In this episode of IT SPARC Cast, hosts John Barger and Lou Schmidt dive into the latest developments in the IT industry. They discuss the potential security risks associated with Microsoft’s Copilot, Intuit’s new enterprise suite, and the significant layoffs at Cisco and IBM. In the CVE of the Week, they explore an advanced phishing attack exploiting HTTP refresh in email. John’s Hot Take addresses Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s push for a full return to the office and the implications for remote work. They wrap up with listener feedback on alternative data center power solutions.

Show Notes:

News Bytes

 • Will Potential Security Gaps Derail Microsoft’s Copilot?

• Discussion on the security implications of Microsoft’s Copilot and data access concerns.

• Comparison with Apple’s approach to AI and data privacy.

• Questions about audit tools and how administrators can manage these new technologies.

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/3511345/will-potential-security-gaps-derail-microsofts-copilot.html

 • Intuit Introduces Enterprise Suite

• Overview of Intuit’s new robust financial management system.

• Potential benefits for HR and finance operations.

• Concerns about the sustainability of customer success teams and long-term support.

• https://quickbooks.intuit.com/r/enterprise/what-is-intuit-enterprise-suite/

 • Layoffs at Cisco and IBM

• Cisco executes significant layoffs, hitting DevNet hard.

• Rumors about Cisco passing off AnyConnect VPN service to Microsoft.

• IBM’s stealth layoffs affecting thousands of employees.

• Importance of contacting account teams to understand the impact on services and support.

• https://www.theregister.com/2023/05/02/ibm_ai_back_office_jobs/

CVE of the Week

 • Advanced Phishing Attack Exploiting HTTP Headers

• Discussion on a sophisticated phishing attack that uses HTTP header manipulation for credential theft.

• How the attack bypasses traditional email filters and user vigilance.

• Call for community input on mitigation strategies.

• https://unit42.paloaltonetworks.com/rare-phishing-page-delivery-header-refresh/

• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/unit42_phishing-timelythreatintel-unit42threatintel-activity-7218635942796926978-ztlB/

• Unit 42 Timely Threat Github - https://github.com/PaloAltoNetworks/Unit42-timely-threat-intel/blob/main/2024-07-15-IOCs-from-recent-phishing-campaign.txt

John’s Hot Take

 • Amazon’s Return-to-Office Mandate

• John critiques Amazon CEO Andy Jassy’s decision to require employees to return to the office full-time.

• Analysis of the potential negative impacts on employee satisfaction and productivity.

• Discussion on the benefits of remote work and how it can be a win-win for employers and employees.

• https://www.wsj.com/business/amazons-return-to-office-plans-spark-concern-and-debate-among-employees-6273f615?mod=lead_feature_below_a_pos1

Wrap Up

 • Listener feedback from Krangor on alternative power solutions for data centers, including geothermal energy and 360 Mining.

 • Invitation for listeners to provide feedback and engage with the show.

Contact Information

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