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Vancord CyberSound Podcast

Protect your business with tips & tactics from our IT security experts

CyberSound podcast
CyberSoundTM is a podcast built by and for business owners and professionals. Tune in as our cybersecurity experts cover the latest news regarding IT security, the most recent and relevant threats organizations are facing today, and provide tips to keep your business safe.

Where to Listen to CyberSoundTM

Enter Giveaway to Celebrate our 100th CyberSound Episode!

Learn how we work together with our clients to manage, defend, and respond to their infrastructure needs.

Most Recent Episode

120

2025 E-Rate Insights: Policy Updates & School Funding Opportunities with Joe Pillo

In this episode of CyberSound, Jason Pufahl, Michael Grande, and E-Rate expert Joe Pillo from E-Rate First dive into the evolving landscape of E-Rate funding as the 2025 application season kicks off. This $7.2 billion federal program continues to play a crucial role in helping schools and libraries nationwide enhance technology and expand internet access.
Discover how E-Rate empowers eligible organizations to unlock funding opportunities, improve digital infrastructure, and provide equitable access for students and communities. Whether you’re new to the program or looking for expert advice on navigating its complex rules, this episode delivers actionable insights to help schools and libraries maximize their benefits in 2025 and beyond.

Meet the Hosts of CyberSoundTM

CyberSoundTM is hosted by cybersecurity professionals who work in the industry on a daily basis. Meet Vancord’s Jason Pufahl, Steven Maresca, and Matt Fusaro.
Jason Pufahl
VP Security Services
Steven Maresca

Principal Architect, vISO

Matt Fusaro

Security Services Director

Most Recent Episodes

PODCAST EPISODE 70
The ever-changing cyber world poses risks for children. It is critical to ensure they are using technology appropriately. As a parent, how do I address these concerns with my child, and are there any preventative measures I can take?
As a Part 2 in our Growing Up Online series, Jason, Steve, and Matt are joined today by the VP of Client Success at Vancord, Lou Ardolino, to discuss how they’ve learned to provide ethical guidance to their children in behaving appropriately online.
PODCAST EPISODE 69
With the emerging cybersecurity threat landscape, it’s increasingly important to have a Security Operations Center (SOC) that can recognize and respond to attacks in an efficient manner. Understanding what attackers are thinking and how they plan to use malware ensures that as these new threats emerge, a defense against them is also being built.
On this episode of CyberSound, Jason and Matt sit down with the Vice President of Threat Hunting and Counterintelligence at Binary Defense, Randy Pargman, to break down how his company prepares their SOC analysts for threat hunting.
PODCAST EPISODE 68
Managing and funding the operations of internet infrastructure in schools can be a difficult task. The Universal Service Program for Schools and Libraries, better known as E-Rate, exists to help make it easier for these entities to get the equipment and services they need at an affordable price.
Today, Jason is joined by the CEO of E-Rate First, Joseph Pillo, and Owen Black from Vancord to reveal the E-Rate process and the benefits of applying for this program.
PODCAST EPISODE 67
As we near the end of 2022, the team at Vancord looks back on their security predictions, shares optimism about the future of the cybersecurity and information technology industries, and encourages you to focus on the fundamentals for the upcoming year.
Today, Jason, Steve, and Matt are joined by the President & CEO of Vancord, Michael Grande, as they dive into hot trends they've witnessed in 2022. Tune in for a recap on 5G, issues with Twitter, the evolving financial landscape, and the increased usage of smart home devices.
PODCAST EPISODE 66
In recent years, purchasing methods of consumers have drastically changed. Relative to the security space, the introduction of Electronic Wallets (eWallets) and the need for convenience and safety has become crucial.
Today, the team at Vancord discusses this topic of eWallets, mention their recommendations for use, and addresses a few of the security concerns you should consider. The team believes this up-and-coming feature will be the new reality over the coming years.
PODCAST EPISODE 65
On October 11, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration released a Fact Sheet revealing the increased efforts of the White House to improve the Nation’s cyber defenses. But how exactly are they promising to lead Americans toward a more cyber-safe future?
Today, Jason, Steve, and Matt divulge a few key ideas that may benefit our listeners, such as developing a new label, building up the cyber workforce, and security relative to quantum computing. Read the official document here.
PODCAST EPISODE 64
Password protection management is a fundamental practice you and your organization should utilize to keep your credentials safe.
There are many password managers available, but today, Jason, Steve, and Matt dive into their preferred software, LastPass, to speak on the marriage of security and convenience this tool provides. The team stresses how incidents can prove the value of password vaults and reassures any concerns about using these platforms.
PODCAST EPISODE 63
Keep yourself safe from cyberattacks this Halloween season.
It’s no secret that full-size candy bars are sought after and tracked down on Halloween night. In this fun, holiday-esque episode, Jason, Steve, and Matt introduce an easy-to-follow scenario to walk you through the different stages of a cyberattack and guide your understanding of the Cyber Kill Chain.
PODCAST EPISODE 62
Information security is an intellectually stimulating and somewhat challenging industry to be in, but at the heart of it is the collectivity of the environment. When there is an emerging or urgent situation, there is a need to come together and solve the problem.
Tune in as Jason, Steve, and Matt share their thoughts and appreciation for working in a field that has such a great sense of community and share with listeners that security does not exist without community effort.
PODCAST EPISODE 61
Happy Cybersecurity Awareness Month! Each year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announces a theme for October; this year it’s “See Yourself in Cyber”.
As we head into the month, the team at Vancord puts a twist on the theme with an informative and thought-provoking conversation on the direction they see cybersecurity heading. The overarching message is simple: cybersecurity should be at the forefront of your organization. Learn more about Cybersecurity Awareness Month here.

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