Insights Into Technology
A podcast exploring the latest in computers, networking, home automation, mobile computing and all things technology related. Our hosts will take a deeper dive into the latest and greatest in tech trends, and give you the information you need to enable your tech centric world.
Episodes

Friday Apr 04, 2025
"From PDFs to Patient Monitors, Nothing is Safe"
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
In this week's episode of Insights into Technology, host Joseph Whalen delves into the latest cybersecurity threats and advancements. The FBI warns against using free online PDF converters due to risks of malware infections and ransomware attacks. Companies are advised to ban unsolicited converters and train employees on handling sensitive documents.
We also explore the European Commission's significant $1.3 billion investment in cybersecurity and AI under the Digital Europe Program, aimed at strengthening the EU's digital infrastructure and resilience.
In the healthcare sector, the FDA's increasing role in medical device cybersecurity is discussed, highlighting the need for improved security measures as more devices become vulnerable to cyber threats.

Saturday Mar 29, 2025
"Signed, Sealed, Encrypted...and Still Screwed"
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
Saturday Mar 29, 2025
In this episode of Insights into Technology, host Joseph Whalen delves into the challenges facing the tech industry today. We kick things off with a look at how cybercriminals are exploiting Microsoft's trusted signing service to disguise malware as legitimate software, highlighting the cracks in current security measures. Learn why enterprises need to recalibrate their detection algorithms to spot potentially dangerous applications.
Next, we explore the significant implications of 23andMe's bankruptcy. With millions of customers' genetic data at risk, discover what this means for privacy and why consumers should act now to safeguard their information. We discuss the broader issue of genetic data commodification in the corporate world.
Finally, the episode covers the FCC's probe into Chinese tech companies allegedly bypassing US bans, and how this impacts national security. We end with insights into the National Vulnerabilities Database backlog and what enterprises must do to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape, illustrating the urgent need for adaptive and proactive security measures.

Friday Mar 14, 2025
"Bugs, Breaches, and Bot Takeovers"
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
In this episode of Insights into Technology, we delve into the world of AI, exploring its security risks and compliance challenges. Host Joseph Whalen addresses the concerns raised by Meredith Whitaker regarding agentic AI’s need for extensive data access and the associated privacy vulnerabilities. We also discuss X’s massive cyberattack and the implications of Sean Plancky's nomination as the head of CISA, highlighting how these events underscore significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities.The episode further explores the intricacies of human programmers in an AI-driven world, featuring insights from IBM's CEO on AI's role as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement. We round off with a fascinating historical journey of AI, from Alan Turing's groundbreaking ideas to today’s deep learning models, and the impact of AI on enterprises.

Monday Mar 10, 2025
"No Cyber Command, No Cyber Control"
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
In this episode of 'Insights into Technology,' host Joseph Whalen delves into the week's top tech stories. Starting with a controversial directive from Defense Secretary Hegseth, the episode explores the strategic pause on U.S. Cyber Command's offensive operations against Russia and its potential implications for cybersecurity.
The show also covers the imminent transition from Skype to Microsoft Teams, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this major shift. Additionally, the episode touches on Apple's legal battle against a UK government order seeking backdoor access to its encrypted iCloud storage, raising significant data privacy concerns.
With expert insights and discussions on the future impact of these developments on businesses and individual users, this episode is packed with critical information for anyone interested in cybersecurity, data privacy, and technological advancements.

Saturday Mar 01, 2025
"Hacked, Tracked, and Fact-Checked"
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
Saturday Mar 01, 2025
In this episode of Insights into Technology, host Joseph Whalen dives into the latest tech trends impacting businesses and consumers alike. We start by exploring Apple's controversial move to disable end-to-end encryption for iCloud in the UK, responding to governmental demands for backdoor access. This decision raises significant concerns about data sovereignty and corporate compliance with varying international regulations.
The episode also delves into cybersecurity, examining a recent breach involving AI-generated media manipulation within a federal agency and a significant data breach at an employee screening firm. The discussions highlight the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures to combat media manipulation and identity theft challenges.
Additionally, Joseph covers the ongoing right-to-repair movement across the U.S., emphasizing its potential to reshape corporate maintenance strategies and reduce electronic waste. Microsoft’s new ad-supported Office version and Amazon's Alexa Plus service demonstrate the evolving landscape of digital services, while sparking debates about productivity, data privacy, and subscription models.
Join us to gain valuable insights into how these developments might impact your tech-centric world and what steps businesses can take to navigate these changes effectively.

Sunday Feb 23, 2025
"Scammers, Spammers, and AI Auditors - Oh My!"
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Welcome to the latest episode of Insights into Technology. Our hosts delve into the pressing issues surrounding cybersecurity vulnerabilities affecting Apple iOS and Mitel SIP phones. Discover the implications of these threats for enterprise security and the measures organizations should take to mitigate them.
In another story, we explore JPMorgan Chase's decision to block Zelle payments linked to social media, a move aimed at reducing online scams but raising concerns for small businesses relying on such transactions.
Additionally, the episode covers the IRS's innovative partnership with NVIDIA to leverage AI technology, enhancing the detection of complex corporate tax evasion schemes. These advancements signal a significant step forward in regulatory enforcement and tax compliance.

Saturday Feb 15, 2025
“Elon, AI, and Election Security—What Could Possibly Go Wrong?”
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Welcome to Episode 19 of Insights into Technology, where we delve into the intersection of technology and security. Join host Joseph Whalen as we explore the controversial integration of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) into federal systems, raising alarm over potential privacy violations and data breaches. We'll also discuss the unsettling trend of dismantling election security measures, leaving systems vulnerable to misinformation and foreign interference. Finally, dive into the alarming advancements in AI capabilities and the associated security risks that could transform the tech landscape forever. Tune in for a critical look at the current state of technology and its implications on privacy, security, and global trust.

Saturday Feb 08, 2025
"Hackers, Higgs and the End of Windows"
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
In this episode of "Insights into Technology," host Joseph Whalen delves into the escalating world of cybersecurity threats with a focus on the alarming rise in credential theft. The discussion covers the intricate details of sneak thief malware and its implications for enterprise environments, as security teams brace for the top 10 MITRE attack techniques.The episode also delves into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in particle physics, exploring how AI is transforming research at the Large Hadron Collider and its potential to unlock the universe's deepest mysteries. Additionally, it touches on the ethical considerations and security challenges posed by AI in espionage activities.Finally, the episode examines Microsoft's strategic push towards Windows 11, highlighting the hardware requirements and the broader implications for users and organizations facing a significant tech upgrade.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
"Llama Drama and Phishy Calls"
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
This week's episode of Insights into Technology dives into the pressing security challenges in the tech world. We explore the recent vulnerability found in Meta's Llama AI framework that highlights the critical importance of secure coding practices and serialization methods. This flaw emphasizes the potential risks when deploying AI in enterprise environments.
We also delve into a sophisticated phishing attempt targeting Hack Club's founder, showcasing the intricate deception faced in today's digital communications. Discussion extends to PowerSchool's data breach, affecting thousands of school districts and spotlighting the need for comprehensive vendor security evaluations.
From advanced phishing defenses to addressing supply chain vulnerabilities, we cover the latest incidents and propose strategies for enterprises to mitigate these growing cybersecurity threats. Tune in for a thorough analysis of the week’s top stories and gain insights into effective security practices.

Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
"AI, Lies and Cyber Spies"
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
Tuesday Feb 04, 2025
In episode 16 of Insights into Technology, host Joseph Whelan dives into the week's top tech news, uncovering the complexities and controversies surrounding cybersecurity and AI developments. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the episode explores the implications of political decisions, such as Kristi Noem's stance on disinformation and the administration's impact on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
The discussion also delves into the world of cyber threats, as Hewlett Packard Enterprise investigates a potential data breach and Zendesk faces vulnerabilities exploited for phishing attacks. With a focus on enterprise security, the episode examines how businesses can adapt to changing cybersecurity challenges.
Finally, the episode touches on groundbreaking innovations and regulatory dynamics, highlighting the tension between innovation and regulation in AI development. From AI-powered pricing scrutiny by the FTC to massive private sector investments in AI infrastructure under Trump's administration, the podcast navigates the critical intersections of technology, policy, and enterprise risk.