Episode #6: Unlock the secrets of password security and fortify your defenses against ransomware with our latest episode. Learn how to transform your digital habits by discarding the dangerous practices of password sharing and the all-too-common sticky note storage. We promise to equip you with the knowledge to keep your organization's data fortress impenetrable. By drawing insightful analogies, such as treating passwords like personal toothbrushes, we illuminate the path to adopting safer business practices. Discover why the frequent resetting of passwords might be doing more harm than good and how multi-factor authentication serves as your best line of defense, akin to a robust home alarm system.

Continue your journey to cyber resilience by mastering password management. Unearth the power of 16-character passwords, crafted from memorable phrases, to significantly enhance your security posture. We also discuss the merits of utilizing tools like LastPass and Microsoft's built-in manager, which simplify the complex world of password management, especially in professional settings. Stay ahead of the curve by regularly updating your credentials and ensuring your security measures are up-to-date. Finally, stay connected with us for more cutting-edge insights into business technology. Reach out on Instagram at ITS Telecom or LinkedIn at Integrated Telemanagement Services, and tune in via Apple Podcast, Spotify, or YouTube for easy access to our episodes.

Chapters:

(00:00) Password Security and Ransomware Protection (11:49) Password Management Best Practices (16:00) Tech Podcast Contact Information

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Episode #5: Unlock the secrets to integrating AI into your workplace with confidence. Discover how to manage the rise of "shadow AI" and protect your company's sensitive data by learning from real-world cautionary tales like Samsung's accidental information leak. With upcoming regulations, such as California's law on AI record-keeping, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. We'll guide you through crafting robust company policies that not only safeguard your data but also harness the power of AI tools like Microsoft's Co-Pilot, ensuring they serve your business without overstepping boundaries.

Join us as we navigate the complexities of balancing AI's potential with necessary security measures. From advocating a "human in the loop" approach to sharing insights on zero-trust frameworks and sensitivity labels in Windows, we'll discuss how businesses can maintain oversight and control. Don't let AI become a double-edged sword in your organization. Instead, use our insights to re-evaluate your AI policies and consider innovative ways AI can streamline your procedures while maintaining a stronghold on security. Your feedback and questions are welcomed as we explore this rapidly evolving landscape together.

Chapters:

(00:00) AI Policies in the Workplace (11:14) Ensuring Security and Efficiency in AI

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Episode #4: Can your business withstand the wrath of a natural disaster? We tackle this pressing question on the Business Technology Podcast, where we explore essential strategies for disaster planning, particularly for those of us in regions prone to wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Broadcasting from Southern California, we understand firsthand the havoc that power outages and connectivity issues can wreak on businesses. We share crucial insights on how to fortify your business against these disruptions, from securing an uninterruptible power supply for servers to investing in backup generators. Discover how transitioning to cloud-based solutions can boost security and reliability, ensuring your operations remain uninterrupted even when physical servers are compromised. Robust disaster recovery plans are no longer optional; they're a necessity for keeping the wheels turning when nature strikes.

For those managing remote teams, the challenges are just as daunting. We discuss practical solutions to keep your remote workforce connected amidst internet outages at home. Secure and compliant machine setups are the foundation, but what about the complexities of managing individual home networks? We propose flexible access options, including mobile hotspots and dual internet providers, to safeguard business continuity. The episode underscores the value of cloud-based systems, such as hosted VoIP platforms, in maintaining seamless communication. Plus, we highlight the indispensable role of managed service providers (MSPs) in crafting a resilient business strategy, complete with secure data backup plans. Whether you're in the office or working remotely, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help your business weather any storm.

Chapters:

(00:00) Disaster Planning for Business Owners (09:11) Remote Work Disaster Planning and Solutions

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Episode #3: Could transforming your IT strategy be the key to unlocking unprecedented efficiency and security for your business? On this episode of the Business Technology Podcast, we make a bold claim: Managed Service Providers (MSPs) aren't just a luxury for big corporations; they're an essential partner for businesses of all sizes aiming for long-term success. We unpack how MSPs offer proactive support that goes beyond the break-fix model, ensuring your IT systems are not just operational but optimized. By focusing on tech support, cybersecurity, and system monitoring, MSPs help mitigate risks, cut costs, and boost overall productivity. Whether you're laying the foundations of a new venture or steering a seasoned enterprise, the right IT infrastructure can be your secret weapon against vulnerabilities.

Join us as we champion an educational approach over fear tactics, empowering small to medium-sized business owners to leverage technology effectively and confidently. The misconception that only large companies are vulnerable to cyberattacks is debunked, as we reveal how MSPs can safeguard smaller enterprises against sophisticated threats like ransomware. Our conversation highlights the value of building trust through education, showing how MSPs serve as indispensable partners in optimizing IT systems. This episode is packed with insights for business owners ready to make informed, strategic decisions about their technology needs, regardless of where they are in their journey. Listen in to discover how a curious, informed approach to IT management can transform your business landscape.

Chapters:

(00:00) Understanding Managed IT Services (10:54) Building Trust Through Education and Partnership

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Episode #2: Unlock the secrets to safeguarding your business against cyber threats and boost your efficiency with our latest episode of the Business Technology Podcast. Scott and Alec are here to guide you through the maze of IT and cybersecurity, making them accessible and actionable for small and medium business owners. You'll learn not only how to protect your enterprise from ransomware attacks but also the importance of adapting to the ever-changing technological landscape post-COVID, preparing for potential disasters like wildfires, and ensuring your business is ready for anything that comes its way.

Our discussion focuses on the hidden impacts cybersecurity incidents have on small businesses and nonprofits. We share real-life stories that highlight the operational chaos and data breaches that can occur without proper awareness and education. Learn about the vital components of a resilient disaster recovery plan, the role of third-party backups, and how California nonprofits can benefit from the California Teleconnect Fund, freeing up resources for other critical areas. This knowledge is crucial for making informed technology decisions that enhance both security and efficiency while maintaining the flexibility to thrive.

Finally, we navigate the often misunderstood value of managed service providers (MSPs) and how they can transform your business operations. Discover why many business leaders underestimate their vulnerability to IT risks and how proactive IT management can minimize downtime and maximize productivity. By empowering you with the right technology insights, we aim to help you focus on your core operations, leaving IT management to the experts. Join us in this journey toward achieving meaningful outcomes and stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Chapters:

(00:00) Simplifying Tech for Business Owners (07:04) Cybersecurity & IT Education for Business (18:15) IT Education and Business Success (21:59) Empowering Business Leaders Through Technology

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Episode #1: Join us on a remarkable journey through the evolution of the telecommunications industry over the past 35 years. We sit down with our inspiring guest, founder Sharon Woods, who shares her personal story of starting out in the early 1990s with a small team in Southern California, guided by two visionary executive founders. She navigates us through her transition from employee to CEO, highlighting the pivotal moment when she boldly decided to buy out the founders to drive innovation and secure the company's future. Her story is one of versatility, strategic decision-making, and staying true to the company's mission while adapting to the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Listen in as we explore the profound impact of deregulation in the 1990s and technological advancements like VoIP on the telecom industry. Our guest provides insight into how her company, ITS, maintained a competitive edge by focusing on personalized customer service and flexible solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the entry of cable companies and cellular technology, as well as how ITS offered viable alternatives to dominant market players.

In this conversation, we uncover the significance of building trust through managed services, emphasizing the advantages of smaller providers in offering relationship-based services. Our guest candidly shares her experiences as a female CEO in a male-dominated industry, highlighting the importance of effective networking and collaboration. We celebrate the courage to embrace new challenges, both in business and personal life, as exemplified by The Lake Sirens, a vocal band formed by professional women. Through stories of business leadership and the pursuit of creative passions, we are reminded of the importance of lifelong learning and nurturing a supportive company culture.

Chapters:

(00:00) 35 Years of Business Technology Evolution (08:41) Technology Evolution Impacts Telecom Industry (22:13) Building Trust Through Managed Services (26:03) Lessons in Business Leadership and Networking (34:21) The Lake Sirens

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/

Trailer: Welcome to The Business Technology Podcast hosted by Scott Woods and Alec Modica, where decades of tech expertise meet real-world business insight. From IT headaches to AI breakthroughs — we've got you covered. Each week, we simplify the latest in technology, cybersecurity, and automation so you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and on our website: https://www.itstelecom.com/