Preparedness and response to Coronavirus

Supporting customers, partners, and employees

The impact of the Coronavirus is being felt around the world. CBTS is monitoring the situation closely, and has the safety of our family and employees top of mind. We are also committed to supporting our customers and partners as organizations evaluate how to address the challenges that come with navigating the spread of this pandemic.

We have outlined our steps to minimize the impact to our customers as well as steps you can take to help mitigate the effects of major workplace disruptions caused by the Coronavirus. Please reach out to your CBTS account representative if we can help you.

A letter to our customers

CIO Information Exchange Webinar

CBTS is committed to providing thought leadership content to help our customers through the COVID-19 health crisis. On Wednesday, March 25th we held a CIO Information Exchange to bring valuable insights and best practices from a panel of IT leaders. The panel of CIOs and CTOs shared their thoughts on adapting to the current pandemic, the resulting technology challenges, as well as best practices for leading during crises situations.

IT panel includes:

  • Russ Mayer – Current Board Member Cincinnati Bell, Retired CIO of GE
  • Jim Fowler – CTO Nationwide Insurance
  • David Burns – CIO GE Aviation
  • Kevin Murray – CIO Cincinnati Bell
Watch the webinar

COVID-19 support and resources

To support our clients and communities, we have compiled resources to help your organization navigate the unexpected technology and security challenges.


IU Health deploys COVID-19 testing centers in 24 hours with SD-WAN

Indiana University Health deployed testing centers in off-campus and remote locations in response to COVID-19. They needed reliable connectivity and full access to hospital applications. IU Health was able to deploy three clinics in one day, with 12 more in progress.

Read more
Post COVID-19: Will a remote workforce become the new normal for healthcare?

During this time of uncertainty many healthcare professionals are appropriately focused on an endless list of things we have to do before our healthcare systems are hit with the full force of COVID-19.

By: Dustin Leek
CIO Healthcare Practice, CBTS

Read more
Our current state: A perspective from our CSO during the COVID-19 crisis

This crisis we are in is not over, and although we have been talking about pandemic response for as long as I have been around security and BCP teams, it is very hard to anticipate, plan for, and react to black swans.

By: Leo Cronin
CSO, Cincinnati Bell and CBTS

Read more
Considerations for Remote Work

How to leverage technology and work around the Coronavirus. By embracing collaboration technology, modern enterprises can begin to move away from traditional face-to-face meetings as the go-to tool for driving business operations.

By: Tony King
Sr. Director Solutions

Read more

Additional COVID-19 support and resources

Additional resources and blogs focused on supporting your organization.


The Effects of the Coronavirus on Cybersecurity

While we’re all struggling to deal with the new reality imposed on us by those mean little viral microbes, the world carries on around us. There are a few ways we at CBTS have noticed the Coronavirus impact cybersecurity.

By: Justin Hall
Director, Security Services

Read more
Top considerations for Coronavirus contingency planning

As the Novel Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) continues to spread globally, it’s crucial for enterprises to have plans in place to both safeguard employees and continue serving shareholders.

By: Christi Cornette
Chief Culture Officer

Read more
After the Smoke Clears - What we can learn about risk management

After the smoke clears and we’re all allowed to go to bars again, organizations will be trying to answer a few questions. How well did we deal with this crisis? What have we learned?

By: Justin Hall
Director, Security Services CBTS

Read more
In response to COVID-19, now is the time to build a Cyber Risk Program - Here's How

Digital Transformation is defined as the process of exploiting digital technologies and supporting capabilities to create a robust new business model which is led by executive management or at the board level.

By: Jeff Swann
Technical Sales Engineer

Read more
A critical Windows flaw with no patch...now what?

Just as the planet’s medical practitioners are battling an epidemic, security practitioners also find themselves struggling to prevent the spread of harmful viruses.

By: Justin Hall
Director, Security Services

Read more
Now more than ever, network infrastructures need Network Access Control

In the circumstances corporations now find themselves because of the Covid-19 pandemic, network segmentation deficiencies have been spotlighted as an alarmingly weak spot in modern network enterprises.

By: Sean F. Leinen
Sr. Security Solutions Architect

Read more

Live events and webcasts

Get helpful information from technology leaders about their response to the COVID-19. Leaders will share best practices and lessons they have learned about topics ranging from, remote work, security, collaboration and other complex issues. You can find registration links below, or recordings of previously held events.


Security Information Exchange

CBTS security experts share their insights and suggestions. Topics include COVID-19 security preparedness and cyber security best practices. Panelists:

  • Brandon Bowman – VP Strategic Services, CBTS
  • Hope Thackery – Director Security Programs, CBTS
  • Leo Cronin – VP & Chief Security Officer, Cincinnati Bell
  • Just Hall – Director Security Consulting, CBTS
  • Ryan Hamrick – Principal Information Security Consultant, CBTS
  • Mobeet Khan – Director Information Security, OnX
Watch the webcast
Technology Information Exchange: Supporting a Remote Business

Wednesday, April 1st 9:00am – 10:00am

Cincinnati Bell will host an interactive webinar featuring Leo Cronin, CSI of Cincinnati Bell Inc., Tim Beck, VP of IT Cincinnati Bell and Nick Butturini, Sr. Technical Sales Engineer, CBTS. Topics covered:

  • Cincinnati Bell’s work from home plan
  • Keep remote environment safe and secure
  • Recommendations for implementing connectivity and collaboration tools

Check back soon to view the recording.

Information Exchange: Best Practices for Team Collaboration and Work from Home

Thursday, April 2nd 9:00am – 10:00am

CBTS will host an interactive webinar featuring subject matter experts from our Communications Practice. They will share best practices and actionable insights gathered during client engagements. Panelists:

  • Greg Samuels Sr. Director, Communications Practice
  • Steve Harris Sr. Director Service Delivery
  • Dave Absalom Director, Enterprise Solutions
  • Jon Lloyd Director, Cloud Networking
  • Chris Pope Director, Solution Design
View the webcast
SBA Disaster Loans available to SMBs

Our customers’ success is our success. Knowing many small businesses are hurting, CEO Leigh Fox and Sr. Director, Communications Practice, Greg Samuels reached out to the district Small Business Administrations office to discuss how best to help small and medium businesses go through the current crisis.

Watch now

Supporting customers, partners and employees during uncertain times

Steps we have taken

The health of our customers, employees and the communities we serve has always been our priority. Learn more about the steps we’ve taken to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.

Read more
Minimizing the disruption

It’s crucial for enterprises to have plans in place that will minimize disruption. A contingency plan will not only help safeguard employees and customers but also help maintain stability and productivity. Read about the components of an effective contingency plan.

Read more
Staying connected

Many organizations are following CDC guidelines in maintaining social distancing by implementing work from home policies. Embracing modern collaboration technologies can ensure that day-to-day work continues and employees continue to serve their clients. Here is a list of resources your company may already have access to which can help keep employees engaged.

Read more

How can we help?