UnHacked is a concise and impactful IT cybersecurity podcast hosted by seasoned professionals, Mario Zaki, Justin Shelly, and Bryan Lachapelle. Each episode explores the latest threats, industry trends, and practical tips to enhance digital security. Featuring expert interviews, news updates, and actionable advice, this podcast is your go-to resource for staying informed and secure in the fast-paced world of cybersecurity.
UnHacked Episode 8: MGM CyberNightmare
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Key point: It's all about the people. We are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Training, policies and procedures, and 3rd party assessments are your friends.
UnHacked Episode 9: Sorry You Were Hacked - Here's a $480M Lawsuit to Brighten Your Day
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
An Ontario hospital system is hit with ransomware. 20,000 appointments cancelled. 267,000 patient records leaked. 3,000 employee records leaked. That's all you've got?
UnHacked Episode 10: The Russians Are Coming! and what to do about it
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In most episodes, we talk about the devastating financial and emotional cost of a breach. This time, as far as public record goes, "The company does not expect the incident to have a material impact".
A Russian state-sponsored attack on HPE (Hewlett Packard Enterprise) "targeted a small percentage of HPE mailboxes' used by staff in cybersecurity...." Hmmmmm. Ok...?
Well, public record is what it is. That said, what can we learn? Take a listen and we'll break it down for you!’
UnHacked Episode 11: Make It Happen To Somebody Else
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
The sad reality of cybercrime (and crime in general) is that there will always be criminals. Like I was taught when I worked as an armed guard for an armored car company: our goal is not to eradicate crime, our goal is simply to make it happen to somebody else. Cybercriminals WILL steal money. The question is: will it be YOU? Don't be low-hanging fruit. Listen to this episode as we teach you how to "Make It Happen To Somebody Else".
UnHacked Episode 12: Keystroke Loggers: Is Your Janitor The Problem?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Your janitor has keys to your office and is expected to enter the building when nobody's home. What if they were paid to plant spy equipment on your computers? True story! How do you protect against that?!?! Well... we'll tell you exactly how!
UnHacked Episode 13: Passwords? Haven't we heard it all? Well... no
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
We'd like to say, "If cybersecurity protections aren't a giant pain in the ass, you're probably not doing it right." Passwords come to mind. Super long, super complex, never use the same one twice, and change it every 30 - 90 days. That's a pain in the ass right there! But... Here's why it's important and how to keep it simple (well, simple-ish).
UnHacked Episode 14: Internet of Things (IoT) - Is Your Fridge a Member of the Russian Mafia?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
From your smart fridge to industrial gizmos, we're diving into the cyber risks lurking in our connected gadgets. Learn how to stay one step ahead in the wild world of IoT security. Let's keep those digital doors locked tight, folks!
UnHacked Episode 15: The War Room - Surviving Cyber Attacks
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki. In a very literal sense, without the proper formula for cyber security, your business is likely to suffer an attack from which you may never recover. This episode could save the life of your business.
UnHacked Episode E16: A Security-Minded Culture is Your Best Defense in the War on Cyber Crime
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of company culture in cybersecurity. They emphasize the need for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and create a culture that values and promotes security practices. They share stories and examples that highlight the consequences of neglecting cybersecurity and the benefits of implementing a strong security culture. The hosts stress the importance of ongoing training and education for employees, as well as the need for leadership to set the tone and lead by example. They also discuss the financial implications of a breach and the relatively low cost of investing in cybersecurity compared to the potential losses from a breach.
UnHacked Episode 17: But... What If I DO Get Hacked?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki like to say that once you've been hit, you can never get UnHacked. Well, let's take a look at the worst-case scenario and create a plan. Just in case.
UnHacked Episode 18: Cloud Security: 4 Things Business Owners Need to Know
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I've moved to the cloud, now I'm safe!" Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact, a recent study of 600 organizations found that 95% had suffered some form of a cloud-related breach. We have to stop this! Listen to Episode 18 to find out how.
UnHacked Episode 19: The Benefits and Risks of Using AI in Your Business
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Leveraging AI in your small business may be the most important thing you do. But make these mistakes, and it may be game over.
UnHacked Episode 20: Cybersecurity and Productivity on a Budget
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Leveraging AI in your small business may be the most important thing you do. But make these mistakes, and it may be game over.
UnHacked Episode 21: Cybersecurity for the Road Warrior
What do Mormon Crickets have to do with cybersecurity? TBD. Meanwhile, here are some crucial protections you need to have in place before you leave for that next business trip or family vacation.
UnHacked Episode 22: Pros and Cons of Moving to the Cloud
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this episode, we tackle the age-old debate: Cloud versus On-Premises solutions. Join Justin, Bryan, and Mario as they break down the pros and cons of each approach, sharing real-world insights and practical advice. Whether you're curious about cloud computing, worried about cybersecurity, or just want to know how to optimize your IT infrastructure, this podcast is your guide to navigating the complex world of tech with confidence.
UnHacked Episode 23: CDK is Breached, Auto Industry Crippled, and What it Means for Your Company
In Episode 23 of "UnHacked," hosts Justin Shelley, Mario Zaki, and Bryan Lachapelle discuss the recent ransomware attack on CDK, a major SaaS provider for car dealerships. The breach, carried out by the BlackSuit ransomware group, crippled operations across thousands of dealerships, highlighting vulnerabilities in the auto industry's cybersecurity. They explore the incident's implications, the challenges of responding to such a widespread attack, and the importance of preparedness, including robust incident response plans and comprehensive security awareness training. Tune in for insights on preventing and surviving cyberattacks in today's digital landscape.
UnHacked Episode 24: 6 Steps to Protect Against Bank Fraud
In Episode 24 of "UnHacked," Justin Shelley and Bryan Lachapelle discuss how to protect your business from bank fraud, sharing practical tips like building strong relationships with your banker, implementing robust policies, and ensuring regular security training. They also dive into the massive CrowdStrike incident, its global impact, and key lessons learned.
UnHacked Episode 25: Working From Home: Security, Productivity, and Culture
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In preparing for this episode, I ran a quick survey of those who work from home. There was a consistent theme: the flexibility is nice but the loneliness is real. Here's how to help your team deal with the challenges while ensuring security and productivity.
UnHacked Episode 26: Pop Up Alerts Can Be Good Or Bad – How Do We Know The Difference?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this episode, we talk about how to know the difference between good and bad popup alerts, break down the largest data leak ever, and as always, wrap it up with the formula to protect your business from Russian hackers.
UnHacked Episode 27: Joseph Brunsman - Ensure Your Cyber Insurance Pays in a Disaster
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this week's episode, we help business owners get proper cybersecurity insurance coverage and make sure it’s paid in an emergency.
UnHacked Episode 28: 4 Steps to Securing ALL of Your Critical Data
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk about how to make sure ALL of your critical data is backed up, we’ll break down 2 specific security events that sent over a quarter million dollars up in smoke, and as always, wrap it up with the formula to protect your business from the likes of Boris Grishenko.
UnHacked Episode 29: Can You Be Sued for NOT Paying the Ransom?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk about how to spot a phishing email (and how to get your whole company to do the same), dive into a $5 Million lawsuit for not paying the ransom, and as always, wrap it up with the formula to protect your business from Boris Grishenko.
UnHacked Episode 30: What Exactly Is The Dark Web, Anyway?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In today’s episode, we are going to answer the burning question I know you all have: “What in the hell is the Dark Web?” Spoiler alert, we talk about the same stuff on here. It is a vile place to hang out. That said, our breach breakdown of the week is 23andMe. This is old news, but the proposed settlement is happening now. … Then, as always, we’ll wrap it up with the formula to protect your business from Boris Grishenko.
UnHacked Episode 31: The Formula - Part 1: Protect Your Technology
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, Mario Zaki, and guest Barinder Hans.
For Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we decided to do something special. So over the next 3 weeks we will deep-dive on each of these areas and give you a list of what needs to be done, as well as how you can verify that it’s implemented. This week: Protect Your Technology.
UnHacked Episode 32: The Formula - Part 2: Protect Your Data
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Data backup used to be simple: a tape drive on the server and you're good to go! Now data lives everywhere. Taming this beast can be a challenge to say the least. Here's a quick-start guide:
- Go through each department and major function in your business (BizDev, Operations, Finance, HR, etc.)
- Identify the technology used for each
- Make a note of where the associated data is stored
- Create a plan for backing it up and testing the process
UnHacked Episode 33: The Formula - Part 3: Protect Your People
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In his book "Future Crimes", Marc Goodman said something that has been burned in my brain for years:
“If you think technology can solve your security problems, then you don’t understand the problems and you don’t understand the technology. Cybersecurity is a people problem, not just a technical one.”
What's the #1 threat to your organization? IT'S US! WE ARE THE PROBLEM!
The truth is, we can follow every standard, control, and best practice under the sun, but all it takes is a careless or uninformed click or tap and it's game over. So, if people are the problem, what is the solution?
- Proper tools
- Education
- Policies and procedures
- Culture
While this might be part 3 of our miniseries, treat yourself to an invaluable discussion of the #1 best thing you can possibly do to protect your business: take care of your people!
UnHacked Episode 34: Ground Zero with Robert Cioffi
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
We've spent the last 3 weeks breaking down the formula in significant detail: using industry standards, protect your technology, protect your data, and protect your people. That will get you to about 97% secure. But... what about that last 3%? What if you do everything right and STILL get attacked? How do you survive a full-blown cyber incident?
Today we interview the great Robert Cioffi and learn exactly what he did when everyone's worst business nightmare came knocking on his door.
My #1 key takeaway: CULTURE. Retreat to your war room and dig deep on your company core values. Who are you as an organization? Let that be your #1 guide when rubber hits the road.
Takeaway #2: community. "No matter how brilliant you are, there’s always something to learn." Get involved in your local community and your industry's community.
Takeaway #3: “You really need to be following some sort of framework”. This is what we talk about week after week when we suggest following industry standards and best practices. There are dozens of frameworks out there. Some are required by government regulation (PCI, HIPAA, NIST, CMMC, etc.). Others, like CIS, are designed to be self-regulated. Follow the ones that best suit your business model.
UnHacked Episode 35: Six Signs Your It Company is Leaving You Exposed
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
How do you REALLY know that your IT company has you properly protected? How do you know you are getting what you pay for? This is one decision where you cannot afford to be wrong.
UnHacked Episode 36: Breaking Down a Doctor's Rant with Evgeniy Kharam
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In today’s episode, we talk about a disgruntled doctor, his real/understandable problems, and [perhaps] a bigger problem with mindset; and as always, wrap it up with the formula to protect your business from Boris Grishenko.
UnHacked Episode 37: Why We’re Losing the Cyberwar – Root Cause & Solution with Christian Espinosa
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
As business owners and execs, we are responsible for EVERYTHING! While cybersecurity may not be your native language, it is critical to learn enough to make informed decisions. UnHacked is a great place to start!
UnHacked Episode 38: Compliance First - Protecting Your Empire with Tim Golden /Compliance Scorecard
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Tim Golden of Compliance Scorecard joins us to discuss the meaning and importance of measuring against an official security framework.
UnHacked Episode 39: The ATTORNEYS are Coming!
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
It's bad enough that cyber-thugs are coming for our businesses. And our bank accounts. But there's a new threat that is gaining traction: class-action lawsuits. But there's good news! A Plan of Action with Milestones (POAM for short) is your get-out-of-jail-free card. Listen up... and we'll break it down!
UnHacked Episode 40: Ransomware Attacks QUADRUPLED in 2024 - and what to do about it
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Compared to 2023, ransomware attacks increased 4x in 2024. Why? Because it's EASY! With RaaS (Ransomware as a Service), anyone can be a successful bad guy. On average, it only takes someone 74 minutes to pull off a cyberheist. No skills required. This is the problem. Take a listen to learn the solution.
UnHacked Episode 41: High-Stakes Divorces and Cybersecurity - with Jonathan Steele
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Jason Shelly, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
This week we talk with Jonathan Steele, a prominent high-stakes divorce attorney who doubles as a cybersecurity expert. At Steele Fortress, Jonathan leverages his unique blend of legal and cybersecurity expertise to provide comprehensive cybersecurity and privacy consulting services. His deep understanding of both the legal and technical aspects of cybersecurity and privacy makes him a valuable asset to any organization looking to bolster their security posture and navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity laws and regulations.
UnHacked Episode 42: Th-AI Took Our Jobs! with Chase Friedman
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki. Like all things in tech, AI is a tool that can be used for good or bad. Today we talk with Chase Friedman, managing partner of Alpine Anchor, about leveraging AI to improve processes, outputs, and profitability.
UnHacked Episode 43: Locking Down AI with Alec Crawford
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Last week we talked about how AI can improve processes and output. Today, we’re going to talk more about the security side of AI.
UnHacked Episode 44: How Will Tariffs Impact Cybersecurity Risks?
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
How will tariffs impact cybersecurity? As costs rise, we will be forced to make difficult decisions. Many will choose not to upgrade old technology which gives the bad guys a huge advantage. Here's what to do about it.
UnHacked Episode 45: How to Protect Your Business When Using 3rd Party Integrations
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
We make a lot of assumptions in the world of tech and cybersecurity. The most common one I see is assuming that a vendor is properly protecting your data. And honestly, that feels like the only option since we can't really see behind the curtains. But what if I told you there is a way to verify that your vendors have the proper cybersecurity safeguards in place? Take a listen!
UnHacked Episode 46: Cybersecurity Meets Financial Planning with Eric Brotman
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Eric D. Brotman, CFP®, is the CEO of BFG Financial Advisors, President of Brotman Consulting Group, LLC, host of the Don’t Retire… Graduate! podcast, and author of the award-winning book, Don’t Retire… Graduate!
UnHacked Episode 47: Architects of Defense with Lori Crooks
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Lori Crooks is the Founder and CEO of Cadra, Inc. The organization focuses on security assessments and security management projects. With a career focused on information security assessments, developing policies and standards, and advising clients regarding their information security requirements, Lori brings a deep understanding of information security controls.
UnHacked Episode 48: I Hate the Cybersecurity Industry with Dave Sobel
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Dave Sobel is the host of The Business of Tech, a podcast that delivers the latest IT services and MSP-focused news and commentary. Curated to stories that matter with commentary answering ‘Why Do We Care? Dave shocked me when he said, "I hate the cybersecurity industry!" So I said, "Let's discuss!" The bottom line is this: we as a society can and should do better.
UnHacked Episode 49: Mac or PC? Mario and Damien Clash Over Mac vs. PC Security
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Today we bring in a guest who consults with solopreneurs who run their businesses on Macs. This question is debated all the time: Is Mac really more secure than Windows? Well, today we heat things up on UnHacked as we battle it out. Where is Windows more vulnerable? Where is Mac more vulnerable? What threats are the same (PC vs Mac) I don't know that we ever solved the primary question... but here are some good tips for staying safe, regardless of which platform you are passionate about.
UnHacked Episode 50: Security Is a Team Sport: Turning Employees from Liabilities to Cyber Defenders
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
This episode focuses on the critical role people play in cybersecurity. The hosts discuss how most breaches (95-97%) involve human error, emphasizing that while technology defenses are important, humans remain the weakest link. They explore how hackers exploit human psychology through social engineering and why creating a positive security culture that rewards reporting and learning is crucial. The episode includes stories of successful security awareness programs and offers practical advice for organizations looking to strengthen their "human firewall."
UnHacked Episode 51: Behind the Likes: What Small Business Owners Must Know About Social Media Fraud
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this episode of UnHacked, hosts Justin Shelley and Mario Zake are joined by Tim O'Hearn, author and former software engineer, to explore the darker side of social media engagement strategies. Tim shares insights from his personal journey of creating social media bots and discusses the implications of fake activity on platforms like Instagram. The conversation delves into the potential harm of artificial social proof, highlighting the need for small business owners to be discerning about social media metrics. Tim also discusses his book, Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media, and the broader impact of deceptive online practices. Listen to uncover the hidden threats and learn how to navigate the complexities of social media with your business's integrity intact.
UnHacked Episode 52: Deepfakes Are Coming for Your Business: Here’s How to Fight Back with Ilke Demir
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
In this episode, hosts Justin Shelley and Mario Zaki welcome Dr. Ilkay Damir, a deep fake detection expert who developed FakeCatcher at Intel. Dr. Damir explains how deepfakes threaten businesses through financial scams, political misinformation, and reputation damage. She discusses her groundbreaking technology that detects fake videos by analyzing blood flow signals in faces with 96% accuracy. The conversation covers practical protection strategies for business owners, including using the Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) standard and protective technologies like "My Art My Choice" that prevent AI from successfully replicating content. Dr. Damir's message: we're not doomed - businesses can protect their digital identity by being proactive and leveraging emerging authentication technologies.
UnHacked Episode 53: The One Thing Tanking Your Business Value (And How to Fix It) with James DuBos
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Are your cybersecurity gaps quietly devaluing your business? In this episode, entrepreneur and advisor Jim DuBos shares the top reasons buyers walk away—and how small business owners can protect their company’s value before it’s too late. Learn the 3 essential controls every buyer looks for, how to build a culture of security, and why cybersecurity is a business growth strategy, not just an IT concern.
UnHacked Episode 54: Receipts & Photos Are Fake: Small Biz Owner's Survival Guide w/ Mounir Ibrahim
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki.
Three small business owners are about to discover why their $150 inspection costs are bankrupting them—and how one diplomat's experience in Syrian war zones revealed the game-changing solution. In this eye-opening episode, cybersecurity experts Justin, Bryan, and Mario sit down with Mounir Ibrahim, former US diplomat and Chief Communications Officer at TruePic. Mounir shares how witnessing fake images derail international investigations led him to a technology that's revolutionizing how businesses verify digital content.
UnHacked Episode 55: Breached to Bulletproof with Michael Ritsema: Keep Your Business Cyber-Safe
UnHacked the podcast with hosts Justin Shelley, Bryan Lachapelle, and Mario Zaki. What would happen if your entire business was encrypted overnight? No files. No access. No plan. In this episode of UnHacked, we sit down with Michael Ritsema—cybersecurity strategist and President of i3 Business Solutions—who’s helped multiple companies survive full-scale breaches. Together with co-hosts Bryan Lachapelle and Mario Zake, we unpack what actually happens when things go sideways, why most CEOs think they're covered (but aren't), and how to make your business bulletproof—starting today. This episode is for every business owner who’s ever thought.
