In this episode of the Tech for Business podcast, hosts Jason, vCIO, and Mitchel, business development representative, share their experiences from Configura’s Experience Conference. They discuss the importance of understanding how users leverage technology, the role of designers in commercial workspace solutions, and the innovative Aura Acceleration product aimed at enhancing designers' efficiency. The episode also highlights their participation in and presentations at the conference, emphasizing the community's role and the value of continuous improvement in IT services for the design industry.

00:00 Welcome to Our Tech for Business Podcast

00:19 Recap of the CET Experience Conference

00:44 The Importance of User Conferences

01:33 The Role of Technology in Commercial Interior Design

03:59 Mitchell's Insights from the Conference

04:59 Challenges Faced by Designers Across Industries

06:21 Technology Budget Constraints in Dealerships

08:55 Breakout Sessions at the Conference

13:00 Introduction to Aura Acceleration

15:03 Enhancing Designer Efficiency with Aura Acceleration

15:34 Global Accessibility and User Feedback

16:16 Challenges and Solutions in Rendering Offload

16:45 Conference Insights and User Engagement

17:23 Unexpected Success and Future Improvements

18:28 Reflections on the Conference Experience

19:15 Building Community and Professional Growth

21:05 Showcasing Work and Client Testimonials

22:27 Future Plans and Community Initiatives

26:35 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Customer Testimonials:

https://youtu.be/Aq5AlKLK4PE

https://youtu.be/Ka8k8Bl9EIU

Aura Acceleration:

https://www.citsolutions.net/aura-acceleration/

In this episode we sit down with Ven, Director of Information Security at ArmorPoint. The discussion dives deep into the rising threat of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), where ransomware developers create and sell or lease their malicious software to other criminals. The episode explores the roles of RaaS operators, affiliates, and initial access brokers, highlighting the rapid deployment and wide-reaching impact on businesses, particularly small businesses. We also touch on the adaptation strategies for cybersecurity professionals, the role of AI in these attacks, and practical steps businesses can take to improve their defenses. Join us to understand the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and how to build a culture of resilience in your organization.

Learn more about ArmorPoint here

Delve into the complexities of home network security, especially in the era of smart devices. They discuss data usage by smart devices, share insights on the importance of segmenting networks, and detail measures to enhance home network security. From explaining the significance of unique passwords and multi-factor authentication to weighing the pros and cons of having multiple high-tech gadgets, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to secure their home network while embracing smart technology.

00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

00:28 Viral Article on Smart Devices

01:20 Smart Home Devices: Convenience or Concern?

02:23 Personal Tech Preferences and Practices

04:21 Home Network Security Basics

06:08 Data Privacy and Smart Devices

08:34 Security Recommendations for Home Networks

13:19 Balancing Tech and Privacy at Home

30:04 Remote Work and Home Network Security

34:22 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Resources:

https://informationsecuritybuzz.com/your-smart-washer-pose-a-threat-to-yo/

In this episode of Our Tech for Business podcast, we dive into the buzzword of deepfakes during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Joined by Todd, our COO and CISO, and Nate, our Director of Cybersecurity, we explore what deepfakes are, their evolution from voice cloning to sophisticated video manipulation, and their dangerous uses, including impersonation and cyber attacks. We also discuss the impact of deepfakes on business security, ethical uses in marketing, and the importance of maintaining a human touch in an increasingly AI-driven world. Learn how to spot deepfakes, safeguard your business, and ethically incorporate AI into your operations.

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Awareness Month

00:18 Understanding Deep Fakes: An Overview

01:25 The Evolution of Deep Fake Technology

02:02 Deep Fakes in the Real World: Risks and Examples

02:58 Business Implications of Deep Fakes

08:40 Spotting Deep Fakes: Tips and Techniques

21:37 Ethical Use of AI and Deep Fakes in Business

26:19 The Future of AI and Human Interaction

30:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References:

https://blog.knowbe4.com/how-a-north-korean-fake-it-worker-tried-to-infiltrate-us

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/11/how-deepfake-ai-job-applicants-are-stealing-remote-work.html

In this episode, we have a special discussion on the importance of building strong business partnerships. Mike Eterno, Channel Business Manager at Barracuda Networks, and Kyle, President & CEO of CIT, dive deep into what makes a true partnership in the business world. From understanding each other's strengths to the critical role of communication, we cover it all. Whether you're wondering how to maintain existing partnerships or forge new ones, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice for businesses of all sizes. Tune in to learn more about fostering a collaborative environment where everyone, from vendors to customers, benefits.

Learn more here

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Defining True Partnerships

03:06 Maintaining and Building on Existing Relationships

07:11 Customer Advocacy and Communication

19:35 Vendor Due Diligence and Expectations

30:16 Closing Remarks and Summary

Join CIT’s President and CEO, Kyle, as he explores the transformative impact of AI on IT support and help desks. Discover how AI augments support tasks, speeds up resolution times, and brings data-driven insights to enhance customer service. Kyle also addresses data privacy concerns, the human role in AI-driven environments, and the future skillsets required for IT professionals in an AI-enhanced landscape. Join us to explore the present and future of AI in IT support.

00:00 Introduction to AI in IT Support

01:27 The Role of AI in Help Desk Operations

03:03 Advanced AI Capabilities and Benefits

05:22 Unexpected Benefits of AI Implementation

08:43 Data Privacy and Security Concerns

11:17 Human Element and AI Limitations

14:57 Future Skills for IT Professionals

18:24 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Join us for the second part of our deep dive into incident response and recovery on the Tech for Business Podcast. In this episode, Todd, COO and CISO, and Nate, Director of Cybersecurity, unpack the challenging balance between acting swiftly and investigating thoroughly. Learn about the critical role of backup systems, the impact of regulatory rules, and the importance of continuous improvement for businesses. They also discuss containment strategies, maintaining business operations during an incident, and how to prepare your organization for future challenges. Don't miss out on their insightful tips and real-life examples!

00:00 Introduction to Incident Response and Recovery

00:34 Balancing Speed and Thoroughness in Incident Response

01:33 Containment and Eradication Strategies

05:25 The Importance of Pre-Planning and Backup Systems

16:12 Challenges in Incident Removal and Insider Threats

18:53 Recovery Time and Prioritization

23:20 Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement

28:00 Conclusion and Contact Information

Resources:

Master Tabletop Exercises: https://www.cit-net.com/mastering-incident-response-tabletop-exercises/

Your Role in Incident response: https://www.cit-net.com/your-role-in-incident-response/

St Paul Cyber Incident: https://www.cit-net.com/city-of-st-paul-cyber-incident/

SonicWall Vulnerability: https://www.cit-net.com/sonicwall-vulnerability-breakdown/

Eliminate VPNS: https://www.cit-net.com/the-end-of-vpns/

NIST: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/incident-response

Dive deep into the critical aspects of an effective incident response plan. Our guests, Todd, the COO and CISO, and Nate, the Director of Cybersecurity, discuss the importance of having a well-defined, well-tested plan to handle security incidents. Discover key elements, including escalation paths, communication strategies, and preparation steps, to ensure your business can respond swiftly and efficiently to threats. Follow along as we explore real-world examples and share valuable insights on maintaining business resilience. Don't miss part two of this essential discussion coming next week!

00:00 Introduction to Incident Response

00:34 Key Elements of an Incident Response Plan

01:59 Importance of Communication in Incident Response

03:20 Preparation and Real-World Examples

07:28 Challenges and Adaptability in Incident Response

13:55 Testing and Improving Your Plan

20:24 Emotional and Practical Aspects of Incident Response

24:27 Conclusion and Next Steps

Resources:

Master Tabletop Exercises: https://www.cit-net.com/mastering-incident-response-tabletop-exercises/

Your Role in Incident Response: https://www.cit-net.com/your-role-in-incident-response/

St Paul Cyber Incident: https://www.cit-net.com/city-of-st-paul-cyber-incident/

SonicWall Vulnerability: https://www.cit-net.com/sonicwall-vulnerability-breakdown/

Eliminate VPNS: https://www.cit-net.com/the-end-of-vpns/

NIST: https://csrc.nist.gov/projects/incident-response

In this episode, we delve into the recent SonicWall VPN vulnerability with special guests Todd, our COO and CISO, and Nate, our Director of Cybersecurity. Recorded on August 8th, we discuss the sequence of events leading up to the discovery, the immediate actions taken, and the broader implications for VPN security. Nate provides an in-depth analysis of the attack, including how ransomware groups operate and what businesses can do to protect themselves. Todd expands on why keeping all systems updated and exploring Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) solutions is critical for enhanced security. Stay tuned for our upcoming episode on incident response planning. Whether affected or not, this episode is crucial for anyone looking to fortify their cybersecurity posture.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:26 Initial Discovery of the Vulnerability

02:21 SonicWall's Response and Recommendations

04:13 Broader Implications for Cybersecurity

04:49 The Importance of Regular Updates and Downtime Planning

07:52 The Shift Towards Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

13:12 Ransomware Attack Details and Indicators

22:25 Incident Response Planning and Best Practices

25:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

https://www.cit-net.com/sonicwall-zero-day-vulnerability/

https://www.sonicwall.com/support/notices/gen-7-and-newer-sonicwall-firewalls-sslvpn-recent-threat-activity/250804095336430

https://www.huntress.com/blog/exploitation-of-sonicwall-vpn

Join Todd, our COO & CISO, and Nate, our Director of Cybersecurity, as they discuss the recent cyber attack on the city of St. Paul. Recorded on August 6th, this episode dives into the incident's details, the response measures taken by the city, including invoking the Minnesota National Guard, and the implications for other municipalities. Our experts highlight the importance of a mature cybersecurity program, the role of a Security Operations Center (SOC), and the critical need for proactive measures such as eliminating VPNs and implementing application whitelisting. Plus, they touch on business continuity, communication planning, and the financial impact of such cyber incidents. Don't miss this essential discussion for cities and organizations aiming to bolster their cybersecurity defenses.

Resources:

https://www.stpaul.gov/

https://www.stpaul.gov/news/mayor-carter-declare-state-emergency-response-digital-security-incident

https://www.northstpaul.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=990

https://www.stpaul.gov/news/important-information-city-services-during-digital-security-incident-1

https://www.youtube.com/live/6l8Rzhq60Go?si=rkRMOdeKyjbhr-zs

00:00 Introduction to the Cyber Attack on St. Paul

01:06 Initial Response and Observations

03:42 External Support and National Guard Involvement

06:13 Incident Response and Communication Strategies

08:37 Impact on City Services and Segmentation Importance

12:12 Business Continuity and Manual Processes

20:22 Financial Implications and Recovery Time

26:52 Preventative Measures and Recommendations

34:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts