Host: Ann Donnelly

Guests: Vicki Marking, Director of Sales and Marketing, and Bryan Carr, Account Executive, LayerEight

In this episode of Building Success Stories, host Ann Donnelly sits down with Vicki Marking and Bryan Carr from Layer Eight. Layer Eight is an IT company that recently expanded its presence from Plattsburgh to a new office on Broad Street in Glens Falls.

Vicki and Bryan discuss their mission to act as a completely outsourced IT department for their clients, covering everything from daily troubleshooting to consulting and VoIP phone systems. They dive deep into the critical importance of cybersecurity. They explain why small and medium businesses are now prime targets for hackers. They also unpack the implications of the New York State Shield Act, and explain why the "eighth layer" of IT is the most important of all: the human layer. Whether you are a solopreneur or a growing company, this episode is packed with essential advice to help protect, streamline, and scale your business operations safely.

• What is "LayerEight"? In the IT world, the OSI model describes a seven-layer stack to identify network problems. LayerEight refers to an unofficial "eighth layer" that represents the human layer, or the user. Technology is only effective if it does what the user needs it to do.
• The Cybersecurity Threat to Small Businesses: Small and medium businesses have become frequent targets for hackers because they often lack robust security measures. Hackers are frequently not breaking into systems; they are walking through the front door using stolen usernames and passwords, and through phishing scams.
• New York State SHIELD Act: Enacted in March 2020, this cybersecurity law mandates that businesses protect client data and personally identifiable information. It serves as a compliance framework for businesses that aren't already subject to regulations in industries such as healthcare, finance, or insurance.
• All-Inclusive IT Support: LayerEight offers a flat monthly fee for completely outsourced IT support. This pricing model encourages employees to report issues and submit tickets immediately, without fear of incurring hourly charges, which ultimately saves the business money on lost productivity.
• The Power of AI and Policies: With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, businesses need clear policies to ensure employees don't accidentally expose sensitive company or client information.
• Regional Expansion: LayerEight serves clients from the Canadian border down to the Capital District and parts of Vermont. Bryan Carr, a former Navy recruiter, was brought on to lead their outreach and educate businesses in the Greater Glens Falls and Saratoga areas.

More about Layer Eight:

• https://www.thelayereight.com/

More from Ann Donnelly:

• Ann Donnelly Business Growth Strategist
• Building Success Stories podcast & articles

More from the North Country Media Network:

• North Country Media Network

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