Tim Guim, CEO, PCH Technologies

October 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Tim Guim, CEO of PCH Technologies, emphasized the critical role of secure AI implementation and proactive cybersecurity in today’s evolving digital landscape. “It’s important to start understanding AI now, even at a basic level, to see how it can add value. At this stage, we’ve primarily focused on generative AI because it’s where we can create value most quickly.”

What have been some of the key achievements or highlights for PCH Technologies over the last 12 months?

For PCH Technologies, one of the main focus areas — and one of our biggest achievements — has been the implementation of a secure generative AI platform within our organization. We’ve used it to drive automation, innovation, and improved outcomes internally. In addition to that, I’ve personally been speaking nationally about how AI can be securely and responsibly implemented in small to mid-sized businesses. Topics I’ve covered include acceptable AI use policies, the deployment of secure tools, and how to build use cases that provide tangible value to clients.

What kind of outcomes have you seen from your AI and automation division?

We’ve seen results in two primary areas. First, there has been a strong adoption of secure AI practices within PCH Technologies itself, which has led to efficiency improvements for both us and our clients. Secondly, some of our more visionary clients have begun to explore how they can implement secure AI within their own organizations. They’re starting small — testing, experimenting, getting their feet wet — which is crucial. It’s important to start understanding AI now, even at a basic level, to see how it can add value. At this stage, we’ve primarily focused on generative AI because it’s where we can create value most quickly.

How would you describe your company’s role in helping other companies realize the value of AI?

At PCH Technologies, our first responsibility is to educate clients on the ethical and secure use of AI in ways that are specific to their industries. For instance, clients in the financial sector must be more cautious due to compliance requirements, whereas those in industries like construction or manufacturing — unless governed by regulatory contracts — may be able to adopt AI more quickly. Still, the most critical element all businesses must have in place is an AI-acceptable use policy.

This can range from complete prohibition to regulated usage, but there has to be clarity. Without a policy, employees might use unapproved tools like free versions of ChatGPT, unintentionally putting sensitive information at risk. If leadership hasn’t defined rules, it opens the door to serious problems. Whether you’re on a board, in management, or an executive, having that policy in place is the first essential step.

How have you seen the IT and cybersecurity landscape in New Jersey evolve in response to emerging technologies in recent years?

While we’re helping businesses leverage AI for innovation, unfortunately, bad actors are doing the same. We’ve seen an uptick in AI-generated phishing emails that are more convincing and sent at a much greater speed. Cybercriminals are also using AI to mutate malware, making it harder to detect. The most alarming trend, however, is the rise of deepfakes.

For example, someone could replicate my voice and image to create a fake video of me — something I spoke about during a presentation at Rowan University in mid-2024. I shared a real-world case from Hong Kong where a deepfake of a CFO tricked a finance worker on a video call that led to a fraudulent transfer of $25 million because the video was so realistic. Beyond video, we’re now seeing AI being used to fake receipts and expense reports, and even clone voices to bypass voice-authentication systems.

While banks now have tools to detect AI-generated audio, the rise of such attacks means deepfake detection technology is going to become increasingly essential and more widespread in the near future.

How does PCH Technologies differentiate itself from other IT service providers in New Jersey?

What sets PCH Technologies apart is our commitment to innovation and our security-first approach. We’re SOC2 certified, which means a third party independently verifies our cybersecurity practices. We take client data very seriously. We’re also one of the few in our space actively leading in AI adoption, helping clients implement it securely while simultaneously protecting them from the new threats AI introduces. Our layered “defense-in-depth” cybersecurity model ensures that if a breach occurs, we can detect it quickly and take swift action to minimize damage.

What steps is PCH Technologies taking to protect clients from a cybersecurity standpoint?

First and foremost, you need a multilayered cybersecurity strategy. No matter how many protections are in place, a targeted ransomware attack can still get through. That’s why it’s vital to have a tested and validated backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plan. If a breach occurs, you shouldn’t be scrambling to rebuild from scratch. Instead, you should be able to recover quickly and resume operations with minimal disruption. This is especially important in healthcare, where system downtime can affect patient safety. While ransomware attackers may still threaten to leak data on the dark web, having a solid recovery plan means you’re not forced into paying ransomware just to restore operations.

How has public awareness around cybersecurity changed, and what steps has your company taken to help improve understanding and adoption?

Public perception has shifted dramatically, especially after a few high-profile incidents. The Colonial Pipeline attack and the subsequent meat-packing plant breach brought cybersecurity to the forefront. Those incidents caused real-world disruptions — people couldn’t get gas or basic goods — and demonstrated just how vulnerable our infrastructure can be. At PCH, we’ve used those examples to educate clients on how attacks happen and what steps to take.

For instance, in the pipeline attack, an ex-contractor’s VPN credentials were stolen from the dark web, and since there was no multifactor authentication, attackers were able to gain access. From there, they escalated privileges and launched a ransomware attack. So, two critical, low-cost safeguards we always emphasize are backup and disaster recovery, and enabling multifactor authentication, especially on cloud systems, remote access, and email. These simple steps significantly improve your organization’s cybersecurity hygiene.

With the growth of logistics companies in New Jersey, are you seeing an increase in cybersecurity adoption in those sectors or others?

Over the past 18–24 months, we’ve seen a noticeable uptick in interest from across our client base. Even unregulated businesses like construction and manufacturing are starting to realize that a baseline level of cybersecurity is no longer optional. For regulated industries like healthcare and finance, the requirements are more extensive, but now, even smaller businesses are recognizing the need for things like 24/7 monitoring, AI-based email security, managed detection and response (MDR), and multifactor authentication. There’s been a real cultural shift, and clients are starting to take these recommendations more seriously than ever before.

What partnerships or collaborations is PCH is pursuing with local governments or institutions in New Jersey to support innovation or regulatory development?

That’s an area we’re actively working on. I’m in the process of applying to become a member of InfraGard, which is a public-private partnership between the FBI and businesses focused on sharing information about cyber threats. I have contacts within the Philadelphia office of the FBI, and I’m looking to strengthen that connection. While I serve on some national cybersecurity boards focused on product strategy, I’m looking to get more involved at the state level in New Jersey, especially around AI regulation.

What is your outlook both for PCH Technologies and the broader IT industry in New Jersey?

From where I stand, the IT industry is on the verge of a massive transformation. We’re a managed service provider, and in the next two to three years, AI is going to completely reshape how we operate. For example, basic helpdesk tasks — what we call Tier 1 support — could largely be handled by AI agents soon.

Cybersecurity will also continue to grow in importance, especially as threats evolve. I see AI as a revolution on par with the birth of the internet or the invention of the automobile. At some point, someone will develop a “killer app” that makes secure AI accessible to small businesses, and that will be the inflection point. We’re still in the early stages — this is the worst AI will ever be. It’s only going to get more capable from here.