Digital Ascent

Elevate your knowledge of all things digital with Brent, Shaun, Matt, and Jordyn (as well as various guest speakers and contributors) as they bring to light critical topics from today's technology driven industries, covering things like cybersecurity, pop culture, video games, and everything in-between.

AI Waves: Steering Through Tech Layoffs & Job Futures

Episode #0021 - In this episode, we delve deep into the turbulent waves hitting the tech job market, sparked by the increasing adoption of AI and recent layoffs across the tech sector. From the sweeping layoffs at cybersecurity firms like Malwarebytes, Fortinet, Rapid7, and SecureWorks, to the reduction of Duolingo's contractor workforce, we explore the implications of these industry shifts. We ponder the future of work in the age of AI, discussing concerns, insights, and the broader impact on tech professionals. Episode is live at 10:00 AM CT on 02/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0021-ai-waves-steering-through-tech-layoffs-job-futures/

02-01
01:09:35

Streaming Service Overload

Episode #0019 - Streaming Service Overload: Dive into the bustling world of streaming services, where we tackle market saturation, content creation, and the ethical landscape shaping digital media. Get insights into the global streaming market and its challenges. Plus, catch up on current events, including the 25th anniversary of Half-Life, Xbox's potential to outpace PlayStation, updates on ChatGPT 4, and the upcoming Game Awards. Episode is live at 10:00 AM CT on 12/1/2023 Join the conversation on our Discord! Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0019-streaming-service-overload/

12-01
01:07:11

Social Media Dos and Don'ts

Episode #0013 - Current Events: ChatGPT app for iPhone - Microsoft Phone Link app for Windows 11 - Main Topic:  The complexities of sharing information on Social Media - Show notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0013-social-media-dos-and-donts/

06-02
59:48

Growing your IT Career

Episode #0012 - Current Events: Western Digital Hack - 3CX Hack - ChaosGPT - Main Topic: Growing your IT Career - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3VnxU2R

05-01
01:26:50

Early Access Video Games

Episode #0010 - Current Events: ChatGPT integration in Microsoft's Bing - Main Topic: Early Access Video Games - Show notes: http://bit.ly/3me3NNZ

03-01
59:18

The Great Debate: Android vs. iOS

Episode #0009 - Current Events: Using PS5 vertically = hardware failure? - AMD 7900 XTX Overheating - ChatGPT comes to Bing in March - Google Pixel 7 has exploding camera lens - Main Topic: Android vs. iOS - Show notes: http://bit.ly/3HLbqUw

02-01
01:21:04

ChatGPT and the future of Artificial Intelligence

Episode #0008 - Current Events: Why TikTok is still bad - Elden Ring receives GOTY award - Fusion Power Breakthrough - Twitter advertisement restrictions - Main Topic: ChatGPT - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3Z64esA

01-01
01:15:34

Vulnerability Management

Episode #0007 - Current Events: Meta fires 11,000 employees - Main Topic: Vulnerability Management - What is vulnerability management? - Why is vulnerability management important? - Vulnerability management best practices - Show notes: http://bit.ly/3Vq9UeI

12-01
01:10:30

The New Graphical Processing King - NVIDIA's 40 Series

Episode #0006 - Talking all about NVIDIA's 40 Series GPUs - Should you buy one? - Why does it matter? - How big of an upgrade is it really? - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3NpjxqU

11-01
01:02:48

The Changes in Media Medium

Episode #0005 - Current Events: Deprecation of basic authentication for Microsoft Exchange Online and Drama around the Microsoft acquisition of Activision - Main Topic: How physical/digital media is shifting - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3BYYrdF

10-01
01:09:24

Anti-Cheat in Online Multiplayer Video Games

Episode #0004 - Current Event: Warner Brothers restructuring - Anti-Cheat in Online Multiplayer Video Games - Cost of Implementation - Security Concerns for End-Users - Effectiveness Against Wide Range of Cheats - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3ec2s69

09-01
01:00:10

Breaking into the IT Industry

Episode #0003 - Current Event: The controversy surrounding TikTok and why you should care. - Breaking into the IT Industry - What certifications to obtain - Internal, Managed Service Provider, and Government-based IT differences - Continued Learning and Finding the Right Job for you - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3BClvAB

08-01
01:26:45

Game Subscription Services and Your Rights as a Gamer

Episode #0002 - Current Event: The conversion of PlayStation Now to PlayStation Plus - The multitude of Gaming Services and Subscriptions - Your Rights as a Gamer/Consumer - Digital Rights Management (DRM) - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3R5Z4ZB

07-01
01:24:43

Password Hygiene and Password Managers

Episode #0001 - Phishing scare for Brent - Password Hygiene and Password Managers, Best Practices, and Blacklists - Favorite Video Games, Past and Present - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3aeL27g

06-01
01:04:33

Introductions and Cybersecurity in Gaming

Episode #0000 - Who and what is Digital Ascent? - Meeting the Digital Ascent crew - Cybersecurity in Gaming - Show notes: https://bit.ly/3vVc4aW

05-01
01:02:17

National Public Data Breach, Black Myth: Wukong’s Success, and more! (Livestream from 08/28/2024)

Episode #0028 - In this episode, we unpack the massive National Public Data breach, involving the exposure of 2.9 billion records affecting millions across the US, UK, and Canada. We’ll delve into how the hack happened, its implications for data privacy, and what steps you can take to protect your identity. We also discuss the phenomenal success of Black Myth: Wukong in the gaming world, smashing player records and marking a new milestone for Chinese studios in the AAA RPG space. Finally, Shaun shares his strong opinions on why he dislikes RDS (Remote Desktop Services) and loves AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop). Episode is live on 09/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! ⁠⁠https://discord.com/invite/urvUCaxqfk⁠⁠ Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0028-national-public-data-breach-black-myth-wukongs-success-and-more-livestream-from-08-28-2024/

09-01
55:54

Snowflake Breach, CrowdStrike Crisis, and Netflix’s Gaming Ambitions (Livestream from 07/31/2024)

Episode #0027 - In this episode, we delve into the repercussions of the Snowflake hack affecting AT&T’s data, examine CrowdStrike’s QA challenges that led to widespread device issues, and explore Netflix’s ambitious plans to expand further into gaming. Join us for an in-depth analysis of these industry shifts and their broader implications. Episode is live on 08/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! ⁠https://discord.com/invite/urvUCaxqfk⁠ Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0027-snowflake-breach-crowdstrike-crisis-and-netflixs-gaming-ambitions-livestream-from-07-31-2024/

08-02
01:33:18

Snowflake Hack, Microsoft Recall, and Gaming Highlights (Livestream from 06/26/2024)

Episode #0026 - In this episode, we delve into the recent Snowflake hack, the controversy around Microsoft recalling its Recall AI feature, and highlights from the latest game showcases. Join us as we unpack the dynamics reshaping the tech and gaming industries. Episode is live on 07/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! https://discord.com/invite/urvUCaxqfk Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0026-snowflake-hack-microsoft-recall-and-gaming-highlights-unpacking-industry-shifts-livestream-from-06-26-2024/

07-01
01:13:35

IGN Acquisitions, Microsoft Layoffs, Copilot+ PCs, and B-Sides Insights: Unpacking Industry Shifts (Livestream from 05/21/2024)

Episode #0025 - In this episode, we delve into IGN's acquisition of the Gamer Network and the associated layoffs, Microsoft's strategic layoffs and closures at Bethesda including Arkane Austin, and the innovative features of Microsoft's new Copilot+ PCs. We also discuss the controversial responses to Sony's decisions around Helldivers 2. Join us as we unpack the dynamics reshaping the tech and gaming industries. Episode is live on 06/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0025-ign-acquisitions-microsoft-layoffs-copilot-pcs-and-b-sides-insights-unpacking-industry-shifts-livestream-from-05-21-2024/

06-01
53:37

XZ Backdoor, Net Neutrality Reinstatement, TikTok Ban, and Ubisoft License Revocation (Livestream from 04/25/2024)

Episode #0024- In this episode, we explore the XZ Utils Backdoor (CVE-2024-3094), uncovering how a sneaky exploit compromised Linux-based systems running SSH and the sharp-eyed Microsoft researcher who detected it. We also discuss the reinstatement of Net Neutrality in the U.S., detailing its implications for ISPs and internet governance, and tackle the unfolding story of TikTok's potential ban, hinting at the legal challenges and implications ahead. Tune in for an insightful dive into these critical cybersecurity and policy developments. Episode is live on 05/01/2024 Join the conversation on our Discord! Show Notes: https://digitalascent.tech/podcast-show-notes/episode-0024-xz-backdoor-net-neutrality-reinstatement-tiktok-ban-and-ubisoft-license-revocation-livestream-from-04-25-2024/

05-01
01:00:54

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