplugged!

#AIinCybersecurity #BusinessProtection #ITSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #PhishingAwareness

Dive into the world of effective IT budgeting and planning in this essential episode of IT Unplugged. We break down the key components of an IT budget, including cybersecurity, hardware, software, internet, and email services. 

Learn the importance of asset tracking and strategic hardware replacement schedules for computers, routers, and servers. Discover how to balance timely upgrades with cost-saving measures, and get insider tips on leveraging industry benchmarks for IT and cybersecurity spending. 

We also discuss the value of partnering with transparent IT providers who empower your team through knowledge sharing. Whether you're a small business owner or an IT professional, this episode offers invaluable insights to help you navigate the complexities of IT budgeting and set your organization up for success in the digital age.

Is your company ready to outsource its IT? 

In this episode of IT Unplugged we break down the telltale signs that your business might benefit from external IT support, reveal the red flags to watch for when choosing a Managed Service Provider, and explore scenarios where keeping IT in-house could be the smarter move. 

Whether you're a small business owner weighing your options or an IT professional curious about industry trends, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you navigate the complex world of IT management. 

Tune in for a no-nonsense guide to making informed decisions about your company's tech future.