In this episode of IT Unplugged, Mike and Brandon dive deep into Microsoft Office Protect - the powerful security add-on that's becoming mandatory for M2 Technology clients. Discover how this affordable tool can prevent email breaches, detect suspicious login attempts, and stop malicious rule creation before damage occurs. We break down real-world examples of how attackers compromise Microsoft 365 accounts, why traditional security measures sometimes fail, and how Office Protect provides that critical extra layer of protection with minimal user impact.

Learn why proper DNS configuration, multi-factor authentication, and responsive monitoring create the perfect security stack for email protection. We share a minute-by-minute account of how our team detected and remediated a breach in just three minutes, potentially saving a client from serious financial and reputational damage. If you're concerned about email security or wondering if someone might already have unauthorized access to your inbox, this episode is essential viewing.

In this essential episode, we sit down with cybersecurity expert Mike to break down everything small and medium-sized businesses need to know about CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) compliance. If you work with the Department of Defense or its supply chain, this conversation is critical for your business survival.
Mike walks us through:
What CMMC 2.0 is and why it matters for your business
The three compliance levels and which one your company needs
Practical steps to prepare for assessment without breaking the bank
Common pitfalls that could cost you government contracts
How to integrate CMMC requirements into your existing IT security framework

Stop viewing compliance as just another checkbox! Learn how proper CMMC implementation can actually strengthen your overall security posture and protect your business from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Whether you're just starting your CMMC journey or looking to refine your approach, this episode provides actionable insights that will save you time, money, and stress.
CMMC Certification Guide | DoD Cybersecurity Requirements | Government Contracting | DFARS Compliance | NIST 800-171 | Defense Industrial Base | IT Security Standards | Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 | Federal Contractor Requirements | Supply Chain Security | CMMC Assessment | DIB Cybersecurity | CUI Protection | FCI Data | Government Compliance | Pentagon Contractors | DoD Supply Chain | CMMC Accreditation | Cybersecurity Framework | Small Business IT Security | Defense Contractors | CMMC Controls | Federal Acquisition Regulation | CMMC Self-assessment

We sit down with Ann Franz, Executive Director of the NEW Manufacturing Alliance (NEWMA), to discuss innovative strategies for addressing the manufacturing skills gap. Ann shares how NEWMA has successfully built powerful partnerships between manufacturers and educational institutions to create a sustainable talent pipeline.

Discover practical insights on:

-How to develop effective industry-education collaborations that actually work.
-Strategies for attracting young talent to manufacturing careers
-Building apprenticeship and training programs that meet real industry needs
-The future of manufacturing workforce development in a digital economy
-Creating regional solutions to manufacturing talent shortages

Whether you're a manufacturing leader struggling with workforce challenges, an IT professional supporting the industry, or an educator preparing students for future careers, this conversation provides actionable takeaways to help bridge the skills gap and strengthen American manufacturing.

Is your company stuck "looking at its feet" instead of strategically planning for growth? In this episode of IT Unplugged, Brandon sits down with Josh from Tanduo to discuss how businesses can transform from reactive IT operations to opportunity-ready organizations. Josh shares insights from his experience helping mid-sized companies scale 2-5x through strategic IT leadership. Learn the critical differences between stabilization, transformation, and scaling, plus practical tips for breaking free from operational quicksand. Whether you're a C-suite executive or an IT professional who wants to drive change, this conversation offers a roadmap for building what Josh calls "repeatable delivery machines" that enable sustainable growth.

In this episode of IT Unplugged, we sit down with Scott Janssen from James Imaging Systems to explore the evolution of printing in today's digital world. Far from being obsolete, printing has transformed into a comprehensive business solution that goes beyond simply putting marks on paper. Scott shares the compelling origin story of James Imaging, founded on family values and genuine client care, and explains how their dual approach of PrintSmart and WorkSmart helps organizations streamline workflows while optimizing document management. Discover how James Imaging analyzes manufacturing processes to eliminate inefficiencies, implement innovative solutions like image tracking for warranty claims, and build lasting relationships with clients based on trust and understanding. Whether you're managing a print environment or looking to optimize business operations, this episode reveals how modern printing technology serves as a critical component of efficient workflow design.

In this episode of IT Unplugged, Brandon introduces Scott "Swanny" Swanson, the newest member of the M2 Technology team. Discover Scott's fascinating journey from recruiting (where he once sat in airplane cockpits as part of his job!) to IT, and why he chose to join the M2 Technology family. Scott shares insights about the importance of leadership, understanding client businesses, and the work-life balance in IT. Plus, learn about his passion for coaching youth sports and his recent switch from energy drinks to coffee and PC to Mac! Join us as we get to know Scott and his unique perspective on technology, customer service, and building relationships.

At M2 Technology, we're on a mission to make IT accessible to everyone. Whether you're looking for IT support, cybersecurity solutions, or technology consulting, our team is ready to help your business thrive in today's digital landscape.

Subscribe for more tech insights, cybersecurity tips, and business IT solutions!

In this revealing episode of IT Unplugged, we sit down with Dustin from Green Bay Packaging to explore his remarkable journey from IT intern to full-time security analyst. This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to start or advance their cybersecurity career.

🔒 CAREER INSIGHTS:

Dustin shares how he navigated multiple IT roles at Green Bay Packaging, starting as an application development intern, then moving to desktop support, and finally finding his passion in cybersecurity. Learn how building trust and taking ownership of projects helped him secure a full-time position at this major company with 5,000 employees.

🔒 CYBERSECURITY ROADSHOW:

Discover how Dustin helped lead a nationwide cybersecurity awareness initiative, visiting 36 of Green Bay Packaging's 42 divisions across the United States. This "Cybersecurity Roadshow" demonstrates the importance of putting a face to security teams and how personal connections improve incident reporting and response times.

🔒 SECURITY COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES:

Learn effective techniques for communicating complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Dustin explains his "who, what, when, where, why" approach to simplifying technical information and gaining buy-in for security initiatives across a large organization.

🔒 BREAKING INTO CYBERSECURITY:

Why building a home lab is crucial for landing your first security role
Which certifications provide the best foundation (GSEC from SANS)
How to demonstrate initiative and passion in interviews
The misconception that cybersecurity is a 9-to-5 job

🔒 EMAIL SECURITY & DMARC:
Dustin explains how his company, One Two Seven Security, helps businesses implement proper DMARC configuration to prevent email spoofing. Learn how this implementation helped Green Bay Packaging secure their 3-4 million monthly emails, with 88-90% now coming from approved sources.

🔒 PASSWORD MANAGEMENT:
Discover why password management remains Dustin's biggest security pet peeve and his practical recommendations for both technical and non-technical solutions.

Whether you're a student considering cybersecurity, an IT professional looking to specialize in security, or a business leader wanting to better understand security communications, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone who's successfully navigated the path from internship to security analyst.

SUBSCRIBE to IT Unplugged for more conversations demystifying the world of business technology and cybersecurity!

In this episode of IT Unplugged, Brandon sits down with Kevin Roberts of Proper Recruiting to discuss the challenges and strategies of finding top talent in the tech industry. Kevin shares his unique approach to recruitment, drawing from his diverse background in philosophy, chemistry, and cybersecurity. They explore what makes a successful tech hire beyond just technical skills, the value of experience versus certifications, and the importance of combating ageism in the tech sector. Kevin offers valuable insights for companies looking to build strategic tech teams that can drive business growth in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.