Off the Wire: A Play by Play on Cybersecurity and Technology Issues

Empowering Communities: The Impact of Excellent Local Government Leadership

Join us in this episode of Off the Wire as we interview Glenn Hasteadt, a retired IT director and longtime leader in local government. Glenn shares his insights on the importance of great government leadership, the impact technology has on communities, and the lessons he's learned throughout his career. From managing emergency services during Hurricane Flor...

Welcome back to the Off the Wire Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of cybersecurity from an offensive standpoint. We sit down with Slade, the President of Contextual Security Solutions, to uncover what truly works in defending against real attack methods. Slade shares captivating stories and practical insights on penetration testing tools, the effectiveness of current security solutions, and the importance of vi...

Meeting People Where They Are: A Cybersecurity Journey with Lindsay

Join us in this insightful episode of the Off the Wire podcast as we welcome Lindsay, a cybersecurity professional who transitioned from a decade in real estate to making impactful strides in the world of cybersecurity. Lindsay shares her unique journey, beginning with multinational moves from Minnesota to Hawaii to South Dakota, and ultimately settling in Colorado...

Beyond the Sales Pitch: Evaluating Tech Products and Preparing for 2026

In this episode, join Anthony and Tanner as they share their experiences and insights on evaluating tech products, from avoiding long-term contracts based on sales pitches to the importance of defining specific needs and conducting rigorous proof of concepts. They discuss their unique approaches in the co-op world and various tools and strategies to ensure they...

Unlocking Career Advancement: The Subtle Secrets to Getting Noticed

In this episode of 'Off The Wire,' hosts Anthony and his colleague discuss critical aspects that can influence your career progression. From key behaviors that get positively noticed to pitfalls that can set you back, they share valuable insights from their extensive careers. Topics include: being a problem solver rather than a task-doer, the importance of efficien...

Finding the Perfect Vendor: Navigating IT Vendor Relationships

Welcome to Off The Wire, the podcast that helps you curb your cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, Tanner and Anthony, seasoned IT executives, discuss the ins and outs of selecting the right vendors for your business. They explore the qualities to look for in a good vendor, the red flags to avoid, and how to maintain a healthy vendor-cus...

Embracing AI in the Cooperative Sector: Insights and Strategies

Join Tanner Greer, Chief Technology Officer at Blue Ridge Energy, and Anthony Kent from Four County EMC as they share their perspectives on integrating artificial intelligence in the cooperative industry. With a combined 35 years of IT experience, they discuss practical approaches, use cases, and challenges of AI adoption.

Discover the benefits of intelligent search, s...

Top 5 Cybersecurity Policies Vital for IT Departments | Off The Wire Podcast Join Tanner and Anthony, seasoned IT executives with over 35 years of experience, as they debate the top five critical cybersecurity policies that every IT department should implement. From incident response plans to password policies, they break down the most vital measures needed to protect your organization against cyber threats. This episode is packed ...

Unlocking the Power of Low-Code Development with Adam W.

In this episode of Off the Wire, hosts Tanner and Anthony are joined by Adam W., a Senior Workflow Engineer at Shift Four, to dive deep into the world of low-code and no-code development. Adam shares his journey from help desk technician to low-code expert, discusses the various levels of coding, and explains how low-code platforms can revolutionize businesses, especially for...

Deep Dive into Microsegmentation for Cybersecurity

Welcome to Off The Wire, the podcast that helps you curb your cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony discuss the concept of microsegmentation, its implementation, and its importance in improving network security. With decades of IT experience, they provide insights into the basics of microsegmentation, tools and methods for im...

AI's Impact on Jobs & Cybersecurity: Off The Wire Podcast Special Edition

In this special edition of Off The Wire, IT executives Tanner and Anthony dive deep into a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market and cybersecurity. With 35 years of combined experience, they share personal insights, debate differing viewpoints, and explore the potential future of AI in various industries. They also dis...

Mastering IT Training: Best Practices and Pitfalls | Off The Wire Podcast

Welcome to Off The Wire, the podcast that helps you curb your cybersecurity risk and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the intricacies of technology training. They discuss how current training methods can be improved, the importance of training throughout the lifecycle of technology, and share real-world su...

Mastering System Monitoring: Essential Techniques and Tools | Off The Wire Podcast

Welcome back to Off The Wire Podcast!

Join Tanner and Anthony, IT executives with 35 years of experience, as they delve into the crucial topic of system monitoring. Discover why this less-than-flashy software is indispensable for maintaining reliability and preempting issues before they impact end users. Learn about the key tools available, both open...

Unpacking the 2025 Verizon DBIR Report: Key Cybersecurity Insights for SMBs

Welcome back to Off The Wire! In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the 2025 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR). With 35 years of combined IT experience, they discuss the evolving threat landscape, notable trends in cybersecurity, and the importance of proactively researching and analyzing risks. From third party breaches an...

Is the Phone Call Dead? Office Communications in Modern Workspaces

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' IT executives Tanner and Anthony dive into the evolution of office communications, discussing whether phone calls are becoming obsolete. They explore the use of chat applications like Microsoft Teams, the rise of email, and the role of face-to-face interactions.

The discussion also covers the generational differences in communicati...

Shadow IT: Identifying and Managing Unauthorized Technology Use

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' Tanner and Anthony discuss 'Shadow IT' and its implications on organizational security and efficiency. They delve into concrete examples, such as unauthorized software subscriptions and unapproved hardware purchases. Tanner and Anthony provide insights on why users engage in Shadow IT and the risks associated with it. They emphasize t...

Mastering Technology Evaluations: Insights for IT Executives

In this episode of 'Off The Wire,' IT executives Tanner and Anthony delve into the intricacies of technology evaluations, covering both hardware and software. With 35 years of combined experience, they discuss the importance of starting with the 'why,' involving the right people, and the significance of demos, pricing, and references. They also explore best practices for ...

Mastering Strategic Tech Planning: Communicating with Leadership Effectively

In this episode of 'Off the Wire,' we dive deep into the essential topic of strategic technology planning and the importance of effectively communicating these plans to CEOs, executive leaders, and board members. Hosts Anthony and Tanner discuss their personal experiences and approaches to planning, including the facets of building on previous years, incor...

Mastering IT Project Management: Tips and Tools for Success

Welcome to Off the Wire, the podcast dedicated to helping you manage cybersecurity risks and tackle technology challenges. In this episode, hosts Tanner and Anthony dive deep into the world of project management, specifically IT project management. They begin by recounting their experiences and the critical importance of having clear goals, plans, and user buy-in to make p...