Looking back at the cybersecurity lessons that made the biggest difference this year? Jen breaks down the 9 most powerful, actionable steps you've learned through SipCyber - the security moves that drastically reduce your risk without requiring a tech degree. From credit freezes to SIM swap protection, these aren't theoretical tips - they're the defenses that actually stop criminals in their tracks. This year-end recap is your cybersecurity checklist for 2024, covering everything from s...

The holidays aren't just busy for shoppers—they're prime hunting season for cybercriminals. While you're wrapping gifts and booking flights, threat actors are unwrapping your financial data at gas pumps, coffee shops, and fake charity sites. In this holiday edition of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down four critical defensive strategies to protect your cash, cards, and personal information during the most wonderful (and vulnerable) time of the year. From sophisticated credit card shim...

AI companions are becoming digital "friends" to our children—and that's a serious problem. When kids start treating AI like a trusted companion instead of a tool, we're seeing real harm: emotional manipulation, self-worth issues, and even incidents of self-harm. These agents don't have feelings, can't understand ethics, and are simply mirrors reflecting collected human data. They cannot reciprocate the love and trust children give them. What You'll Learn: Why AI agents can never b...

The tools we trust most can deceive us fastest. In this episode of SipCyber, Jen Lotze brings insights straight from Wild West Hackin' Fest—one of the premier ethical hacking conferences—to Wabasha Brewing in St. Paul, MN. Fresh off an AI cybersecurity course, Jen breaks down two critical vulnerabilities in the AI tools millions of us use daily: manipulation and hallucination. AI agents like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity are powerful—but they're not infallible. Bad actors are weaponiz...

Trust is essential in our daily lives—but it's also what scammers exploit most. In this episode of SipCyber, Jen Lotze visits Central Park Coffee in Owatonna, MN, to discuss two evolving scams that prey on human trust: quishing (QR code fraud) and pig butchering (romance investment scams). From fake QR codes on restaurant tables to elaborate romance frauds that drain life savings, these threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. Jen breaks down how these scams work, s...

That urgent text about a package delivery? That call from "your bank"? They might be scams designed to steal your personal information. In this episode of SipCyber, Jen Lotze breaks down smishing (SMS phishing) and vishing (voice phishing)—two increasingly common tactics scammers use to bypass your email filters and catch you off guard. ☕ Featured Coffee Shop: The Whistle Punk in Stone Lake, WI—known for incredible breakfast burritos, rustic lake vibes, and being the favorite stop for f...

What if a criminal could steal your phone number and use it to break into every account you own? That's exactly what happens in a SIM swap attack—and it's more common than you think. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze explains how attackers trick mobile carriers into transferring your phone number to their device, bypassing multi-factor authentication and gaining access to your banking, email, and social media accounts. The good news? There's a simple, powerful defense that tak...

What if someone could steal your house without ever stepping foot on your property? It happened to Graceland—and it could happen to you. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down the growing threat of property fraud while sipping coffee at the vintage-inspired Maqua Coffee in Roseville, MN. Property fraud isn't just about stolen credit cards or compromised bank accounts. Criminals are forging house deeds and claiming ownership of real properties—and most homeowners have no...

What if your coffee habit could teach you one of the smartest cybersecurity moves for protecting your money? In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze takes us on a virtual trip to Nomad Coffee Bar in Enfield, Ireland—a dreamy, pink-hued sanctuary—to deliver a financial security tip that every traveler, parent, and online shopper needs to hear. Jen breaks down the "credit card safety net" principle: why using credit cards instead of debit cards creates a crucial buffer between fraudsters an...

Enjoying coffee at a cozy booth in Greenbridge Coffee got me thinking: why don't our social media profiles feel as secure as this space? The uncomfortable truth is that most apps default to "public"—meaning strangers can see your posts, photos, and even your real-time location. In this episode of SipCyber, we're breaking down how to lock down your digital life in just 5 minutes, starting with the privacy settings most people never touch. What You'll Learn: Why default privacy sett...

What if that urgent email from "Amazon" isn't from Amazon at all? Before you click that link, you need to know what to look for—because phishing scams have gotten scary good, and they're counting on you to act fast without thinking twice. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze visits Waystone Coffee in River Falls, WI, to share a simple but powerful cybersecurity tip: how to recognize phishing attempts before they compromise your personal information. With AI making scam emails mor...

Think public Wi-Fi is harmless? Think again. In this episode of SipCyber, host Jen Lotze breaks down exactly why connecting to that coffee shop network is like broadcasting your most sensitive information to everyone around you. Discover why your phone's 5G connection is actually safer than that "free" airport Wi-Fi, and learn the one simple habit that could save you from becoming the next data breach victim. This isn't just theory—it's practical security advice you can implement immedi...

What happens when you combine the perfect latte with life-changing cybersecurity advice? Welcome to the very first episode of SipCyber! Jennifer Lotze kicks things off at Backstory Coffee Roasters in St. Paul, Minnesota—a hometown hero just three minutes from IT Audit Labs that's roasting beans and building community. But here's the kicker: while you're sipping that incredible coffee and swiping your card, criminals might be targeting the people with the cleanest credit scores. That mea...

We're thrilled to announce SipCyber, a new podcast presented by IT Audit Labs. Meet Jen Lotze, our newest team member who brings an incredible journey: special education teacher → school district tech leader → Minnesota Cybersecurity State Coordinator → IT Audit Labs. SipCyber is our newest addition to The Audit Podcast family, combining: Coffee shop reviewsDecaffeinated cybersecurity tipsMaking digital safety approachable for everyoneJen's mission? Help people protect themselves and their ...