IT SPARC Cast

In Episode 37 of IT SPARC Cast - News Bytes, John and Lou break down the moment ChatGPT refused a shutdown command, raising questions about AI autonomy. They also explore Microsoft’s new Copilot training capabilities on internal company data, a breakthrough in quantum transistors, and the final nail in the coffin for the VGA standard. This episode delivers the week’s most important tech updates with expert insight and a dash of humor.Show Notes00:00 - Intro00:47 - ChatGPT Refuses to Obey Shutdown Command • A viral incident sparks debate about the boundaries of artificial intelligence. • What really happened during the shutdown request? • Implications for enterprise AI usage and safety protocols.https://slashdot.org/story/25/05/25/2247212/openais-chatgpt-o3-caught-sabotaging-shutdowns-in-security-researchers-test 04:47 - You Can Now Train Co-Pilot on Your Corporate Data • Microsoft’s big reveal: training Co-Pilot on your own company’s data. • Benefits for enterprise productivity and efficiency. • Security concerns and how IT can stay in control.https://www.computerworld.com/article/3989640/microsofts-vision-for-copilot-from-spell-check-to-idea-check.html 11:01 - The World’s Fastest Quantum Transistor • A new record in quantum tech pushes computing boundaries. • What this means for future chips, AI, and cryptography.https://science.slashdot.org/story/25/05/24/0337249/researchers-build-the-worlds-fastest-petahertz-quantum-transistor-they-predict-lightwave-electronics 14:58 - RIP VGA • The VGA video standard is finally being phased out. • A nostalgic look back and what’s next for display technology.https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/05/27/1824200/panasonics-new-laptops-could-be-the-final-death-knell-for-the-humble-vga-port 17:37 - Mail Bag • Listener comments on our Top Ten episode on the Top Ten Networking Companies That No Longer Exist.18:51 - Wrap UpThanks for tuning in to IT SPARC Cast!Follow and connect with us on social:IT SPARC Cast🔗 @ITSPARCCast on X🔗 SPARC Sales on LinkedInJohn Barger🔗 @john_Video on X🔗 John Barger on LinkedInLou Schmidt🔗 @loudoggeek on X🔗 Lou Schmidt on LinkedIn

In the debut episode of our new CVE of the Week series, hosts John Barger and Lou Schmidt revisit one of the largest cybersecurity incidents involving children’s data in U.S. history: the PowerSchool breach. This shocking case saw over 60 million student records and 10 million teacher records compromised by a 19-year-old attacker using stolen contractor credentials—culminating in a $2.85 million Bitcoin ransom. The breach, its scope, and the inadequate security controls in place—including a lack of two-factor authentication—spark critical lessons for every IT professional.John and Lou break down what went wrong, what we still don’t know, and what steps school districts and IT teams should take to protect sensitive data. From the importance of vendor security audits to practical recommendations for implementing multi-factor authentication and zero trust policies, this episode delivers actionable insight on securing your most vulnerable systems.https://www.theverge.com/news/671713/powerschool-hack-guilty-plea-matthew-lane 📬 Got thoughts on this topic or our new format? Email us at feedback@itsparccast.com or hit us up on X (@itsparccast). Leave a comment if you’re watching on YouTube—we read and reply to nearly every one.🔍 SEO Keywords:PowerSchool data breach, school cybersecurity, CVE of the week, student data breach, PowerSchool ransomware, enterprise IT security, education technology breach, John Barger, Lou Schmidt, IT SPARC Cast, ransomware prevention, multi-factor authentication, vendor security audits, Zero Trust security.

In Episode 36 of IT SPARC Cast - News Bytes, John and Lou tackle the week’s biggest tech stories in under 20 minutes. They kick off with Signal’s pushback against Microsoft’s Recall feature and the broader privacy implications of screenshot-based AI indexing. Then, it’s onto Google Meet’s new universal translator, which mimics your voice in other languages in real time, and Google Beam, a 3D video conferencing system that could redefine telepresence. From privacy concerns to next-gen communication, this episode is packed with insight and just enough sarcasm.🕒 Show Notes00:00 - Intro • IT SPARC Cast - News Bytes returns with a streamlined format • No CVEs or hot takes—just the top headlines, fast and focused📰 News Bytes01:23 - Signal vs Windows Recall • Microsoft Recall takes screenshots of your activity to “help you remember” • Signal blocks Recall from indexing chats by disguising itself as a DRM app • Raises a key question: Why is there no native “Don’t record me” OS-level setting? • Lou suggests an OS-level opt-out flag might be overdue • Takeaway: In the AI era, privacy controls must evolve alongside OS capabilities • https://www.engadget.com/computing/signal-will-block-microsoft-recall-from-snooping-on-your-texts-225853193.html07:54 - Google Meet’s Universal Translator • Google’s new feature translates live conversations into Spanish using your own voice and tone • First time a tool captures not just meaning, but vocal intonation and personality • Ideal use case: live international training sessions and global sales enablement • Translation isn’t perfect—context still matters, especially with technical jargon • https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/google-meet-ai-translation-6a30c43a?mod=hp_featst_pos3 12:09 - Google Beam - 3D Video Conferencing • Project Starline becomes “Google Beam”—a single-screen 3D conferencing system • Uses lidar, cameras, and AI to simulate natural movement and depth • No glasses needed, but optimized for 1-on-1 interaction • Lou’s take: best 3D telepresence demo so far • John bets the tech won’t see mainstream adoption without AR glasses—places a literal $1 wager with Lou • https://newatlas.com/technology/google-beam-3d-videconferencing-ai-light-field/  • https://blog.google/technology/research/google-project-starline-hp-partnership/ 📨 Wrap Up17:09 - Mail Bag • Listener Robert Maxey reminisces about his time at Megahertz Corp, 3Com, and building Palm Pilots • Youtube Episode - https://youtu.be/QyU4JVhwETk18:33 - Wrap Up • Leave feedback via email (feedback@itsparccast.com), X (@itsparccast) • Like & subscribe to support the channel#ITSPARCCast #SignalVsRecall #GoogleTranslatorAI #GoogleBeam #EnterprisePrivacy #VideoConferencing #3DMeetings #TechNewsPodcast #Cybersecurity #VoiceAI

In this episode of IT SPARC Cast - Top T̴e̴n̴ Twenty, John Barger and Lou Schmidt complete the two-part series covering the Top Twenty Most Influential IT Pioneers That You Never Heard Of. This time, the countdown reaches the heavy hitters of IT history—the top 10 unsung heroes whose groundbreaking contributions laid the foundations for modern computing.From Douglas Engelbart’s legendary “Mother of All Demos,” introducing the world to the mouse and hypertext, to Dennis Ritchie, whose creation of the C programming language and co-development of Unix changed the face of operating systems forever, these visionaries redefined the technological landscape. Along the way, you’ll learn about Whitfield Diffie, the father of public-key cryptography; Radia Perlman, whose Spanning Tree Protocol made Ethernet networks scalable; and John McCarthy, the mind behind Artificial Intelligence.These pioneers might not be household names, but their work powers almost every digital device you use today. Join us as we celebrate their legacy and explore the technologies they brought to life, many of which are still essential to modern IT infrastructure.⸻Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:23 - #10 - Douglas EngelbartThe “Mother of All Demos” introduced the world to the mouse, hypertext, and interactive computing.06:42 - #9 - Whitfield DiffiePioneered public-key cryptography, enabling secure communications across the internet.10:50 - #8 - Radia PerlmanThe “Mother of the Internet,” who invented the Spanning Tree Protocol, making Ethernet scalable.14:35 - #7 - J.C.R. LickliderThe visionary behind ARPANET, whose ideas sparked the creation of the Internet.19:16 - #6 - Vannevar BushProposed the concept of the “Memex,” an early vision for hyperlinked information storage.22:37 - #5 - Marvin MinskyThe co-founder of MIT’s AI Lab and pioneer of machine learning and robotics.26:22 - #4 - John McCarthyFather of Artificial Intelligence and creator of the Lisp programming language.28:54 - #3 - John von NeumannArchitect of modern computing; his designs are still used in almost all computer architectures.34:01 - #2 - Edsger W. DijkstraRevolutionized software engineering with algorithms that are still foundational today.37:07 - #1 - Dennis RitchieCo-creator of Unix and the C programming language—technologies that are the bedrock of modern OSes.44:02 - Wrap Up⸻Call to Action:Did we miss someone from our list? Send us your thoughts at feedback@itsparccast.com or tweet us @itsparccast on X! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications—it really helps the channel grow. Leave a comment with your guess for our next Top 10!Get ready for more deep dives into IT history, tech failures, and game-changing innovations in future episodes of IT SPARC Cast - Top Ten.

In Episode 35 of IT SPARC Cast, John and Lou take you through Cisco’s bold bet on quantum networking and its implications for encryption and data privacy. OpenAI shakes things up with new leadership and acquisitions, while Disney’s massive Slack data leak ends with a hacker caught and charged. In our new Coffee Break segment, the impossible might finally be happening: Half-Life 3. In the CVE of the Week, Lou exposes malware hiding in fake Discord PyPI packages, demonstrating the risks of typo-squatting in open-source downloads. We wrap up with your questions, diving into Ultra Ethernet Protocol and its impact on AI workloads.00:00 - IntroNews Bytes01:02 - Cisco’s Quantum Bet • Cisco announces a bold move into quantum computing, with plans for a quantum network entanglement chip. • The chip aims to link small quantum machines into one cohesive “quantum mainframe.” • Cisco plans to build a Quantum Internet Lab in Santa Monica focused on scalable quantum internet. • Concerns around quantum encryption and its potential to shatter current security protocols. • https://www.securityweek.com/ciscos-quantum-bet-linking-small-machines-into-one-giant-quantum-computer/ 07:10 - OpenAI News 3-fer • OpenAI announces a strategic reorganization: Sam Altman remains CEO, with Fidji Simo (ex-Instacart) joining as CEO of Applications. • OpenAI’s nonprofit division retains control, signaling a focus on safety amidst growth. • Acquisition of Windsurf, an AI-focused IDE, to integrate with OpenAI tools. • https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/05/openai-reverses-course-says-its-nonprofit-will-remain-in-control-of-its-business-operations/  • https://www.reuters.com/business/openai-agrees-buy-windsurf-about-3-billion-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-05-06/ 17:49 - Disney Hacker Identified and Charged • Disney’s massive 1.1 TB Slack data leak traced back to hacker Ryan Michael Kramer. • Posed as hacktivist group Nullbridge to extort Disney employees. • FBI is handling the case, with Kramer facing federal charges. • https://www.securityweek.com/man-admits-hacking-disney-and-leaking-data-disguised-as-hacktivist/ Coffee Break21:29 - Half-Life 3 Might Actually Happen • Valve insider Tyler McVicker reveals that Half-Life 3 is in a playable state and could release in 2025. • Speculation that it will run on the Source 2 engine and might launch alongside Steam Deck 2. • John and Lou dive into the nostalgia of the Half-Life series and the hype around its long-awaited return. • https://www.engadget.com/gaming/half-life-3-is-reportedly-playable-in-its-entirety-and-could-be-announced-this-year-183030499.html CVE of the Week27:41 - Malware Found in Fake Discord PyPI Packages • Researchers uncover malware hidden in fake Discord PyPI packages named discord.py.debug. • Over 11,000 downloads of the malicious package, which secretly opens backdoors for remote access. • Discussion on the dangers of typo-squatting and the importance of verifying package authenticity. • Lou shares insights on the need for entropy in network traffic to prevent easy exploitation. • https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/researchers-uncover-malware-in-fake.html Wrap Up34:48 - Mail Bag • Listener Jeff asks about the Ultra Ethernet Protocol, designed for AI and high-performance compute workloads. • Lou and John discuss CXL (Compute Express Link) and its potential to revolutionize data center architecture. • https://ultraethernet.org 39:09 - Wrap Up • Final thoughts and a call to action to reach out with feedback and episode suggestions.

In this episode of IT SPARC Cast - Top T̴e̴n̴ Twenty, John Barger and Lou Schmidt dive deep into the first half of their Top 20 countdown of the most influential IT pioneers you’ve probably never heard of. These are the unsung heroes whose innovations paved the way for everything from modern wireless communication to object-oriented programming. From Hedy Lamarr’s groundbreaking work in secure communication to Alan Kay’s visionary concept of the Dynabook—a precursor to modern tablets—these visionaries shaped the technology landscape in profound ways.Join us as we explore the legacies of tech trailblazers like Claude Shannon, the father of information theory; Gary Kildall, the creator of CP/M that laid the groundwork for personal computing; and Ivan Sutherland, whose Sketchpad system revolutionized computer graphics and CAD. This is Part 1 of a two-part series that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the brilliant minds behind some of the most critical technologies we use every day.⸻Timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:15 - #20 - Hedy LamarrHer co-invention of frequency-hopping spread spectrum became the basis for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS.06:49 - #19 - Niklaus WirthThe mind behind the Pascal programming language, which set the standard for structured programming.10:45 - #18 - Claude ShannonFather of Information Theory, his work paved the way for all modern data transmission.14:53 - #17 - David ParnasPioneer of modular programming and “information hiding,” essential for modern software design.19:41 - #16 - Bob TaylorVisionary behind ARPANET, which evolved into the modern Internet, and drove innovation at Xerox PARC.24:03 - #15 - Christopher StracheyOne of the first to formalize programming languages and operating system concepts.27:57 - #14 - Gary KildallCreator of CP/M, the OS that set the stage for MS-DOS and personal computing as we know it.32:22 - #13 - Ted NelsonCoined the term “hypertext” and envisioned a global digital library years before the web existed.35:21 - #12 - Ivan SutherlandInvented Sketchpad, the first graphical user interface, and revolutionized interactive computing.39:18 - #11 - Alan KayThe father of object-oriented programming and the visionary behind the Dynabook, the blueprint for tablets.41:17 - Wrap Up⸻Call to Action:Did we miss someone from our list? Send us your thoughts at feedback@itsparccast.com or tweet us @itsparccast on X! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications—it really helps the channel grow. Leave a comment with your guess for our Top 10 in the next episode!Stay tuned for Part 2, where we reveal the Top 10 Most Influential IT Pioneers That You Never Heard Of!

IT SPARC Cast Top Ten S01E07 - Top 10 Biggest Networking Companies That No Longer Exist⸻Brief Description:In this episode of IT SPARC Cast - Top Ten, hosts John Barger and Lou Schmidt count down the Top 10 Largest Networking Companies That No Longer Exist. From industry giants like Nortel and Lucent Technologies to trailblazers like 3Com and Foundry Networks, these companies once dominated the networking world before being overtaken, acquired, or collapsing under their own weight. Whether it was due to mismanagement, market shifts, or epic tech rivalries, we explore how these once-mighty firms disappeared and what happened to their innovations.This is a must-listen for anyone in enterprise IT, networking history buffs, or those who worked in the heyday of these iconic companies. Think you know who’s #1? Comment below!⸻Time Stamps:00:00 - Intro02:18 - #10 – Proteon Corporation05:47 - #9 – SynOptics Communications07:19 - #8 – Wellfleet Communications11:49 - #7 – Foundry Networks16:07 - #6 – Cabletron Systems19:50 - #5 – Marconi Communications / Marconi Electronic Systems24:14 - #4 – Brocade Communications Systems28:44 - #3 – 3Com Corporation32:30 - #2 – Lucent Technologies37:40 - #1 – Nortel Networks41:29 - Wrap Up⸻SEO Keywords for Episode:Top 10 networking companies, defunct networking vendors, Nortel history, Lucent collapse, Cabletron story, Foundry Networks acquisition, Brocade Broadcom, 3Com HP, networking industry history, enterprise IT podcast, biggest tech company failures, telecom giants that failed, tech M&A history.

In Episode 34 of IT SPARC Cast, John and Lou dive deep into a week of automation, acceleration, and AI gone awry. TLS certificates are about to live shorter lives than ever before—forcing IT pros into a race toward automation. Meanwhile, OpenAI’s newest models are hallucinating more than ever, raising red flags for enterprises relying on AI accuracy. Plus, quantum messaging gets real, Shadow AI rises in the workplace, and CVE data shows just how fast attackers are moving. It’s a high-speed look at the risks and rewards of tech evolution.📰 News Bytes01:10 - TLS Certificate Lifespan Will Shrink to 47 Days • CA Browser Forum shortens TLS cert lifespan from 1 year to 47 days • Apple pushes for shorter lifespans to keep up with evolving threat landscapes • TLS 1.3 and rapid crypto changes drive this shift—are you ready to adapt? • https://it.slashdot.org/story/25/04/19/1745216/cabrowser-forum-votes-for-47-day-cert-durations-by-2029 08:20 - New OpenAI Models Show Rising Hallucination Rates • GPT o3 and o4 mini show a 33-48% hallucination rate in responses • More claims per response = more chances for errors • AI won’t replace you, but misusing it could get you fired • Share your AI hallucination horror stories with the show • https://slashdot.org/story/25/04/18/2323216/openai-puzzled-as-new-models-show-rising-hallucination-rates 14:21 - Quantum Messages Over a Traditional Network • Toshiba Europe sends quantum-encrypted messages over standard fiber • Quantum key-breaking is close—prepare your infrastructure • This could be the future of secure, post-quantum communication • https://www.wsj.com/science/in-a-first-scientists-sent-quantum-messages-a-record-distance-over-a-traditional-network-9124412f?mod=hp_listb_pos1 20:51 - Half of Workers Use Unapproved AI Tools • Shadow AI is the new Shadow IT: 50% of workers use unapproved AI daily • 46% would continue even if banned—ease of use trumps policy • IT must offer secure, flexible AI options to stay in control • One-size-fits-all tools won’t cut it—tailor AI to user needs • https://www.securityweek.com/the-shadow-ai-surge-study-finds-50-of-workers-use-unapproved-ai-tools/ 27:41 -🛡️ CVE of the Week - 28% of CVEs Have Exploits Within 24 Hours • 159 CVEs exploited in Q1 2025, 28.3% within 24 hours of disclosure • Top targets: CMS, edge devices, OS, open source, and server software • Vendors most affected: Microsoft, VMware, CyberPower, Litespeed, TOTOLINK • You have hours, not days, to respond—are you fast enough? • https://thehackernews.com/2025/04/159-cves-exploited-in-q1-2025-283.html 34:06 - 📬 Mail Bag & Wrap Up • Listener Tim inspires an upcoming Deep Dive: “What to Recommend Instead of TP-Link” • Future episode: nerd knobs vs plug-and-play vs mom-proof gear • Feedback? Email feedback@itsparccast.com or comment @itsparccast on X or YouTube

Top 10 Most Likely Ways You’ll Be BreachedEpisode Description:In IT SPARC Cast – Top Ten Episode 6, John Barger and Lou Schmidt dive into the real-world threats that keep IT professionals up at night. This episode ranks the Top 10 Most Likely Ways You’ll Be Breached—from sophisticated zero-day exploits to good old-fashioned phishing emails. Whether you’re running enterprise infrastructure or just trying to protect your small business, this list covers the attack vectors you absolutely need to be watching for in 2025.We rank these threats from least to most likely based on real-world frequency, risk, and the sneaky ways attackers bypass security tools and target human error. Expect commentary, mitigation tips, and some well-earned sarcasm as we walk through everything from man-in-the-middle attacks to the dangers of skipping software updates. No vendor fluff. Just practical, punchy cybersecurity insight from two guys who’ve been there00:00 - Intro02:45 - #10 - Zero-Day Exploits05:59 - #9 - DDoS Attacks10:05 - #8 - Social Engineering14:04 - #7 - Man-in-the-Middle Attacks19:15 - #6 - SQL Injection23:10 - #5 - Malware29:06 - #4 - Unpatched Software32:54 - #3 - Insider Threats37:39 - #2 - Weak Authentication42:02 - #1 - Phishing Attacks47:37 - Wrap UpDiscover the top cybersecurity threats facing IT teams in 2025 in this episode of IT SPARC Cast - Top Ten. Hosts John Barger and Lou Schmidt count down the Top 10 most common ways organizations get breached, from zero-day exploits and DDoS attacks to phishing, malware, and insider threats. If you’re responsible for IT security, system administration, network defense, or endpoint protection, this episode delivers real-world insight on the most likely vectors cybercriminals are using right now.Learn how to defend against SQL injection, man-in-the-middle attacks, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and weak authentication policies. We cover behavioral threat detection, MFA enforcement, social engineering awareness training, and more. Whether you’re an IT director, cybersecurity analyst, or just want to avoid being the next data breach headline, this countdown is packed with practical tips and defensive strategies to strengthen your security posture.🔒 Keywords: data breach prevention, cybersecurity tips, phishing protection, DDoS mitigation, insider threats, zero-day exploit defense, MFA best practices, secure authentication, IT security podcast, top 10 security threats 2025.