Cybersecurity Expert: Stop Doing THIS Before You Get Hacked w/ Chris Sirianni (RBC #153)

Rochester Business Connections Episode #153 with Chris Sirianni of IT Insights of Rochester. What actually happens when your computer suddenly says you’ve been hacked? How can you tell whether an email is legitimate or phishing? And with AI changing everything, are scams about to get even harder to spot? Chris launched IT Insights of Rochester in 2019 and has grown the company to support more than 90 businesses, earning recognition as #68 on the Greater Rochester Chamber’s 2025 Top 100 list. In this episode, Chris breaks down cybersecurity without the technical jargon. Ben and Chris talk browser hijacking, phishing emails, how scammers actually gain access to accounts and devices, multi-factor authentication, password managers, and the simple precautions both individuals and businesses can take to better protect themselves. They also explore the rapidly changing role of AI. Chris shares how IT Insights uses AI as a workforce multiplier, how businesses can use emerging technology to become more efficient, and why the human side of customer service is one area he does not want AI to replace. Whether you’re a business owner trying to protect your company or simply someone who has wondered, “Should I click this?”, this conversation offers practical ways to become smarter, safer, and more intentional with the technology you use every day. Timestamps: [00:00] Ben’s Computer Gets “Hacked” [01:58] Meet Chris Sirianni [03:43] What IT Companies Actually Do [05:20] AI as a Workforce Multiplier [09:20] Can Scammers Control Your Computer? [10:44] What Happens When You Click a Sketchy Link? [11:36] Protecting Yourself From Phishing [13:48] Passwords, Firewalls & Antivirus [15:07] Is AI Making Things Better or Worse? [16:08] Building With AI [19:23] What AI Should Never Replace [21:07] Using Technology to Scale [22:35] Growing Beyond Rochester [26:11] Cybersecurity Essentials [28:20] Cybersecurity Tips for Everyone Key Takeaways: • “I view AI as purely a workforce multiplier.” ~ Chris Sirianni • If you’re not expecting something from somebody, it’s probably not real. ~ Chris Sirianni • “Multifactor authentication isn't a silver bullet, but it's going to take away 98% of those threats.” ~ Chris Sirianni • “If you're trying to grow, technology becomes absolutely essential.” ~ Chris Sirianni • “I would never replace the customer service side with any kind of AI service.” ~ Chris Sirianni • “Security is not just a one and done thing. It's a culture you have to build.” ~ Chris Sirianni Keep In Touch with Chris Sirianni: Website: https://itinsightsroc.com/ Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/it-insights-of-rochester/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – RBC is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/