Business & Bytes Podcast

"I recommend for anything that involves somebody saying that they want money, then you should always double check the email address because it's a really common way. Especially if it's an invoice that doesn't make sense."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this gripping episode, host John Hansman and co-host Ryan dive deep into the often-unseen world of cybercrime, sharing real-life hacker stories that hit uncomfortably close to home. Kicking off with an audio recording from John's personal archives, you'll hear an actual conversation with a brazen hacker threatening to drain a victim’s bank account—an incident that resulted in a devastating $40,000 loss for a small business.
 
John and Ryan unpack the evolution of hacker tactics, from email phishing and classic social engineering schemes to the latest AI-driven voice scams and sophisticated business email compromises. They break down what went wrong in these incidents, how attackers exploit emotions like fear and urgency, and why even tech-savvy individuals can find themselves on the losing end.
 
The episode also covers the recent Workday hack, exploring how large-scale breaches often start with a simple phish and the critical need for layered cybersecurity defenses. John and Ryan share practical advice on cyber insurance, bank protections, and, above all, the importance of regular training and vigilant security practices for businesses of all sizes.
 
If you’re wondering what steps you can take to better safeguard your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, this episode is packed with insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips you can’t afford to miss. Tune in as Business and Bytes pulls back the curtain on the human element of cybersecurity—and what you can do to stay one step ahead.
 
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00:00 Customer's Account Hacked: $40K Lost
04:03 "Business Invites Podcast Introduction"
09:07 Customer Info Shared with Hacker
13:13 Clever Social Engineering Scam
16:54 Business Email Compromise Prevention
18:45 Cloud-Connected Office Tech Solutions
24:06 Email Scam Concerns in Corporations
26:59 Verifying Client Authenticity
28:54 Free Tools Aren't Enough
32:38 Cybersecurity Tools: Beyond Basics
36:31 "Live Interaction Invitation"
37:48 "Follow Us on Your Podcast"
 

"It's because we have to put good people behind those tools in order to make sure that they're actually not having false positives that shut down businesses."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, hosts John Hansman and Ryan dive into a topic that’s becoming more urgent for businesses of all sizes: why the latest tech tools aren’t enough on their own to protect your company. Jon shares firsthand stories from the frontlines of cybersecurity—ransomware attacks, hacker conversations, and the real consequences of relying solely on firewalls and antivirus software.
 
Together, Jon and Ryan break down why having the right people behind your cybersecurity stack is just as important, if not more so, than any tool you deploy. They share lessons learned, actionable tips for business owners (no matter your size), and discuss how your employees’ decisions—and even a bit of “gut feeling”—can be the last line of defense against constantly evolving threats. Plus, there’s practical advice about risk assessments, managing AI use in your business, and why expertise can’t be automated away.
 
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or managing a growing team, this episode has something for everyone looking to understand the real-world challenges of business IT. Tune in and discover why, in today’s world, it’s people—not just the tech—that truly protect your business.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 "Tools Aren't Everything: A Cautionary Tale"
05:11 IT Expertise and Evolving Cyber Threats
07:48 Customized Business Solutions Expertise
11:51 New Malware Discovery Analyzed
15:04 Cybersecurity Costs: Expert-Driven Solutions
18:44 Cybersecurity: Complex and Constantly Evolving
23:42 Employee Risk Management
25:40 Expertise Trumps Tools
28:39 Comprehensive Business Risk Assessment Benefits
32:26 "Tools vs. Smart Partnership"

"if you have a business email compromise and you get somebody in your email and it's unprotected, you're not just affecting your business, but you're affecting all of your clients. You're affecting all the people you partner with. You affect all these business owners down the line, and you're allowing that cyber activity to not stop with you."
 
Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! This week, host John Hansman, co-host and IT specialist Emilio Mejia, and guest Reginald Andre dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in modern business: cyber security insurance. Coming to you live from Texas, the team kicks off with some banter about travel, weather, and brisket—but quickly shifts gears to address a pressing issue for all business owners.
 
Too often, small and mid-sized companies hope that should disaster strike, their cyber security insurance will save the day. But as John, Emilio, and Reginald unpack, insurance is not a magic safety net—and if your business isn’t meeting strict security requirements, your policy may not protect you at all. Through candid stories of clients who’ve lost out to cybercrime—and the ones who managed to dodge catastrophe thanks to solid IT practices—the trio highlights why cyber security has to be an active, ongoing responsibility.
 
You'll hear how business email compromises and ransomware can inflict six-figure losses overnight, all because of simple oversights like weak passwords or skipping multi-factor authentication. But it's not all doom and gloom! The guys also share uplifting wins, where proactive security measures halted attacks in their tracks.
 
By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with a clearer understanding of cyber insurance, why it’s only one piece of the puzzle, and actionable advice to keep your business—and your clients—safe. If you haven't reviewed your IT policies or talked to a cyber insurance expert lately, this is the wake-up call you need.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 "Vision in Business Challenges"
06:30 Insurance Advice on Equipment and Client Reparations
08:42 Cybersecurity: Prevention Over Remediation
10:51 Insurance Savings via IT Forensics
16:30 Business Email Compromise Devastation
18:56 Business Losses and Recovery Insights
20:53 Costly Cyber Security Oversights
24:21 Cybersecurity Negligence Affecting Businesses
29:31 "Password Practices and MFA Importance"
32:20 Podcast Guest Recommendations
34:09 Buc-ee's Store Experience

"And it just becomes a trickle down effect. And the more people that click on it, the more people whose, you know, digital Rolodex you have. And then now that's the more targets."
 
Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, hosts John Hansman and Emelio Mejia tackle some of the biggest headlines shaking up the tech world—from critical IT outages to headline-grabbing cyber attacks. With frequent guest Ryan out this week, John and Emelio dive into what recent incidents like Alaska Airlines' data center failure (not cyber-related, but still a wake-up call) and the alarming SharePoint Zero Day Attack mean for organizations of all sizes.
 
They break down how even non-cyber incidents throw a spotlight on business vulnerabilities, urge companies to move away from outdated on-prem solutions, and stress the importance of timely patch management. The discussion also covers practical strategies for protecting your business, from implementing zero trust security and geo-fencing, to staff offboarding best practices and building solid emergency plans—no matter your company’s size. Whether you’re running a two-person shop or managing sensitive military data, this episode is packed with expert advice, bite-sized brilliance, and real-world stories to help you protect your reputation, your data, and your bottom line.
 
Tune in and get the actionable insights you need to harden your business against the next big disruption!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 Cybersecurity Insights & Business Protection
06:44 Emergency Planning and Response Strategies
07:22 Patch Release Timing Strategy
12:19 VPNs & Zero Trust for Security
16:17 Fraudulent Incident Risks Nonprofit's Reputation
21:07 Airline Outage Costs Millions Daily
24:39 Cloud Backup and Testing Essentials
25:38 Generator Maintenance Challenges
31:08 Limited Access IT Infrastructure Setup
34:58 "Foundation First, Growth Supported"
35:55 Start with Best Practices
40:26 Preparedness Under Pressure
43:23 "Podcast Excitement & Upcoming Conference"

"It's just, if I have enough of this information, what can I piece together? What puzzle can I build with all your information that then will allow me to maybe call your bank?"
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, “The Digital Skeletons in Your Closet: What Hackers Already Know About You,” hosts Emelio Mejia and Emilio Mejia are joined by guest expert Ryan Miller to dive deep into the world of cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. The trio explores how hackers can easily collect personal and business data without ever breaking into your systems—using only information that’s already out there on the internet.
 
They break down how seemingly harmless details you share online—like your pet’s name or where you went to school—can be goldmines for cybercriminals. The conversation also covers how oversharing on social media and company websites can put both individuals and organizations at risk. Along the way, they deliver practical strategies to reduce your online footprint, protect your sensitive information, and start building better digital hygiene.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how much of your life is already exposed online or questioned whether your business is “too small” to be targeted, this episode is packed with insights, real-life examples, and actionable tips you won’t want to miss. Get ready to rethink what you share and how you safeguard your business from lurking cyber threats!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 Managing Online Presence Effectively
05:32 Hackers Exploit Facebook Quizzes
09:12 Phishing Emails: Alarming Data Exposure
10:44 Internet Access: Data for Free Use
14:11 Hacking Through Information Gathering
18:43 Job Postings: Security Risks Highlighted
22:43 Cybersecurity Oversight: Hidden Data Risks
24:54 Online Privacy and Security Tips
29:20 Email Retention and Liability Concerns
31:07 Data Management and Digital Footprints
33:40 Effective Website Call-to-Action Tips
38:22 Engagement Request for Podcast Topics
40:25 Affordable Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

"It's like going to the doctor and just closing your eyes and all your form, your intake forms, you're just checking off random boxes."
 
Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this week’s episode, “Regulations or Regrets: The Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call for Small Biz,” hosts Emelio Mejia and John Hansman are joined by cybersecurity expert Ryan Miller to tackle one of the most pressing topics for today’s business owners: the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations.
 
No one really enjoys talking about regulations, but as the guys point out, it’s a conversation that can no longer be ignored—especially with small businesses increasingly in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. From high-profile breaches at industry giants to ransomware attacks that have forced small companies out of business, the ripple effects of poor digital hygiene are real, immediate, and costly. The team breaks down why governments and insurance companies are getting tougher, what’s driving new compliance requirements, and how these changes are impacting everyone—from local realtors and CPAs to multi-state car dealerships.
 
But it’s not all doom and gloom! Emelio, John, and Ryan share real-world stories, practical checklists, and industry insights to help demystify what compliance looks like for small businesses. They talk through the benefits of taking a proactive approach—not just for meeting regulations or securing insurance, but for protecting your company’s reputation, reducing risk, and staying in business.
 
Whether you’re a two-person shop, a family-run business, or a growing company, this episode is packed with actionable advice on how to safeguard your digital assets and avoid those cyber regrets. So pull up a chair, join the conversation, and find out how you can turn the tide on cyber threats—before it’s too late!
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 Distributor Cyber Incident Affects Purchases
05:26 Understanding Cybersecurity's Business Impact
06:58 Incident Response: Good vs. Bad
12:46 "Regulating Small Businesses' Data Security"
13:27 One-Time Fee Disagreement
19:13 Small Business Regulatory Examples
21:35 Family Business Closure Due to PCI
23:26 "Benefits of Compliance Frameworks"
26:42 Comprehensive Data Breach Recovery Needs
31:16 Customized IT Solutions Explained
34:40 "Assess IT's Cybersecurity Commitment"
37:50 CFO's Cybersecurity Expectations
42:48 Cybersecurity Business Assessment
43:25 Ensure Compliance and Security

"I think the most common thing that I see are payroll or payable scams. That's the most common one I see. Here's an invoice. Click on it and it tries to take you to a fake SharePoint type address where you end up having to put in your Microsoft credentials."
 
Welcome back to the Business and Bytes Podcast! In today’s episode, “Human Firewalls: Why Your Team is the First and Best Cyber Defense,” host John Hansman, co-host and IT specialist Emilio Mejia, and guest Ryan dive deep into the realities of cybersecurity in the workplace. Forget just relying on firewalls and antivirus software—your employees are the frontline heroes (or potentially the weakest link) in defending your business from cyber threats.
 
Through real-world anecdotes and practical insights, the team explores why phishing attacks are still the number one way hackers infiltrate organizations, how stress and multitasking contribute to costly mistakes, and what can happen when a simple email leads to a major breach. You'll hear about the financial and reputational ripple effects of cyber incidents and learn why regular training, simulations, and a culture shift are essential for fostering a security-minded workplace.
 
Whether you’re a business owner, IT pro, or just someone interested in keeping your company safe, tune in for actionable tips, bite-sized brilliance, and a few laughs as the crew shares best practices for turning your team into your strongest defense against cyber attacks.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 Importance of Email Security
03:58 Email Security and Training Needs
10:06 Phishing Attempt on Engineering Client
12:49 Reevaluating IT Services Costs
14:25 Monthly Compliance Training Initiative
19:28 Promoting Basic Security Awareness
20:18 In-Person vs Online Training Scenarios
24:23 Cybersecurity Compliance and Responsibility
29:23 Social Engineering Simulations Thriving
30:27 Team Security Quiz & Office Test
34:48 Email Security and Employee Awareness
38:45 "Follow Business and Bytes Everywhere"

"Everyone assumes this is only happening to larger companies. This is happening to the Microsofts and the Targets and the Home Depots and the Best buys of the world when it's really happening to the Truitts and the Sundance Networks and the AM3s and the mom and pop flower shop and you know, the gentleman trying to run his own auto dealer."
 
Welcome to another episode of the Business and Bytes Podcast! In this episode, "Cyber War, Real Risk and Getting It Right – From Global Conflict to Your Front Door," host John Hansman is joined by co-host Emilio Mejia and guest expert Ryan for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on the rising tide of cyber threats amidst escalating global conflicts.
 
As world headlines focus on ongoing wars and ceasefires, the team breaks down what these global tensions mean for businesses here at home, particularly small and medium-sized businesses that often assume they’re safe from international cyber attackers. Drawing on real-time data, Ryan highlights the alarming spike in attempted cyber breaches coming from countries like Iran, China, and Russia—and explains why no industry or company size is immune.
 
Throughout the episode, the conversation extends beyond just technical defenses, delving into practical, actionable advice on how business owners and individuals can protect themselves. From stressing the importance of supply chain awareness and strong password policies to discussing the critical role of cyber insurance (and the pitfalls of neglecting security requirements), John, Emilio, and Ryan cover the full spectrum of cyber defense.
 
Packed with lively stories, a few laughs, and cautionary tales that haunt even seasoned IT professionals, this episode is both an eye-opener and a resource for anyone wanting to strengthen their organization’s cyber posture. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a corporate leader, or just looking to keep your personal data safe, you’ll walk away with practical tips and a renewed urgency to take cybersecurity seriously—because the risks are all too real and closer to home than most realize.
 
Support the show by subscribing to our Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/businessandbytes
 
00:00 War and Cybersecurity Discussion
06:02 Cyber Incident Paranoia and Recovery
08:30 "Cybersecurity: Predicting Small Business Risks"
11:31 Supply Chain Attacks and Cyber Threats
16:22 Be Mindful of Online Links
19:17 "Security: Beyond a Checklist"
20:05 Home vs. Business Conversation
24:08 Cybersecurity: Training and Consistency Essential
28:48 Two-Factor Authentication Breach Issue
32:44 Reflecting on Business Regrets
36:33 Cybersecurity Collaboration with IT Providers
37:23 IT Choices and Business Risk
40:35 "Enhancing IT with Cybersecurity"
46:42 "CD Drive Misunderstanding Humor"
47:17 CD Insertion Error Resolved
53:38 "Engage with Business and Bites"
54:36 Anticipating Next Week's Return