The Wild West of AI: Cybersecurity Lessons from Pittsburgh's CUSTOS IQ

The Wild West of AI: Cybersecurity Lessons from Pittsburgh's CUSTOS IQ

Artificial intelligence is racing into every corner of business, but too many organizations are still treating it like a shiny productivity toy instead of a serious cybersecurity and business-risk issue. On this episode of TechVibe Radio, Jonathan Kersting talks with Isabelle Syring and Robert Ragan of CUSTOS IQ [http://www,custosiq.com] about how AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape, especially for companies using large language models, Microsoft Copilot, browser-based AI tools and AI-powered systems in critical industries like energy, manufacturing, oil and gas. CUSTOS IQ breaks down why the "Wild West" phase of AI adoption is creating real exposure for organizations: employees using personal accounts, confidential data being fed into AI tools, weak or nonexistent policies, unpatched browsers, supply chain pressure and a lack of oversight around AI-generated outputs. The conversation also explores deeper risks like model poisoning, data accuracy problems, prompt hijacking and the danger of relying on AI without human expertise in the loop. Isabelle and Robert also explain how CUSTOS IQ helps companies move from reactive cybersecurity to a business-aligned, turnkey approach that blends secure systems engineering, compliance, legal considerations and practical AI usage policies. Their message is clear: AI can be an incredible tool, but only when it is built on a strong cybersecurity foundation and guided by people who know how to question, verify and control the outputs. From protecting intellectual property to securing OT/IT systems powering the next wave of data centers, this episode is a smart, timely look at how businesses can embrace AI without letting it run feral through the server room. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe Radio to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

Circling Back With Pittsburgh's Cybersecurity Super Force: Qintel

What happens when national security, advanced data technology and a culture of "people first, mission always" all collide inside one fast-moving Pittsburgh company? That is exactly what we're digging into on this episode of TechVibe as we welcome back Damon Mathews of Qintel. The last time Damon joined us, we only scratched the surface of what Qintel is building, and we knew we had to go deeper. This time, we're pulling back the curtain on the secret sauce behind Qintel's global threat intelligence work, from helping government partners track and disrupt serious threats to using data, analytics, visualization and AI to save precious time when every second matters. We'll also talk about Qintel's unique culture, why the company hires for people as much as positions, and how Damon's 22 years as a Marine intelligence officer make this mission feel like a natural next chapter. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to Explore Pittsburgh's Technology and innovation ecosystem.

Top Takeaways From Cyburgh's Keynote Featuring the FBI

Last week's Cyburgh's keynote address brought together law enforcement, legal prosecution and frontline cybersecurity perspectives to deliver a ransomware reality check rooted in action, timing and preparation. Featuring Richard Evanchec, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office; Kelly Locher, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania; and David Kane of Ethical Intruder as moderator, the conversation set the tone for the day's ransomware discussions by focusing on what actually changes outcomes once an organization is under attack. This Sunday's TechVibe features key insights from both Evanchec and Locher that you can apply to your business today. Tune in and geek out with us! And keep your company safe, too. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore the region's technology and innovation ecosystem.

The Pittsburgh Startup Helping Students Find Their Path Through AI and Storytelling

What if Pittsburgh held the blueprint for helping more young people become innovators in an AI-driven world, and it was built through gaming, storytelling, digital twins, and STEAM? In this episode of TechVibe Radio, we talk with Damola and Wole Idowu of TOYZ Electronics about the bold vision behind DAH Varsity AI and TOYZ STEAM. Their platform is designed to help students discover their strengths, connect personal passion to real opportunity, and build the mindset needed to thrive in what Damola calls the "Intelligence Age." From hip hop and culture to robotics, VR, engineering, and AI agents, this conversation explores how innovation can become more accessible, more personal, and far more inclusive. You'll hear how TOYZ Electronics is already gaining traction with thousands of downloads, thousands of student profiles, and hundreds of students directly impacted in Pittsburgh. You'll also get a powerful look at why Damola and Wole believe the future belongs to people who can innovate, not just compute, and why Pittsburgh has the ingredients to lead if it invests in overlooked talent. This is a high-energy conversation about AI, entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and building systems that help more people see themselves in the future. Listen in to hear how a Pittsburgh-built platform is aiming to unlock the next generation of creators, engineers, and entrepreneurs before the future races ahead without them. The Pittsburgh Technology Council produces TechVibe to explore Pittsburgh's technology and innovation ecosystem.

Pittsburgh Tech Entrepreneur Sells IQ Inc.—What's Next After 30 Years of Building?

What does it take to build a company that lasts more than three decades… and then have the courage to hand it off so it can grow even bigger? In this episode of TechVibe Radio, we sit down with Barbara VanKirk, founder of IQ Inc, to unpack a story that's been 30+ years in the making. From her early days at Westinghouse Electric Corporation to building a people-first engineering company in Pittsburgh, Barb shares how curiosity, culture, and a commitment to growth shaped IQ Inc.'s journey. Then, the story takes a global turn. Enter Critical Software—a Portugal-based, mission-critical engineering firm with big ambitions in the U.S. market. Joined by COO João Brito and Chief People Officer Filipa Carmo, the conversation explores why Pittsburgh, why now, and why IQ Inc. was the perfect fit. Spoiler: it wasn't just about engineering expertise. It was about culture. From shared values around people-first leadership to global strategy and expansion, this episode captures a rare moment when legacy meets lift-off. With ties to Carnegie Mellon University and a deep respect for Pittsburgh's tech ecosystem, Critical Software is planting a flag—and planning to grow. This isn't just an acquisition story. It's a blueprint for building something meaningful… and knowing when it's time to take it further.