Brought to you by IT Audit Labs. Trusted cyber security experts and their guests discuss common security threats, threat actor techniques and other industry topics. IT Audit Labs provides organizations with the leverage of a network of partners and specialists suited for your needs. We are experts at assessing security risk and compliance, while providing administrative and technical controls to improve our clients’ data security. Our threat assessments find the soft spots before the bad g ...
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It Audit Labs Podcasts
🎙️ SipCyber: Where Great Coffee Meets Essential Cybersecurity What happens when a former special education teacher turned Minnesota State Cybersecurity Coordinator sits down with a perfect cup of coffee? You get cybersecurity advice that's actually approachable. Jen Lotzi from IT Audit Labs brings you SipCyber — the podcast that pairs cozy coffee shop discoveries with decaffeinated cybersecurity tips. No jargon. No fear-mongering. Just practical ways to protect yourself, your family, and you ...
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Colorado State University’s podcast — The Audit — features conversations with CSU faculty on everything from research to current events. Just as auditing a class provides an opportunity to explore a new subject or field, The Audit allows listeners to explore the latest works from the experts at CSU.
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Welcome to SipCyber: A New Podcast from IT Audit Labs
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1:25We're thrilled to announce SipCyber, a new podcast presented by IT Audit Labs. Meet Jen Lotze, our newest team member who brings an incredible journey: special education teacher → school district tech leader → Minnesota Cybersecurity State Coordinator → IT Audit Labs. SipCyber is our newest addition to The Audit Podcast family, combining: Coffee sh…
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Field Notes: Why Cyber Attacks Are Accelerating
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26:04The threat landscape is moving faster than ever—and traditional response playbooks aren't keeping up. In this live Field Notes episode, Eric Brown and Nick Mellum dive into the surge of recent cyberattacks hitting state governments, transit systems, and critical infrastructure across the U.S. From Nevada's complete state office shutdown to Maryland…
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The Gatorade moment: How CSU STRATA takes research from the lab to the marketplace
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21:01CSU STRATA Vice President of Tech Transfer Richard Magid talks about CSU isn’t just producing the next generation of professionals ready to change the world, but also the next generation of innovations ranging from disease resistant wheat varieties that protect our food supply to vaccines that protect our pets.…
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Healthcare Ransomware: When Cyberattacks Turn Deadly
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32:08When ransomware hits a hospital, it's not just data that's at stake—patients are dying. Ed Gaudet, CEO of Censinet, reveals the shocking research proving what healthcare security professionals feared: cyberattacks on hospitals directly increase mortality rates and disrupt life-saving care. But Ed's biggest concern? The eerie quiet before what he be…
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How are past wildfires altering the future of forests?
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14:09CSU researcher and former wildland firefighter Camille Stevens-Rumann talks about why forests aren’t bouncing back after wildfires like they used to as well as one unique (and slightly controversial) solution to the problem.By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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The Deepfake Hiring Crisis: AI Fraud in Job Interviews
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41:24What happens when your next hire isn't who they claim to be? In this eye-opening episode of The Audit, we dive deep into the alarming world of AI-powered hiring fraud with Justin Marciano and Paul Vann from Validia. From North Korean operatives using deepfakes to infiltrate Fortune 500 companies to proxy interviews becoming the new normal, this con…
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Unringing the bell: Researcher works to understand, heal the brain following concussions
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23:28Colorado State University researcher Jaclyn Stephens is the director of the College of Health and Human Sciences BRAINSTORM Lab, where she studies adolescents and adults with sports-related concussion, along with more severe forms of traumatic brain injury. She recently spoke to CSU's The Audit about the short and long-term impacts of concussion, w…
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How CTF Culture Gamifies Your Way to Unbreakable Security Teams
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30:10Can you spot the difference between real cybersecurity talent and someone using ChatGPT to fake their way through interviews? In this episode of The Audit, Thomas Rogers from Meta CTF reveals how Capture the Flag competitions are becoming the ultimate litmus test for authentic cyber skills—and why traditional hiring methods are failing in the AI er…
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Cybersecurity News: Vikings Vishing Lost $240K, Scattered Spider & F1 Racing
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22:13Dallas Turner's $240,000 fraud loss isn't just celebrity news—it's a wake-up call for anyone with a bank account. When even NFL linebackers fall victim to social engineering, what does that mean for the rest of us? In this episode of The Audit, co-hosts Joshua Schmidt, Eric Brown, and Nick Mellem break down the sophisticated tactics behind this mas…
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Why do Palisade peaches, Pueblo chiles matter so much to Colorado consumers? (ENCORE EPISODE)
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12:21Agriculture is big in Colorado, and a recent survey from the Colorado Department of Agriculture shows that Coloradans care a lot — not only about how their food is grown, but where it’s grown. CSU agricultural economist Dawn Thilmany spoke to The Audit about why the buy local movement matters so much to consumers.…
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Grassroots Cybersecurity: Protecting Communities Through Education
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33:01What does it take to build real cybersecurity skills in underserved communities? In this episode of The Audit, Rasheed Alowonle shares his journey from Chicago to becoming a cybersecurity educator and community advocate. This isn't your typical career advice—it's about fortifying communities through practical security hygiene and hands-on learning.…
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Tabletop Exercises 2.0: How OpsBook Is Changing the Game
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38:36What happens when your carefully crafted incident response playbook becomes worthless? Cody Sullivan from OpsBook reveals the brutal truth about tabletop exercises: most organizations are practicing with medieval armor for a drone war. From 70-participant, 6-hour exercises spanning three continents to the harsh reality of insider threats, this conv…
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The Invisible Threats: OT Meets IT in Modern Manufacturing
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39:50Think you can manage industrial systems like your IT infrastructure? Think again. In this episode of The Audit, Dino Busalachi unpacks the high-stakes complexity of OT-IT convergence—and why your trusty IT playbook flatlines on the plant floor. Join the IT Audit Labs crew as we dive into the chaos of managing 10,000+ industrial assets across a spra…
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Are restaurants putting their money where their mouth is when it comes to your health?
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25:31CSU researcher Megan Mueller talks about the impact that restaurants and our food environment can have on our food choices and our health.By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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Pwnagotchi: The AI Pet That Hunts Your Network Credentials
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35:24What happens when you cross a Tamagotchi with a Wi-Fi hacking tool? You get the Pwnagotchi—a pocket-sized device that "feeds" on Wi-Fi handshakes and learns from its environment. In this episode, Jayden Traufler and Cameron Birkland join the crew to demonstrate how this deceptively cute device can passively capture encrypted Wi-Fi credentials from …
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How the Queer Memory Project is archiving LGBTQ+ history (ENCORE EPISODE)
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20:18As we head into Pride Month, The Audit revisits an episode in which CSU's Tom Dunn talks about the creation of the Queer Memory Project, an online archive dedicated to preserving LGBTQ+ history.By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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Pi-hole: The Open Source DNS Firewall Revolutionizing Network Security
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39:50Your network is talking behind your back—but Pi-hole is listening. Join The Audit as Pi-hole co-founders Dan Schaper and Adam Warner reveal how their open-source DNS sinkhole technology has become the secret weapon for over 200,000 privacy-conscious users worldwide. In this episode, we discuss: How Pi-hole evolved from a simple ad blocker to a crit…
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Cybersecurity News: E-Z Pass Scam, Dead Internet Theory & $16.6B FBI Report
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42:21Join The Audit for a news-packed episode as cybersecurity expert Matt Starland recounts a chilling near-miss with an E-Z Pass phishing scam—received just minutes after renting a car in Florida. His close call highlights how scammers exploit timing and context to deceive even seasoned professionals. In this episode, we discuss: How a security pro ne…
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Camille Dungy’s book, “Soil,” digs into poetry, plants, parenthood and the pandemic (ENCORE EPISODE)
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25:21An encore episode featuring CSU Distinguished Professor, writer and poet Camille Dungy speaking about using her garden to explore issues of history, race, sustainability and motherhood in her book "Soil: The Story of a Black Mother's Garden."By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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Inside InfraGard: How FBI Partnerships Attack Risks to Critical Infrastructure
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33:50Join The Audit as we dive into the high-stakes intersection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity with Tim Herman, President of InfraGard Minnesota. InfraGard is a unique public-private partnership with the FBI designed to protect the 85% of America's essential systems owned by the private sector. From power grids to transportation, the vuln…
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How history may help solve the maritime mystery of ‘milky seas’
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21:14Imagine being a sailor in the 1700s and suddenly in the pitch black of the night, the sea begins to glow a fluorescent green, illuminating the ocean like a giant nightlight. Today, this peculiar occurrence is known as “milky seas,” but more than 300 years later researchers still don’t know much more about the phenomenon than those sailors did. Now …
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The Future of Quantum: Majorana Particles, Encryption, AI, and Parallel Universes
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36:42Join The Audit as we explore the cutting-edge world of quantum computing with information security architect, Bill Harris. Quantum technology is advancing at breakneck speed, pushing the boundaries of computation, while Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is making encrypted communications nearly unbreakable. As multiple sectors race to integrate quantu…
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Eco-Security: The Intersection of Recycling and Technology
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22:54What Really Happens to Your Trash? Inside Modern Waste Management Is your trash really being recycled, or is it ending up in a landfill? In this episode of The Audit, we sit down with Trista Martinson, Executive Director at Ramsey Washington Recycling & Energy, to uncover the surprising technology and cybersecurity challenges behind modern waste ma…
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SOC Audits Decoded: What Your Business Needs to Know Now!
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35:34Are SOC audits just another compliance requirement, or do they provide real security value? In this episode of The Audit, we sit down with Adam Russell from Schellman to debunk common misconceptions about SOC audits and explore why they’re more than just a checkbox exercise—especially for startups. Adam joins the IT Audit Labs team for a deep dive …
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The mother of invention: Sue James talks about changing the world one patent at a time
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18:04From making hip implants that stick to heart valves that slip, CSU biomedical engineering researcher and inventor Sue James talks about her career path, working to pave the way for other women engineers and her many patents along the way.By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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Cybersecurity News: Elon's Audits, Finland’s Tabletop Security, & AI Threats
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39:05Think audits are just paperwork? Think again. They’re the frontline defense against security gaps, data breaches, and unchecked access. In this episode of The Audit, we break down how Elon Musk’s unexpected access to FEMA’s sensitive data underscores the critical role of audits in organizational security. We reveal how regular audits and third-part…
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Social Engineering Tactics & Defense Strategies with Alethe Denis
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38:24You’re Being Hacked Right Now—And You Don’t Even Know It Ever wonder how cybercriminals manipulate human behavior to breach even the most secure organizations? In this episode of The Audit, Eric Brown and Nick Mellum sit down with renowned social engineer and penetration tester Alethe Denis to break down real-world hacking techniques, red team stra…
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Why does chocolate taste so good and other sweet mysteries answered
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22:04CSU food scientist Caitlin Clark explains what makes us love chocolate, why "healthy" chocolate isn't necessarily all it's cracked up to be and how much that chocolate bar should actually cost.By Colorado State University Marketing and Communications
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Can wildfires disrupt our sense of connectedness to beloved places?
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22:01In 2020, after burning for three months, the Cameron Peak Fire scorched more than 200,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire in Colorado history. Five years later, and more than a thousand miles away, a series of devastating wildfires continues to burn in Los Angeles. Anne Mook, senior team scientist at CSU's Institute for Research in the Social…
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Cybersecurity Insights 2025: Big Data, AI, and Staying Ahead of Attacks
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36:55Discover the hidden risks of browser extensions, cybersecurity incidents, and more with hosts Eric Brown and Nick Mellum. In this episode, we dive into the dangers of tools like Honey, the fallout from Proton’s global outage, and the ingenious tactics used by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting users. Eric and Nick also share their insights on us…
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The ‘offal’ truth: Why bringing 'icky' topics to the table means a more sustainable, profitable ag industry
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28:45It may not be considered "polite conversation," but Jordan Kraft Lambert thinks we all need to be talking more about poop. In fact, the director of ag innovation at CSU’s Spur campus has made it her mission to bring this and other “icky” topics to the table – figuratively and literally. Lambert spoke with CSU's The Audit podcast about how poop is a…
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Big Data Meets Cybersecurity: Expert Insights from Wade Baker
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51:57Dive into the transformative power of data in cybersecurity in this must-watch episode with Wade Baker, where cutting-edge insights meet real-world applications. Hear from The Audit Team as we discover how massive data sets are reshaping risk management, AI’s evolving role in combating cyber threats, and the surprising insights data can unveil abou…
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Cybersecurity in Travel: Tips, Tools, and Tales with Matthew Wold
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38:57Join us for an eye-opening discussion on cybersecurity in travel with ethical hacker Matthew Wold from Ramsey County. Matthew shares how his passion for cybersecurity took root at Ramsey County, leading to collaborations with co-hosts Eric Brown and Nick Mellem. We kick things off with a lighthearted chat about survival items on a deserted island, …
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How does Amazon deliver packages so fast? (ENCORE EPISODE)
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21:12Since the COVID 19 pandemic began in 2020, same day/next day delivery — something that was previously considered a premium service — has become a normal, and even expected, way to shop, largely thanks to Amazon. In this encore episode of CSU's The Audit, associate professor of operations and supply chain management Zac Rogers shares how this model …
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Cracking Gmail and SEO Poisoning: Inside the Latest Cyber Threats
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38:10From Gmail 2FA bypass warnings to SEO poisoning campaigns, we’re diving into the latest cybersecurity headlines reshaping the industry. We explore how attackers are using hyper-specific search terms—like the legality of Bengal cats—to deliver malware and manipulate search results. Plus, we discuss advancements in AI-powered behavioral analytics, fr…
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As Dungeons & Dragons turns 50, should more political leaders roll the dice?
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28:39Fifty years ago, the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons was created, and despite some initial controversies, it has endured to become a beloved pastime and cultural touchstone for many. But for Colorado State University political science instructor James “Pigeon” Fielder, it’s much more than that. To Fielder, D&D — as it’s more commonly known — i…
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Social Engineering to AI Ethics: Wild West Hackin’ Fest 2024
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54:03In this episode of The Audit, we dive into key takeaways from a top cybersecurity event. From IoT hacking and RFID bypasses to AI governance and vishing bots, we explore the tools and strategies shaping security. Plus, real-world lessons, social engineering insights, and a few unexpected laughs—because security isn’t always all business. In This Ep…
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The bumpy history of Colorado's ski industry (ENCORE EPISODE)
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26:12From voters saying no to hosting the Winter Olympics to the Earth Liberation Front's attack on Vail ski resort, Colorado State University Associate Professor and author Michael Childers says it hasn't been all powder for Colorado's snow business. In this encore episode, Childers talks about Colorado's bumpy path to becoming a ski haven. (Originally…
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AI & Emerging Tech for a Better Future with Marsha Maxwell
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59:10In this episode, we dive into emerging tech with Marsha Maxwell, co-founder of If These Lands Could Talk and Head of Innovation at Atlanta International School. Marsha shares insights on empowering indigenous and underserved communities through AI and VR, the ethical challenges of integrating AI, and the importance of digital inclusion. We discuss …
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Déjà vu: A paranormal phenomenon or a memory tool for your brain?
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28:27Most people have experienced déjà vu at one time or another, that eerie feeling that you've been in a situation before when you know that you haven't. But what is déjà vu? And why does it happen? Colorado State University Psychology Professor Anne Cleary, who researches human memory and specifically déjà vu, says the reasons are a lot more normal t…
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Can Spirit Halloween repeat its success with Christmas?
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21:33In 1983, Spirit Halloween stores began popping up with a very unique business model — rent out a large, vacant store front; fill it with Halloween costumes and temporary employees for about eight to 10 weeks; and then as of Nov. 1 — poof! They vanish like a ghost. Colorado State University College of Business Associate Professor Zac Rogers research…
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Building Resilient, Secure Software: Lessons from DevSecOps Experts
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47:32Building secure software isn't optional—It's critical. Here’s how you can do it right! In this episode of The Audit presented by IT Audit Labs, we’re joined by Francis Ofungwu, CEO of DevSecFlow, to break down the urgent topic of software security. Together with Nick Mellom and Bill Harris, we dive into the common security threats developers face t…
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From Joe Rogan to Greg Gutfeld, more conservative comedians are stepping into the spotlight
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30:12Comedians have been joking about politics for probably as long as there have been politicians. But in the past few years, there's been a noticeable shift in political comedy. No longer just a spotlight for the Democrats, more and more conservatives are getting in on the act, too, from the rise of comic and podcaster Joe Rogan to Fox's answer to “Th…
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Real-World Cybersecurity: Need to Know Now Insights from a CISO
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38:21In this episode of The Audit by IT Audit Labs, we sit down for an in-depth conversation with Eric Brown to explore the crucial topic of personal information security. Eric breaks down essential strategies for protecting your data, starting with freezing your credit, leveraging password managers, and implementing multi-factor authentication. He also…
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Beyond 'The Lion King:’ Why are cultural stereotypes still found at so many zoos, museums?
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21:14Jessie Luna is an associate professor of sociology at Colorado State University. Her research investigates how cultural politics intersect with processes of capitalism to produce and naturalize social inequalities and environmental change. She recently spoke to CSU's The Audit about how cultural stereotypes impact our everyday lives, even during a …
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Safety Science Meets Cybersecurity: Lessons for Risk Management
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54:01Discover the vital intersection of safety science and cybersecurity, where human psychology meets technical innovation. In this episode of The Audit, special guest John Benninghoff shares his expertise in safety science and how its principles can improve cybersecurity. From applying safety protocols in the tech industry to enhancing security cultur…
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Next-Gen Email Security: Mick Leach on AI, Phishing, and QR Codes
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51:46In this episode of The Audit, we’re joined by Mick Leach from Abnormal to discuss the evolving landscape of email security and how AI is transforming both the threats and defenses in this space. From QR code phishing to the rise of sophisticated AI-driven attacks, Mick shares insights on how organizations can stay ahead of these challenges, leverag…
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Is putting a price on nature the key to creating a greener economy?
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21:31Can you put a price on nature? Or maybe the better question is, should you put a price on nature? It may sound like a bizarre concept, but it’s one that renowned environmental economist Ed Barbier says could be key to saving the planet. Barbier is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Economics at Colorado State University, as w…
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Cybersecurity News: CrowdStrike, TikTok, and Ransomware Trends
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51:14Stay informed with The Audit, your go-to podcast for the latest in cybersecurity insights, best practices, news and trends. In this month's news episode, we tackle the most significant developments shaping the industry today. We'll cover: The latest insights from CrowdStrike on evolving cybersecurity threats The impact of the Supreme Court ruling o…
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Mastering Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): AI, Tradecraft, and Future Trends
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54:06Discover the fascinating world of OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) with expert insights from Melisa Stivaletti on this episode of The Audit! Hosted by Eric Brown and Nick Mellem from IT Audit Labs, we sit down with Melisa Stivaletti, Chair at Epic and OSINT Director at GuideHouse. Melisa shares her remarkable journey from working at the Department …
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