Tech Friday w/ Dave Hatter - Sponsored by Intrust IT - 5/1/2026

In this episode of Tech Friday with Dave Hatter, sponsored by Intrust IT, the focus is on escalating digital security threats and the growing risks of over-reliance on interconnected technology. Dave warns that modern society's dependence on digital systems—ranging from undersea cables and power grids to smart devices and digital IDs—creates massive vulnerabilities. He highlights recent incidents like the CrowdStrike outage and the potential for nation-state attacks, emphasizing that even consumer devices like thermostats and doorbells can be exploited due to insecure hardware, often sourced from geopolitically sensitive regions like China. A major concern is the rise of child exploitation in online games like Roblox and Discord, where predators exploit open communication channels, and Dave urges parents to educate their children and monitor online activity. He also discusses Idaho’s new law banning mandatory digital IDs, applauding the state’s stance as a critical safeguard against systemic digital dependency and privacy erosion. Dave stresses that if digital systems fail—due to cyberattacks, natural disasters, or technical failures—society could face catastrophic disruptions, especially when money, identity, and essential services are all digitized and vulnerable. The episode concludes with a strong call to action: individuals and governments must prioritize resilience, privacy, and security over convenience and speed to market. Dave warns that if digital systems are not designed with security and privacy as foundational principles, the consequences could be irreversible. He encourages listeners to research these issues independently, follow his insights on LinkedIn and Substack, and advocate for legislation that protects digital autonomy. The tone is cautionary yet urgent, aiming to provoke awareness and proactive behavior before systemic failures become inevitable.