Breaking Down I.T. with Steve

Hosted by Steve Shaff

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Latest episode

Oct 2025

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EN-US

About the show

I am absolutely thrilled to share the exciting news about my inaugural podcast, Breaking Down I.T. with Steve! In this podcast, we delve into captivating discussions with businesses, just like yours, exploring the realms of cybersecurity, offering invaluable tips and tricks, and uncovering the secrets to achieving both security and profitability. Join me for an exhilarating listen! Visit our website: https://pdxittech.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

October 10, 20254 min

Securing Your Remote Workforce and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we tackle one of the biggest security challenges facing modern businesses: managing and securing remote employees and outsourced staff like Virtual Assistants.When your team uses personal devices (BYOD) or works outside the office walls, how do you enforce your company’s security policy and protect sensitive data?Owner Steve Shaff breaks down the critical steps to securing your distributed team:The BYOD Headache: Understanding the risks when employees use their own computers for company business and why "trusting them" is not an IT security strategy.Non-Negotiable Controls: Discover the essential security controls—like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and specific remote monitoring tools—that must be enforced on every device accessing your network, regardless of ownership.Virtual Assistant Security: Learn how to onboard and manage outsourced staff to ensure they adhere to the same compliance standards and data protection rules as your internal employees.How PDX IT Services Can Help:We specialize in securing the modern workforce. Using our Managed IT Services approach (as referenced on pdxittech.com), we deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and Mobile Device Management (MDM) tools to ensure every endpoint—owned or borrowed—is monitored, patched, and compliant with your security policy.Tune in to learn how to keep your data safe while enjoying the flexibility of a remote team!https://pdxittech.com

October 3, 20253 min

Don't Panic! Understanding Google's Compromised Password Pop-Up

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T. with Steve, we tackle that alarming little notification everyone dreads: "Your Password Has Been Compromised."Owner Steve Shaff breaks down exactly what this Google pop-up means, why it appears, and—most importantly—what immediate steps you need to take to secure your accounts.We dive deep into the world of passwords, covering:The Anatomy of a Compromise: How did your password end up on the Dark Web, and how does Google know?The Immediate Action Plan: What you should do the instant you see that alert (Hint: it involves more than just changing the single compromised password).Best Practices for Business: Why using unique passwords and a Password Manager is non-negotiable for business security.Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): We reinforce why MFA is your ultimate lifeline and how it makes even a compromised password useless to a hacker.Tune in to stop guessing about your security and start using passwords the right way!https://pdxittech.com

September 29, 20254 min

Q4 Launchpad & IT Readiness

As Q4 kicks off, it’s the perfect time to stop reacting and start planning. This episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve" is your guide to finishing the year strong and setting up a secure, efficient 2026.We'll walk you through the non-negotiable end-of-year tasks every business needs to tackle:Free Cybersecurity Audit: We discuss the power of our complimentary audit, which pinpoints vulnerabilities and holes in your technology and communications before they become costly incidents.The Backup Test: Why is your backup only as good as its last test? We explain how to confirm your data is truly recoverable—not just stored.Budgeting & Security Basics: Get ahead of next year's budget by assessing your current technology. It’s also the ideal time to enforce strong security practices like changing all passwords and ensuring Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is active across the board.Empower Your Team: We detail why Q4 is essential for conducting employee training on cybersecurity, phishing, and identifying bad emails—your team is your best defense!How PDX IT Services Can HelpDon't let these crucial tasks sit on your to-do list. PDX IT Services offers comprehensive Managed IT Services that turn these tips into year-round realities. We provide the expertise to execute your free security audit, proactively manage your backups, and ensure your team is trained and protected—all included in a predictable plan.Tune in to learn how to transition from simply hoping your IT is ready to knowing it is.https://pdxittech.com

September 19, 20257 min

Head in the Clouds? We'll Help You Stay Grounded in Security.

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about something you use every single day—the cloud. While it’s the engine of our modern world, its security is often overlooked. We’ll break down why the cloud is a top target for hackers and what you can do to protect your personal and business data.We'll cover the essentials for both individuals and businesses, including:Account Access: The non-negotiable importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and how to create passwords so strong they'd make a supercomputer sweat.Data Protection: The difference between a simple backup and a truly secure data recovery plan, and why encryption is your best friend.File Sharing: How to share files and collaborate without creating a security risk, even when working with clients and partners.Tune in to learn how to keep your data safe, no matter where it's stored.While understanding the principles of cloud security is vital, implementing them correctly can be complex. PDX IT Services helps businesses go from theory to practice.We provide comprehensive Managed IT Services that include strategic implementation of MFA and strong access policies across all your cloud platforms. Our Data Backup and Disaster Recovery solutions go beyond simple file backups to ensure your business is resilient to any threat.If you're ready to secure your cloud environment, visit us at pdxittech.com to learn how we can help.https://pdxittech.com

September 12, 20259 min

Your Phone Is a Target: The Ultimate Guide to Mobile & Wireless Security

Your smartphone is your office, your bank, and your social life all in one. But did you know it’s also one of the biggest entry points for hackers? In this episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're diving deep into the critical world of mobile and wireless security. We’ll show you why your devices and the networks you connect to are far more vulnerable than you think, and how simple steps can protect your business and personal data.We’ll break down the best practices you need to follow, starting with your devices. We'll explain why using a combination of strong passwords and biometrics is your best defense against stolen passwords and why keeping your phone and all your apps updated is non-negotiable. These updates aren't just for new features—they're for closing security holes.Then, we'll shift to securing your wireless connection. We'll show you why you should never connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN, which encrypts your data and shields it from prying eyes. We’ll also explain why you must change the default password on your home or office router, turning it from a security risk into a secure fortress.From password managers to what to do if your phone is lost or stolen, we’ll cover everything you need to know to lock down your mobile life for good. Tune in to learn how a little effort goes a long way in protecting your business and your data.https://pdxittech.com

September 5, 20254 min

The Clock is Ticking: Why Your Old Software is a Critical Security Risk

Is your business still running on old software? You might be using applications that are about to reach their "End of Life" (EOL) without even knowing it. In this episode of "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about the ticking clock on widely used software like Windows 10, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks Desktop.We’ll break down the key EOL dates you need to know:Windows 10: Support ends October 14, 2025.Microsoft Office 2016 & 2019: Support for these versions ends October 14, 2025.QuickBooks Desktop (2021 versions and older): Many services for these versions will be discontinued after May 31, 2024.So, why is this a big deal? We'll explain exactly what "End of Life" means for your business. After these dates, the software will no longer receive critical security updates or patches. This leaves your entire network wide open to new viruses, malware, and cyberattacks that hackers are specifically looking for. Using EOL software is like leaving your front door unlocked in a bad neighborhood—it's just a matter of time before a threat exploits the known vulnerabilities.Tune in to learn what you need to do now to protect your data and stay up to date.https://pdxittech.com

August 29, 20253 min

The Digital Gatekeeper: How Spam Filters Protect Your Inbox

Ever wonder how all that spam and phishing garbage gets filtered out of your inbox? This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're pulling back the curtain on the email security tools that sit between you and your provider like Microsoft or Google. We'll break down in an easy-to-understand way exactly how these digital gatekeepers review, detect, and verify every email to make sure the sender and all the links are safe. We'll show you why your default spam filter isn't always enough to stop sophisticated attacks and introduce you to a smarter solution. Tune in to learn why a powerful tool like Graphus is the best way to secure your inbox from the latest threats.Recommended Tool: https://www.graphus.ai/https://pdxittech.com

August 18, 20251 min

The Smartest Move You Can Make: Hitting the Wall and Asking for Help

This week on "Breaking Down I.T. with Steve," we're talking about something everyone faces: hitting a wall. Whether it's a technical puzzle, a business challenge, or a complex project, there comes a time when you can't solve it on your own. We'll discuss why it's not only okay to ask for help, but why it's the smartest move you can make. We'll cover the importance of having a strong network and knowing when to call on people who may be smarter or more experienced in a specific area. Learning to lean on others' expertise is a skill that saves time, money, and sanity. Tune in to learn how to build your support system and stop fumbling in the dark.

August 15, 20252 min

Steve's Trip to the Dentist Exposes a Massive IT Fail

In this episode of Breaking Down I.T., we discuss the critical issue of Windows 10 reaching its end-of-life this October. Host Steve shares a story from the dentist's office, which, like many businesses, is still running the outdated OS. With 20 locations, the dental practice faces a huge challenge to upgrade to Windows 11. The key takeaway? Before you roll out a new OS, you must test, test, and re-test all your software for compatibility. Don't get caught non-compliant!https://pdxittech.com

August 1, 20252 min

OOMA - Saves The Day

What happens when a new office is ready for business but Comcast drops the ball, leaving them with no internet on day one?On this episode, Steve shares an incredible story of an I.T. crisis averted. Find out how OOMA saved the day by overnighting a cellular WiFi device, providing a critical internet connection and turning a potential disaster into a seamless launch. We’ll discuss the importance of having a backup plan and why reliable partners are essential in the world of I.T.https://ooma.com