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AI was in every booth, every keynote, and nearly every conversation at Black Hat 2026. Which makes the most useful takeaway from the show a slightly awkward one: the fundamentals still decide who gets compromised. Host Kim Coombes is joined by Connection security experts John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo, along with penetration tester and lead systems engineer Joe Chmielewski, to work through what actually mattered this year. The conversation covers: Why AI found hundreds of real vulnerabilities when a human guided the methodology, and performed worse running on its own Attacker velocity, and why AI lets adversaries cover more ground in the time they have inside an environment AI agents as a new class of privileged identity, and the machine identity lifecycle gap most organizations haven't closed What "the end of rare" means when AI makes offense cheap, and why monthly scanning with 30-day patch windows is getting harder to defend How to tell AI-enabled from AI-washed when a vendor claims an autonomous SOC The attacks that still work, from a phishing email to an unpatched server, and why a pen tester rarely needs anything exotic to get in They close with what security teams should do differently on Monday morning. Inventory before innovation, and stop assuming, start validating.

Healthcare organizations are under growing pressure to modernize IT environments while improving clinician experience, strengthening security, and preparing for the next wave of AI-enabled workflows. In this episode, we’ll explore how AI-powered endpoints, intelligent collaboration tools, and modern device strategies are helping healthcare IT leaders balance operational efficiency with better patient outcomes. Host: James Hilliard Guests: Abhishek Khowala, Global Head of AI, Health and Life Sciences Vertical at Intel Alexander Stanton III, Account Executive for Healthcare at Lenovo Show Notes: 00:00 - Introduction: AI endpoints and healthcare modernization overview 02:17 - Success story: Ohio children's hospital — modernization benefits 03:16 - Security in healthcare AI: Protecting models and managing endpoints 05:33 - Challenges faced by healthcare IT teams: Resources, regulation, data issues 07:54 - Criticality of security and managing AI complexity in healthcare 09:47 - The importance of practical AI adoption focused on patient outcomes 11:12 - How AI PCs enhance clinician workflows and patient safety 13:06 - Practical benefits of AI endpoints: reducing downtime and improving outcomes 14:01 - Role of Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft in secure, effective AI deployment 15:21 - The significance of local processing in healthcare AI PCs — Intel’s innovation 17:18 - Leveraging Microsoft 365 for orchestrating complex workflows with AI 18:59 - Managing endpoint sprawl and prioritizing security in healthcare IT 20:25 - Enhancing threat detection with AI hardware and software integration 22:18 - Rethinking modernization: From IT assets to care quality investments 24:42 - Using endpoints at the point of care to meet KPIs and reduce data risks 26:06 - Early wins: Focus on outcomes, pilot projects, and stakeholder alignment 27:57 - Moving forward with healthcare modernization practices

Healthcare organizations face growing pressure to modernize clinical systems while defending against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. In this episode, host Kim Coombes is joined by Connection Security Center of Excellence experts John Chirrillo and Rob Di Girolamo to discuss Ripple Security Logic, a framework for understanding and managing risk across today's highly connected healthcare environments. The conversation explores the interconnected relationships between endpoints, medical devices, networks, cloud platforms, identities, and clinical workflows. Hear from our experts as they discuss how XDR-powered observability, Zero Trust principles, AI-driven analytics, and resilience-focused strategies can help healthcare organizations reduce risk, strengthen threat detection, and support better patient outcomes. Moderator: Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Guest: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Guest: Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Show Notes (0:00) - Welcome and episode overview: Healthcare cybersecurity and Ripple Security (1:02) - How Ripple Security changes organizational thinking about cybersecurity (2:00) - Interconnected ecosystem of healthcare data and devices (2:57) - Visualizing ripple effects on patient care and organizational risks (3:27) - The number of connected devices per hospital bed (4:26) - Growth of attack surface with connected medical devices (5:24) - Importance of endpoint security and XDR's role in healthcare (6:22) - How XDR correlates telemetry for threat detection (7:20) - The critical role of observability versus simple data collection (8:45) - Distinguishing noise from signals using context-aware observability (10:10) - Significance of XDR in managing healthcare’s vast device ecosystem (11:37) - Visibility challenges in healthcare networks and XDR’s benefits (13:01) - Faster detection and response through integrated telemetry (14:50) - The importance of east-west traffic monitoring and network segmentation (17:37) - Redefining perimeter security in a remote and cloud-enabled world (20:03) - Combating alert fatigue with AI-driven analytics (21:55) - Security considerations for cloud adoption in healthcare (25:08) - Impact of breaches and costs on healthcare organizations (26:04) - Building resilience as a core component of cybersecurity strategy (28:24) - Aligning security with business resilience and clinical continuity (29:21) - Final thoughts: Trust, resilience, and proactive cybersecurity planning

In this episode, host Kim Coombes is joined by security experts John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo, along with Microsoft Security expert Robin Camirand, to unpack the most important insights from the RSAC 2026 Conference. The discussion covers the rapid rise of Agentic AI security, the need to defend at machine speed, and the industry’s shift toward active defense as traditional response models struggle to keep up. The team also explores the growing importance of post-quantum cryptography as organizations prepare for the next phase of cryptographic risk. Throughout the conversation, the panel reflects on RSAC’s defining theme, the “power of community,” and why collective defense is essential as threats become faster, more automated, and more complex. Whether you’re tracking AI-driven risks, planning for quantum readiness, or looking for clear takeaways from RSAC 2026, this episode delivers practical insights from experienced security leaders. Moderator: Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Guest: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Guest: Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Guest: Robin Camirand, Inside Solution Architect and Microsoft Security SME, Connection   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to RSAC 2026 Trends 02:43 AI as a Tool and Threat in Cybersecurity 05:22 Microsoft's Perspective on Identity and Security 08:27 AI as a New Attack Surface 10:58 The Future of Security Operations and SOC 13:31 AI-Driven Attacks and Vulnerability Management 16:17 Quantum Security: A Growing Concern 18:51 Final Thoughts and Future Considerations

In today’s rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, cyber threats have become a frontline tactic—not through sophisticated zero-day exploits, but through the exploitation of basic security gaps like weak credentials, unpatched systems, and misconfigured environments. In this episode of the Connection Cybersecurity Podcast, host Kim Coombes is joined by security experts John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo to unpack the reality of modern cyber conflict. Together, they explore how nation-state actors, ransomware groups, and hacktivists are converging, why critical infrastructure and mid-sized organizations alike are increasingly at risk, and how “proxy targeting” makes every company part of a larger attack surface. The conversation challenges common assumptions about cybersecurity, emphasizing that today’s greatest risk isn’t lack of advanced tools—but failure to address fundamental security hygiene and identity protection. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how cyber warfare is evolving, how it impacts organizations indirectly, and what practical steps leaders must take now to reduce exposure and strengthen resilience.

In this episode, the Connection Security Center of Excellence team looks beyond today’s headlines to uncover the threats most people won’t hear about until it’s too late. The team dives into the emerging risks shaping the next era of cybersecurity—from the looming reality of harvestnowdecryptlater attacks, to the potential for identity collapse in a passwordless world, to the rise of autonomous AI agents as adversaries.   Rather than reacting to the news cycle, we explore what security leaders should be thinking about before the story breaks. If you want to understand the risks that are quietly forming on the horizon—and how they could redefine trust, identity, and digital resilience—this conversation is your early warning system. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges 01:27 Understanding Harvest Now, Decrypt Later 07:46 The Role of Identity in Security 14:08 The Rise of AI-Driven Attackers 20:44 Planning for the Future of Cybersecurity 23:26 Mindset Shifts for Security Practitioners

This conversation explores the transformative impact of clinical mobility and technology in healthcare, focusing on how Zebra Technologies enhances clinical workflows, improves patient and provider safety, and addresses security concerns. The discussion highlights innovations in nursing, the integration of AI, and the importance of measuring ROI in healthcare technology. The speakers share insights on Zebra's role across the healthcare ecosystem and future innovations, emphasizing the need for effective tools to support clinicians and improve patient outcomes.   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Mobility in Healthcare 03:03 Transforming Clinical Workflows with Technology 05:43 The Role of AI in Healthcare 08:37 Enhancing Patient and Provider Safety 11:22 Addressing Security in Healthcare Technology 13:58 Zebra's Impact Across Healthcare Ecosystem 17:02 Measuring ROI in Healthcare Technology 19:46 Future Innovations and Acquisitions at Zebra 22:39 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the intersection of data strategy and AI strategy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different roles within the organization. They outline their 12-month plans for AI implementation, focusing on governance, risk management, and the challenges of data governance. The discussion also touches on the ownership of AI production systems and the principles that guide decision-making in the face of conflict. The speakers highlight the need for a balance between innovation and risk management, as well as the importance of maintaining strong partnerships within the organization. Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to Data and AI Strategy 08:52 12-Month Plan for AI Implementation 17:45 Balancing Innovation and Risk Management 24:50 Data Governance and Security Challenges 27:21 Managing Shadow AI and Encouraging Innovation 28:46 Vision and Innovation: The Importance of Rechecking Paths 30:34 Navigating Customer Relationships and Risk Management 31:40 Understanding NPU Technology and Its Implications 34:09 Balancing AI Workloads: Cloud vs. Local Processing 35:31 Contractual Considerations in AI Partnerships 38:48 Ownership of AI Production Systems: A Collaborative Approach 43:29 Establishing Governance and Support Structures for AI 46:04 Defining Tiebreaker Principles in AI Decision-Making 50:07 Operationalizing Governance and Risk Management 51:55 Commitments to Innovation and Collaboration

In this episode, the Connection Security Center of Excellence team takes us on a journey—both literal and technical—sharing insights gained from a recent reconnaissance road trip across the United States. Their firsthand experiences offer a front-line perspective on the evolving landscape of post-quantum insecurity. Listeners will hear from our security experts as they unpack the evolving risk landscape that we may be challenged with in a post-quantum world—supported by real world field observations. Join us for a timely and thought-provoking discussion that blends technical insight with real-world reconnaissance that will help us all navigate the post-quantum future. For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity. Or, if you’re ready to start the conversation around what Connection can do to help your organization—Call 1.800.998.0067.   Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection   Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to the Quantum Road Trip 02:50 Objectives and Planning of the Research Trip 05:34 Understanding Post-Quantum Security 08:09 Current Preparedness for Quantum Threats 10:45 Real-World Observations and Insights 13:28 Future Predictions and Data Analysis

In this episode of the Connection Cybersecurity Podcast, host Kim Coombes is joined by our Security Center of Excellence leaders John Chirillo and Rob Di Girolamo, along with Microsoft Security expert Robin Camirand, to unpack the biggest insights from the RSAC 2025 Conference. From the rise of AI-powered defenses and identity threats to the growing buzz around quantum computing, the team shares key takeaways, favorite moments, and what these trends mean for the future of cybersecurity. Whether you're curious about agentic AI, post-quantum cryptography, or just want to hear about goats and code-breaking shenanigans—this recap of the conference includes insights from our experts and has something for everyone. For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity If you’re ready to start the conversation around what Connection can do to help your organization—Call 1.800.998.0067. Or, if you have a Connection account team already in place, please reach out. Speakers John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Robin Camirand, Inside Solution Architect, Connection    Show Notes 00:00 Welcome and Overview of RSAC 2025 02:27  Community and Collaboration at RSAC 04:39 Identity Management Challenges 07:58 Zero Trust Principles in Security 08:37 Quantum Computing and Post-Quantum Cryptography 10:20 Agentic AI in Security Operations 12:42 Emerging Defenses Against AI-Powered Attacks 14:48 Best Practices for Leveraging AI in Security 17:04 Favorite Moments from RSAC 2025 20:25 Summing Up RSAC 2025

Join Jamal Khan and Jennifer Johnson as they explore the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare, focusing on its applications, ethical considerations, data privacy, and the role of Chief AI Officers. This discussion highlights the importance of governance, patient consent, and the potential of AI to improve healthcare workflows while addressing data security challenges. Learn about how to implement AI responsibly for better healthcare outcomes and operational excellence.  Speakers: Jamal Khan, Chief Growth and Innovation Officer at Connection Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare Strategy and Business Development at Connection   Show Notes: 00:00 The Evolution of AI in Healthcare 03:04 Ethics and Governance in AI Applications 06:05 Data Privacy and Security Concerns 08:49 The Role of Chief AI Officers 12:07 Patient Consent and Data Usage 14:54 AI's Impact on Healthcare Workflows 18:00 Computational Power in Health Data Analysis 20:47 Virtual Assistants in Healthcare 24:00 Clinical Trials vs. Drug Discovery 26:55 The Future of Patient Data Management 28:11 AI Adoption in Insurance Companies 33:05 Transparency and Explainability in AI 37:28 AI Use Cases in Healthcare 44:10 Cloud vs On-Prem AI Solutions 49:23 Data Orchestration in Healthcare   For more information on AI services for healthcare, visit https://www.cnxnhelix.com/healthcare.

Quantum computing represents a significant shift in computational power, offering both opportunities and challenges for securing sensitive data. Join the Connection Security Center of Excellence team as we delve into the transformative threats that quantum computing poses for cybersecurity and the countermeasures we should be considering to address those threats. We'll explore the fundamentals of quantum computing, including concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement, and how these principles can enhance encryption and threat detection. Quantum cryptography, quantum random number generation, and quantum machine learning are some of the promising applications that could revolutionize device security. However, quantum computing also poses risks to traditional cryptographic methods, potentially compromising data integrity, authentication protocols, and long-term data security. We'll discuss the need for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms and the importance of transitioning to quantum-safe technologies to protect against future quantum-enabled threats. Join us as we navigate the exciting yet complex landscape of quantum computing and security, highlighting the advancements, challenges, and future directions that will shape the approach to cybersecurity in the quantum era.  Speakers John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection   Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Lindsay Nelmes, Microsoft Solution Sales Executive, Connection Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity 02:31 Real-World Impacts of Quantum Computing 04:49 The Timeline for Quantum Threats 06:29 Industries at Risk and Proactive Measures 08:36 Understanding Quantum Resistant Algorithms 09:59 Leveraging Quantum for Cybersecurity Improvements 12:08 AI and Quantum Computing Synergy 14:07 Microsoft's Role in Quantum Security 15:30 Future Milestones in Quantum Computing 18:02 Misconceptions About Quantum Computing 20:12 Final Thoughts and Takeaways For more information on how to better secure your environment, visit Connection.com/Cybersecurity.

AIOps is revolutionizing IT operations, enabling businesses to manage infrastructure more efficiently than ever. In this episode, we explore how automation, AI, and machine learning are reshaping IT management—driving self-healing systems, autonomous operations, and proactive performance optimization. As organizations scale, ensuring resilience, minimizing downtime, and controlling costs are more critical than ever. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on the key trends fueling AIOps adoption and the strategies IT leaders can use to future-proof their operations. Expect actionable insights on leveraging AI-driven automation for smarter, more scalable, and cost-effective IT management. Speakers: Taruna Gandhi, Head of Product Marketing for OpsRamp, Hewlett Packard Cameron Bulanda, VP of Technical Sales and Centers of Excellence, Connection Show Notes: 00:00 Introduction to AI in Operations 03:11 The Importance of Observability 05:54 Breaking Down Silos with AIOps 09:10 Real-Life Examples of Self-Healing Systems 12:02 Proactive Management with AI Insights 14:51 Leveraging Anonymized Data for Better Insights 18:05 Future of AI in Operations Management 20:49 Driving Sustainability with AI 23:59 Choosing the Right Partner for AI Solutions

In a world where hospitals rely on interconnected medical devices to save lives, there are continuous hidden vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface. This podcast dives into the realities of IoMT security with John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect and author of the newly released novella Silent 1ntrusions, alongside cybersecurity expert Rob Di Girolamo, to break down the threats, the lessons, and what we can do to defend against them. We’ll delve into topics Silent 1ntrusions’ main character, Dr. Kristi Chiro experiences as she battles a relentless hacker. A pacemaker’s glitch, insulin pumps go haywire, and an entire hospital teeters on the edge of collapse. In an era of hyperconnected healthcare, how safe are we really? Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to IOMT Security and Silent Intrusions 02:46 Real-World Inspirations Behind Silent Intrusions 06:10 Exploring IOMT Vulnerabilities in Healthcare 08:49 Challenges in Securing IOMT Devices 11:46 Attack Scenarios and Realistic Threats 14:50 Key Takeaways for Healthcare Professionals 18:08 Future Threats in Healthcare Security

Artificial intelligence for IT security operations (AISecOps) is revolutionizing cybersecurity. In this episode, we discuss how AI and machine learning are used to analyze IT data, allowing organizations to: Proactively identify and respond to threats: Detect anomalies, predict outages, and automate incident response. Improve efficiency: Streamline security operations and optimize resource allocation. Enhance threat detection: Uncover complex attack patterns and stay ahead of emerging threats. We'll cover real-world applications of AISecOps, the challenges in implementing this technology, and future trends in AI-driven security. Finally, we'll provide actionable insights for organizations looking to strengthen their security posture with AISecOps. Speakers: John Chirillo, Principal Security Architect, Connection Rob Di Girolamo, Senior Security Architect, Connection Kimberlee Coombes, Security Solution Architect, Connection Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction to AIOps and Cybersecurity 03:07 The Role of AIOps in Threat Detection 06:01 Adapting to Evolving Cyber Threats 08:58 AI in Proactive Threat Hunting 11:55 Challenges in AIOps: False Positives and Data Quality 14:51 The Future of AIOps and Self-Healing Systems 17:45 AI and Zero Trust Strategies 21:07 AIOps for Small and Medium Businesses 23:52 Final Thoughts and Recommendations