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Episode 139: RSAC 2025 Unpacked - Expert Reactions from the CNXN Security Team Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Connection Cybersecurity Podcast, host Kim Coombes is joined by our Security Center of Excellence leaders John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo, along with Microsoft Security expert Robin Camirand, to unpack the biggest insights from the RSAC 2025 Conference.

From the rise of AI-powered defenses and identity threats to the growing buzz around quantum computing, the team shares key takeaways, favorite moments, and what these trends mean for the future of cybersecurity. Whether you're curious about agentic AI, post-quantum cryptography, or just want to hear about goats and code-breaking shenanigans—this recap of the conference includes insights from our experts and has something for everyone.

For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity

If you’re ready to start the conversation around what Connection can do to help your organization—Call 1.800.998.0067. Or, if you have a Connection account team already in place, please reach out.

Speakers

John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection

Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection

Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection

Robin Camirand, Inside Solution Architect, Connection

Show Notes

00:00 Welcome and Overview of RSAC 2025

02:27 Community and Collaboration at RSAC

04:39 Identity Management Challenges

07:58 Zero Trust Principles in Security

08:37 Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography

10:20 Agentic AI in Security Operations

12:42 Emerging Defenses Against AI-Powered Attacks

14:48 Best Practices for Leveraging AI in Security

17:04 Favorite Moments from RSAC 2025

20:25 Summing Up RSAC 2025

Episode 138: Elevating Patient-centered Care with Intelligent Healthcare Technology Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Join Jamal Khan and Jennifer Johnson as they explore the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare, focusing on its applications, ethical considerations, data privacy, and the role of Chief AI Officers. This discussion highlights the importance of governance, patient consent, and the potential of AI to improve healthcare workflows while addressing data security challenges. Learn about how to implement AI responsibly for better healthcare outcomes and operational excellence.

Speakers:

Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection

Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Business Development at Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 The Evolution of AI in Healthcare 03:04 Ethics and Governance in AI Applications 06:05 Data Privacy and Security Concerns 08:49 The Role of Chief AI Officers 12:07 Patient Consent and Data Usage 14:54 AI's Impact on Healthcare Workflows 18:00 Computational Power in Health Data Analysis 20:47 Virtual Assistants in Healthcare 24:00 Clinical Trials vs. Drug Discovery 26:55 The Future of Patient Data Management 28:11 AI Adoption in Insurance Companies 33:05 Transparency and Explainability in AI 37:28 AI Use Cases in Healthcare 44:10 Cloud vs On-Prem AI Solutions 49:23 Data Orchestration in Healthcare

For more information on AI services for healthcare, visit https://www.cnxnhelix.com/healthcare.

Episode 137: Quantum Computing Threats and Countermeasures May 05, 2025

Show notes

Quantum computing represents a significant shift in computational power, offering both opportunities and challenges for securing sensitive data. Join the Connection Security Center of Excellence team as we delve into the transformative threats that quantum computing poses for cybersecurity and the countermeasures we should be considering to address those threats.

We'll explore the fundamentals of quantum computing, including concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement, and how these principles can enhance encryption and threat detection. Quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation, and quantum machine learning are some of the promising applications that could revolutionize device security.

However, quantum computing also poses risks to traditional cryptographic methods, potentially compromising data integrity, authentication protocols, and long-term data security. We'll discuss the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and the importance of transitioning to quantum-safe technologies to protect against future quantum-enabled threats.

Join us as we navigate the exciting yet complex landscape of quantum computing and security, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and future directions that will shape the approach to cybersecurity in the quantum era.

Speakers

John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection

Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection

Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection

Lindsay Nelmes, Microsoft Solution Sales Executive, Connection

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity
02:31 Real-World Impacts of Quantum Computing
04:49 The Timeline for Quantum Threats
06:29 Industries at Risk and Proactive Measures
08:36 Understanding Quantum Resistant Algorithms
09:59 Leveraging Quantum for Cybersecurity Improvements
12:08 AI and Quantum Computing Synergy
14:07 Microsoft's Role in Quantum Security
15:30 Future Milestones in Quantum Computing
18:02 Misconceptions About Quantum Computing
20:12 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity.

Episode 136: Future-Proofing IT Operations with AIOps and Automation Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

AIOps is revolutionizing IT operations, enabling businesses to manage infrastructure more efficiently than ever. In this episode, we explore how automation, AI, and machine learning are reshaping IT management—driving self-healing systems, autonomous operations, and proactive performance optimization.

As organizations scale, ensuring resilience, minimizing downtime, and controlling costs are more critical than ever. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the key trends fueling AIOps adoption and the strategies IT leaders can use to future-proof their operations. Expect actionable insights on leveraging AI-driven automation for smarter, more scalable, and cost-effective IT management.

Speakers: Taruna Gandhi, Head of Product Marketing for OpsRamp, Hewlett Packard
Cameron Bulanda, VP of Technical Sales and Centers of Excellence, Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to AI in Operations
03:11 The Importance of Observability
05:54 Breaking Down Silos with AIOps
09:10 Real-Life Examples of Self-Healing Systems
12:02 Proactive Management with AI Insights
14:51 Leveraging Anonymized Data for Better Insights
18:05 Future of AI in Operations Management
20:49 Driving Sustainability with AI
23:59 Choosing the Right Partner for AI Solutions

Episode 135: Unveiling the Hidden Threats in Hyperconnected Healthcare (A Cyber-Thriller's Take on IoMT Security) Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

In a world where hospitals rely on interconnected medical devices to save lives, there are continuous hidden vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface. This podcast dives into the realities of IoMT security with John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect and author of the newly released novella Silent 1ntrusions, alongside cybersecurity expert Rob Di Girolamo, to break down the threats, the lessons, and what we can do to defend against them.

We’ll delve into topics Silent 1ntrusions’ main character, Dr. Kristi Chiro experiences as she battles a relentless hacker. A pacemaker’s glitch, insulin pumps go haywire, and an entire hospital teeters on the edge of collapse. In an era of hyperconnected healthcare, how safe are we really?

Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection
Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection
Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to IOMT Security and Silent Intrusions
02:46 Real-World Inspirations Behind Silent Intrusions
06:10 Exploring IOMT Vulnerabilities in Healthcare
08:49 Challenges in Securing IOMT Devices
11:46 Attack Scenarios and Realistic Threats
14:50 Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals
18:08 Future Threats in Healthcare Security

Episode 134: AIOps – The Future of Threat Detection and Response Jan 29, 2025

Show notes

Artificial intelligence for IT security operations (AISecOps) is revolutionizing cybersecurity. In this episode, we discuss how AI and machine learning are used to analyze IT data, allowing organizations to:

Proactively identify and respond to threats: Detect anomalies, predict outages, and automate incident response.
Improve efficiency: Streamline security operations and optimize resource allocation.
Enhance threat detection: Uncover complex attack patterns and stay ahead of emerging threats.

We'll cover real-world applications of AISecOps, the challenges in implementing this technology, and future trends in AI-driven security. Finally, we'll provide actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture with AISecOps.

Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection
Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection
Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to AIOps and Cybersecurity 03:07 The Role of AIOps in Threat Detection 06:01 Adapting to Evolving Cyber Threats 08:58 AI in Proactive Threat Hunting 11:55 Challenges in AIOps: False Positives and Data Quality 14:51 The Future of AIOps and Self-Healing Systems 17:45 AI and Zero Trust Strategies 21:07 AIOps for Small and Medium Businesses 23:52 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Episode 133: From Chaos to Clarity – AI Security Tools at Work Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, our Security Center of Excellence team delves into a real-world cybersecurity mystery and its unexpected solution. This incident is a perfect storm, highlighting the complexities of modern IT environments and how seemingly unrelated actions can cascade into significant business disruptions and major security incidents. But here's where it gets fascinating: what appeared to be a sophisticated cyber-attack turned out to be something far more mundane, yet equally dangerous.

The hero of this story is an AI-powered assistant, still in its proof-of-concept phase, that cracked the case. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the Phantom Brute Force attack and the AI detective that solved it. This isn’t just a mere cautionary tale about the complexities of modern IT environments; it serves as a stark reminder of how easily security can be compromised in unexpected ways.

Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection
Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection
Kimberlee Coombes, Senior Security Architect, Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges 01:02 The Incident Unfolds: A Case Study 03:51 Utilizing AI Tools for Incident Resolution 10:29 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 15:35 Bridging Theory and Practice in Cybersecurity 18:00 Best Practices: Hard-Coded Passwords and Change Management 23:43 Empowering Users with AI Tools

Episode 132: Frontline Cybersecurity: Trends, Impacts, and Zero Trust Insights Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead isn't just an option—it's a necessity. In this episode, we peel back the layers of the latest attack vector trends and take you into the heart of a recent cyber incident that challenged conventional defenses. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about the human element—everyday people navigating an invisible battlefield.

We’ll break down the anatomy of a sophisticated malware attack that slipped past traditional security measures with ghost-like precision. Discover the tools, strategies, and decisions that led to its eventual detection, containment, and remediation.

Beyond the technical deep dive, we’ll explore the critical role of Zero-Trust principles in building resilient defenses and highlight how fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance can be the ultimate game-changer. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting your cybersecurity journey, this episode is packed with insights and actionable takeaways to fortify your defenses and stay ahead of emerging threats.

Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection
Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection
Pam Kennedy, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Connection
Kevin Knapp, Senior Cybersecurity Engineer, Connection

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Trends 02:50 Ransomware Evolution and Tactics 06:07 AI's Role in Cyber Threats 09:01 Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities 11:52 Supply Chain and Vendor Attacks 15:11 Identity-Based Attacks and Authentication Challenges 18:05 Key Takeaways for Organizations 20:57 Case Study: The Wave Browser Incident 27:12 Post-Incident Analysis and Lessons Learned

Episode 131: Securing Industry 4.0 Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

The manufacturing sector is racing towards a digital future, but this innovation brings an explosion of cyber threats. This episode exposes the hidden vulnerabilities putting manufacturers at risk and reveals essential strategies to protect your operations. Discover how to secure vulnerable legacy systems, maximize your cybersecurity insurance, and gain critical visibility into Operational Technology (OT).

We'll also explore how Microsoft and AI are revolutionizing cybersecurity defense. Don't let cybercriminals cripple your progress. Tune in now for actionable insights and expert advice to fortify your manufacturing business against evolving threats.

Host: James Hilliard

Speakers: Ryan Spurr, Manufacturing Strategy Director, Connection

Travis Guinn, Principal Partner Solutions Architect for Security,
Microsoft

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to Industry 4.0 Security Challenges 03:03 Assessing Current Security Postures in Manufacturing 05:54 Cybersecurity Insurance and Its Impact on Manufacturers 09:12 The Need for Visibility and Insight in Manufacturing 12:02 Modernization and Integration of IT and OT 14:52 Decision-Making in Cybersecurity Modernization 17:49 Leveraging Microsoft Tools for Cybersecurity 21:02 The Role of AI in Enhancing Cybersecurity 25:46 Conclusion and Next Steps for Manufacturers

Episode 130: AI in Manufacturing – Productivity at the Point of Use Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

Manufacturing is undergoing a quiet transformation as AI becomes embedded across the industry, often without companies fully realizing it. Despite abundant data, many manufacturers are missing chances to boost productivity and quality control. With mature tools like Vision AI gaining traction, the future of manufacturing will rely on intelligent automation, edge computing, and AI as a workforce enhancer rather than a replacement.

In this episode, we delve into the current and future role of AI in manufacturing, highlighting practical applications and the impact on efficiency. We’ll cover how manufacturers can better leverage data, embrace embedded AI, and foster collaboration to successfully implement AI solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in this evolving space.

Host: James Hilliard

Guests: Ryan Spurr, Senior Manufacturing Strategy and Business Development Director at Connection

Jeff Minushkin, VP Helix Core Engineering

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction to AI in Manufacturing 02:52 Current State of AI Adoption in Manufacturing 06:05 The Future of AI: Trends and Innovations 09:03 Identifying Wins: Productivity and Quality Control 11:51 Technological Changes on the Horizon 14:47 Impact on Workforce: Operators, Engineers, and Managers 20:50 Engagement Process: From Strategy to Execution 26:57 The Path Forward with AI in Manufacturing

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