The Perfect Storm
Michael Markulec and Matthew Webster
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In this bi-weekly podcast for business executives and information security professionals, industry veterans Michael Markulec and Matthew Webster chat with guests about the latest cyber news, threats, and trends impacting small and medium businesses.
Harbor’s proactive rather than reactive solutions help our clients develop the cybersecurity program necessary to take their organization to the next level. Harbor's innovative processes are based on industry-standard frameworks that are tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
May 10, 2023
Episode 40: with Nishat Azam
In this episode, Matthew is joined by Nishat Azam, Director of Compliance at Cypher LLC. They discuss a small business' journey to achieving CMMC compliance and becoming a C3PAO. Nishat provides valuable insights into the steps businesses must take to prepare for a CMMC audit and achieve certification, as well as general advice on navigating cybersecurity compliance.
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Apr 26, 2023
Episode 39: with Nathan Hamiel
In this podcast, Matthew interviews Nathan Hamiel, the Senior Director of Research at Kudelski Security, where they discuss various topics surrounding AI. They cover the areas of security, LLMs, and the social language of ChatGPT. Their discussion also includes privacy concerns such as intellectual property versus personal property, as well as Nathan's thoughts on how AI technology can be utilized in the short and long-term future.
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Mar 9, 2023
Episode 38: with Mark Phander
Michael meets with Mark Phander, the Risk Adviser at CBIZ Borden Perlman. They talk about the rise in cyber insurance coverage for businesses, how cyber insurance and cybersecurity practices have evolved at CBIZ, and how clients and businesses have reacted in recent years to cyber policy changes. Mark describes why Multi-Factor-Authentication (MFA) is essential nowadays and which types of devices and accounts should be protected through MFA. They also talk about protecting your Personal Identifying Information (PII) and the process and importance of educating yourself on safe cyber practices.
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Feb 8, 2023
Episode 37: with Nicholas Blank and Chris Goosen
Matthew talks to Nicholas Blank, the CEO of NBConsult, and Chris Goosen, Technology Consultant and Microsoft MVP about Zero Trust. They discuss its guiding principles, including what to do if a vendor contacts your business regarding Zero Trust. They also talk about the importance of using complex passwords, enabling MFA for Cloud Services, and Privilege Account Management as a business.
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Jan 25, 2023
Episode 36: with Michael and Matthew
Michael and Matthew are back after a holiday break to continue The Perfect Storm Podcast in 2023. They discuss possible upcoming trends in cybersecurity this year and current news circulating in the cyber field. They give advice about how to best protect your business’s data by choosing the right companies for insurance and third-party risk management. They also bring up AI chatbots becoming more popular and the importance of staying up to date on compliance certifications.
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Nov 16, 2022
Episode 35: with Lisa Lorenzin
Matthew meets with security expert Lisa Lorenzin, a former Field CTO-AMS at Zscaler. They discuss the evolution of the modern workplace over the last few years, especially with the increase in remote workers. They focus on a variety of topics in the history and current state of remote work, including cloud-based security services, secure web gateway and proxy, and firewall and remote access VPNs, to name a few. They also talk about the future of remote work with the help of new cybersecurity technology.
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Nov 3, 2022
Episode 34: with Richard Shapiro
Matthew talks with Richard Shapiro, the Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Sierra Canyon School in California. They discuss why it is vital to educate students and teachers on security practices and describe a class offered at Sierra Canyon that teaches students how to be cyber-safe. They also talk about how cybersecurity differs at schools from other organizations as well as the cost and benefit of implementing a security system to protect sensitive information.
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Oct 20, 2022
Episode 33: with David Lennon
Matthew meets with David Lennon, the Director of Enterprise Solutions at FireMon. They talk about managing firewall rules, cyber threat maps, and the importance of having good cyber hygiene. They also discuss Firemon’s move to cloud security operations, specifically focusing on access control for users.
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Oct 6, 2022
Episode 32: with Matt Hagovsky
Matthew meets with Matt Hagovsky, the North American Sales Engineering VP for Cybereason. They discuss how Cybereason approaches endpoint attacks by distilling all alerts into one to help users map out their cyber vulnerabilities in a quicker and more useful way. They also talk about how detection endpoint response has advanced over the years and how cyber companies with different resources have adapted to these technologies. They mention the differences between MDR (Managed Detection & Response) and EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) and how they could affect your choice of MSP (Market Service Provider).
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Sep 8, 2022
Episode 31: with Mike DeKock
Mike Dekock returns, in his third episode with The Perfect Storm Podcast, to discuss with Matthew what to look for in a SOC 2 report. They talk about requirements for SOC 2 that customers should be sure they include and go into further detail about each step of creating a SOC 2 report. Mike also explains how it could help customers to consider doing research on their auditor to be sure they include all the right information in their report.
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Aug 25, 2022
Episode 30: with Scott Schober
Michael meets with Scott Schober, the President, and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems. Scott is an expert in wireless security technology and is a best-selling author of numerous books on cybersecurity. They discuss Scott's role at the company in educating businesses on the importance of cybersecurity and how BV Systems is constantly developing tools and technologies to keep consumers and businesses safe from threats. They also talk about the fundamental issue of weak passwords.
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Aug 11, 2022
Episode 29: with Erick Burd
Michael talks with Erick Burd, who is a Network Engineer at a large NJ University and Chairperson of the Hopewell Twp. Board of Fire Commissioners. Erick discusses the challenges faced within the IT department, such as the pandemic and budget limitations. They also talk about how security is part of all aspects of IT in Erick's workplace and bring up other topics like the Internet of things (IoT).
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Jul 27, 2022
Episode 28: with Jean-guy Lauture
Michael meets with Jean-guy R. Lauture MPP, CG-CIO, the Assistant Township Administrator in the Technology Department for Bloomfield Township, NJ. Jean-guy talks about many of the projects within the township that the IT Department takes on. They discuss how different projects in the municipality require the help of IT, including keeping systems up-to-date and cyber-safe through phishing tests, and other specifics involving the private sector.
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Jul 14, 2022
Episode 27: with Luke Wegryn
Matthew speaks with Luke Wegryn, the Co-founder of Pensive Security, about the company and how he started it. They discuss the main services provided, including cybersecurity penetration testing on web, mobile, and cloud devices. They also talk about when it is important to perform a pen test and mention Pensive Security's other consulting services that provide help to SMBs.
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Jun 29, 2022
Episode 26: Mike DeKock
Matthew and Mike DeKock, the CEO of MJD Advisors, meet a second time to discuss preparation for SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) and audit certification. In this episode, they discuss cost, the differences between SOC type 1 and SOC type 2, and more about the certification process.
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Jun 15, 2022
Episode 25: with Matt Burch
Michael meets with Matt Burch, the VP of ComportSecure. They talk about some of the services ComportSecure provides, including IT Solutions, Managed Services, and Cloud Services. They also discuss other cybersecurity topics such as BaaS (Backup as a Service), ransomware, and EDR solutions (Endpoint Detection and Response).
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Jun 2, 2022
Episode 24: with Tim Erlin
Matthew talks with Tim Erlin, the former VP of Tripwire and long-time security expert, about compliance with PCI (Payment Card Industry). They describe the importance of PCI compliance and how it can help protect against attacks such as credential theft. They also discuss the concept of zero-trust and Tim's future career in the security business.
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May 19, 2022
Episode 23: with Mike DeKock
Matthew meets with Mike DeKock, the Founder and CEO of MJD Advisors to talk all about SOC 2 (Service Organization Control). As his company specializes in SOC 2, Mike talks about how MJD Advisors helps explain the service to clients and how he guides them through the process. They also discuss how often some organizations should be doing a SOC 2 report versus the standard.
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Apr 21, 2022
Episode 22: with Deb Rose
Matthew meets with Deborah Rose, the COO at Goalsetter. She explains how Goalsetter was founded, and how it helps teach children and families how to be financially healthy. They also talk about how that connects to cybersecurity and how banks and fintech differ.
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Apr 7, 2022
Episode 21: with Alex Clark
Matthew talks with Alex, the VP Cyber Solutions Leader at Hylant, about cyber insurance. They discuss risk transfer programs and the importance of an incident response plan. They also mention the human risk factor and how employees can impact businesses, specifically through ransomware.
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Mar 24, 2022
Episode 20: with Elaine Evans
Michael meets with Elaine, the Manager at Springboard IT, part of Springboard Media. They talk about how Springboard IT outsources help for businesses with Mac and iOS IT support. They also discuss other services Springboard IT provides as an MSP (Managed Service Provider), especially during the pandemic.
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Mar 9, 2022
Episode 19: with Lynn Burns
Matthew meets with Lynn Burns, the President of the nonprofit organization NCMS. They discuss how NCMS volunteers support and educate its 7,000 members on CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) to protect CUI (controlled unclassified information). They talk about contractor security tips for government workers and the importance of protecting paper documents as well as digital.
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Feb 23, 2022
Episode 18: with Matt Cerny
Matthew talks with Matt Cerny, the Director of Information Security at Integra Life Sciences and long-time cyber expert. They discuss cyber encryption and the importance of educating employees in cyber safety. They also talk about being approachable cyber professionals so that employees feel comfortable asking for help.
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Feb 9, 2022
Episode 17: with Julian Sylvestro
Matthew meets with Julian Sylvestro, the Director of Insurance and Legal Verticals at Secureworks. They discuss the need for cybersecurity insurance and different types of coverage. They also talk about the assistance that Secureworks provides for its customers.
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Jan 26, 2022
Episode 16: with Jim Cavanagh
Matthew meets with Jim Cavanagh, the Owner and Principal Consultant of Executive Healthcare Consulting. Jim talks about his extensive career in IT and healthcare consulting and the challenges that healthcare workers have been facing during the pandemic. They also bring up the rise in ransomware and the use of cryptocurrency.
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Jan 13, 2022
Episode 15: with Lee Sult
Matthew meets with Lee Sult, the General Manager at Corvid Cyberdefense to discuss cloud computing and cloud security. They also talk about the shared security model that cloud providers, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), around the world implement in their security.
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Dec 30, 2021
Episode 14: with Matthew and Michael
Matthew and Michael chat about cybersecurity trends over the last year and discuss upcoming trends to look out for in 2022. They talk about the future of CMMC, risk management, and security awareness training. They also mention Apache Log4j and its vulnerabilities in 2021 that could continue to cause issues in the new year.
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Dec 16, 2021
Episode 13: with Loredana Niculae
Michael meets with Loredana Niculae, the CEO of NNC Services, which is a marketing company that provides strategies for IT companies and professional service companies. They discuss a few marketing strategies, such as marketing businesses to a specific persona and understanding your buyer. Loredana also explains how creating a space for a community of professionals to get together can benefit everyone and give opportunities to collaborate in a similar field.
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Dec 2, 2021
Episode 12: with David Trapani
Michael talks with David Trapani, the owner of sales and training organization, Sandler Training. They discuss how changes in technology and cybersecurity regulations have affected sales processes. David also brings up the benefits of reinforcement training through security awareness.
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Nov 18, 2021
Episode 11: with John Britton
Matthew talks with John Britton about CMMC updates in John’s second episode of the Perfect Storm. John is the Technical Director for Corvid Cyberdefense, a partner of Harbor TG. They detail the changes in CMMC, from version 1.3 to the new 2.0 version, and discuss each level within the new version of the certification. John also describes CMMC versus NIST 800-171, and gives tips to small businesses about cybersecurity and preparing for cybersecurity certification.
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Oct 27, 2021
Episode 10: with Evan Kennedy
Michael talks with Evan Kennedy, a security consultant here at Harbor Technology Group, about his nearly two years working at Harbor. They discuss Harbor’s approach to awareness training, including the two-prong curriculum for simulated phishing. Evan also details the difference between vulnerability scanning versus ethical hacking penetration testing and gives tips for SMBs on how to respond to simulated phishing emails.
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Oct 13, 2021
Episode 9: with Johnny Lieberman and Zack Miller
Matthew has a discussion with Johnny Liberman and Zack Miller of Worklyn Partners, an investing and operating company they co-founded. They discuss how they created the company and their plan for creating a one-stop-shop provider of cybersecurity services for mid-market and SMB customers. With Matthew, they detail the many different security solutions advertised in the market -- XDR (Extended Detection and Response), EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), and MDR (Managed Detection and Response) – and comment on trends they are seeing in the M&A market, especially with private equity firms growing more interested in the space.
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Oct 6, 2021
Episode 8: with Anton Major
Matthew has a discussion with Anton Major, the Director of Technology at VelocIT, about what his job is like managing an organization’s IT as a Managed Service Provider (MSP). They talk about changes in the company and its clients during the pandemic, specifically how a hybrid work environment affects IT. Anton also brings up other topics such as cloud services and using a VPN, and gives tips for staying safe while working remotely.
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Sep 22, 2021
Episode 7: with John Verry
Matthew has a discussion with John Verry, the CISO and Solutions Director at Pivot Point Security, about a number of services that Pivot Point Security provides. Some of the services they mention include individual IoT device penetration tests, organization vulnerability assessments, and ISO 27000 certification. John explains the positives of working with smaller businesses and the importance of meeting with a cybersecurity professional in order to be sure each organization is well-protected.
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Sep 8, 2021
Episode 6: with John Britton
Matthew talks with John Britton, the Technical Director at Corvid Cyberdefense, to discuss a number of topics surrounding CMMC. John explains Corvid’s approach to helping its clients find the best time to implement a plan for CMMC as well as providing them with a strong and affordable cyber defense team.
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Aug 25, 2021
Episode 5: with Tommy McDowell
This week, Michael meets with Tommy McDowell, the General Manager at Celerium. They talk about Celerium and its focus on supply chain cyber protection. Tommy gives tips for identifying sensitive information and protecting it through different security measures. Lastly, they discuss how CMMC has changed in the last couple of years and how Celerium can help prepare organizations to meet the new requirements.
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Aug 11, 2021
Episode 4: with William Compton
Matthew meets with William Compton, the CIO at Integra Life Sciences, to talk about how Integra adapted to remote work during the pandemic. They also discuss the importance of being prepared both as an individual and as an organization for security testing, specifically email trust and being cyber safe on social media.
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Jul 28, 2021
Episode 3: with Craig Sandman
Michael talks with Craig Sandman, the President and Founder at Symbol Security about security awareness and training for employees. They discuss how to avoid email phishing and malware attacks, credential theft, and other ways to avoid ransomware attacks and scams using Symbol Security’s training.
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Jul 14, 2021
Episode 2: with Steve Budd
Matthew meets with Harbor's first guest, Steve Budd, the COO at MC3 to discuss employee phishing attacks, “evil-ware," and how virtual experiences at a small business have changed during the pandemic.
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Jun 25, 2021
Introduction to The Perfect Storm
In this episode, cyber experts Michael and Matthew give an introduction to the podcast, as well as a description of Harbor Technology Group's services. They explain a range of services from cyber risk advisory to vCISO consulting to meet specific security requirements without putting a strain on your IT budget. Additionally, they talk about how these can allow businesses to make informed, fact-based decisions and manage cyber risk.
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