POPULARITY
Categories
Big thanks to Proton Drive for sponsoring this video. You can use my link http://proton.me/drive/davidbombal to sign up for Proton Drive and get 40% discount. John DiMaggio created fake identities, profiled ransomware operators and spent approximately 18 months earning the trust of LockBit. In this interview, John explains how his investigation led to work with the FBI and the UK's National Crime Agency, contributed to indictments and resulted in death threats against him. He also reveals how the work affected his mental health, relationships and everyday life. John shares the remarkable story of a young REvil hacker connected to the Kaseya ransomware attack and its $70 million ransom demand. He explains how ransomware operators are recruited, manipulated and sometimes controlled by intelligence agencies. You will also learn why stolen cryptocurrency is difficult to spend, how Bitcoin tracing and money-laundering mistakes expose cybercriminals and why technical hacking skills do not make someone good at hiding money. Finally, John warns aspiring researchers not to approach ransomware gangs without professional training and support. He discusses his new book, Owned, and how he plans to use his experience to help cybersecurity teams and business leaders prepare for ransomware attacks. // Link to No Starch Website for Jon DiMaggio's Book // Order Owned on No Starch: https://nostarch.com/owned Use Coupon Code OWNED30 for 30% off Owned at NoStarch.com // Jon DiMaggio's SOCIALS // Website: https://arkemcyber.com/ X: https://x.com/Jon__DiMaggio LinkedIn: / jondimaggio // David's SOCIAL // Discord: discord.com/invite/usKSyzb Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbombal Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbombal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidbombal YouTube: / @davidbombal Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gE... SoundCloud: / davidbombal Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MY STUFF // https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal // SPONSORS // Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: sponsors@davidbombal.com // MENU // 0:00 - Coming Up 0:36 - Introduction 01:28 - Infiltrating the LockBit Ransomware Gang 03:45 - Working With the FBI & NCA 04:55 - Sponsor – Proton Drive 06:54 - Stories From the Ransomware Gang 07:35 - Befriending a Hacker 10:21 - The Kaseya Ransomware Attack 12:10 - Arrest, Extradition & a 14-Year Sentence 13:12 - An Unexpected Message From Prison 14:57 - The LockBit Story & the Mental Health Toll 16:30 - Advice for Young People Drawn to Cybercrime 18:09 - Why Hackers Can't Easily Spend Their Money 19:12 - How to Become a Jon DiMaggio 21:58 - What's Next for Jon DiMaggio 23:08 - Preparing Companies for Ransomware Attacks 23:52 - Final Thoughts Please note that links listed may be affiliate links and provide me with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items listed or recommended. Thank you for supporting me and this channel! Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. #lockbit #ransomware #revil
The episode highlights a structural shift in the MSP sector characterized by consolidation at the top and fragmentation at the low end, driven by a rise in niche MSPs entering the market and ongoing acquisitions by larger providers. This shift is outlined in discussion of industry data sourced from the Kaseya State of the MSP report, as well as Greg Jones' observations regarding both market entry trends and the increased prevalence of hyperscale consolidation activity. According to the Kaseya report, there has been a reduction in the proportion of clients spending $25,000 a year or more with MSPs—from three quarters of the market to four in ten within a year—indicating a trend towards smaller client engagements. In parallel, 48% of surveyed MSPs identified AI as their clients' top need, but only 13% reported being able to charge for AI, pointing to a significant value capture gap. These figures were referenced during a discussion on monetization challenges and the changing expectations around AI service delivery. Further supporting this structural change, the episode details Kaseya's shift towards more transparent contract terms and new commercial offerings such as FLEXSpend and catastrophic loss prevention. These policy changes are described by company leadership as attempts to address longstanding provider grievances and increase flexibility, but the discussion also reinforces the persistence of operational risks related to contract renewals and alignment between vendor strategy and MSP needs. For operators, the implications center on growing exposure to contract risk, complexity in billing and service models, and the challenge of capturing new sources of value such as AI services. The evolving mix of small and consolidated players in the MSP landscape puts further pressure on vendor selection, contract diligence, and process accountability, especially where new technologies are marketed ahead of proven monetization strategies. Supported by:ProofpointGoTo (LogMeIn)
Today’s headline news for Canadian IT solution providers: ePlus acquires Daymark Solutions: The solution provider bought the Boston-area Microsoft cloud partner for roughly $36 million, adding Azure, Microsoft 365, and security capabilities. Daymark ranked No. 41 on CRN’s 2026 Solution Provider 500. ePlus says the deal is the latest in a string of about 30 acquisitions and significantly expands its Northeast footprint. Cohesity expands Aspire Global Partner Program: The data security vendor has added new partner specializations in AI data security, cloud services, and backup and recovery, along with broader rebates and simplified training. Cohesity says the updated program, which took effect Aug. 1, 2026, rewards partner teaming and services expertise. Exclaimer launches MSP Connect for managed service providers: The new global program offers consumption-based billing, self-service provisioning, NFR licensing, and PSA integrations with ConnectWise, HaloPSA, and Kaseya BMS. Exclaimer says the program is designed to remove billing and management friction for MSPs selling email signature management as a compliance and brand-consistency layer. In Brief: IBM Consulting deploys thousands of AI agents: IBM says it has rolled out thousands of AI agents across enterprise security projects, productizing agentic AI for cybersecurity use cases. CrowdStrike warns frontier AI demands “greatest mobilization” ever: Chief business officer Daniel Bernard told CRN that AI-accelerated threats require what he calls cybersecurity’s greatest mobilization, outlining how the company is positioning partners to defend against frontier AI risks. CRN publishes 2026 Fast Growth 150: The annual list ranks solution providers by two-year growth rate. Caylent, EchoStor, and Park Place Technologies are among the top 25 fastest-growing companies. ChannelPro names Top 20 MSPs for 2026: The annual list highlights what the publication calls “bold, relentlessly innovative leaders” in the managed services space. Kaseya embeds agentic AI into MSP service delivery: The IT management platform vendor is bringing autonomous AI agents into its core MSP tools, according to an Aug. 24 report. Read Full Transcript Welcome to The Buzz from ChannelBuzz.ca, I’m Robert Dutt, today is Wednesday, August 26, and here’s what’s happening in the channel today. Solution provider ePlus has acquired the assets of fellow solution provider Daymark Solutions. According to CRN, ePlus announced the deal on Monday, paying roughly $36 million for the Boston-area Microsoft cloud partner. Daymark ranked No. 41 on CRN’s 2026 Solution Provider 500 and brings advanced Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, and security capabilities to ePlus. The acquisition is the latest in a string of about 30 deals ePlus has done, and it significantly expands the company’s footprint in the Northeast while deepening its Microsoft cloud services portfolio. For Canadian solution providers watching the M&A market, this deal is worth noting because it shows how midmarket Microsoft cloud practices are becoming acquisition targets as larger VARs look to build density in specific geographies. ePlus said in a statement that Daymark’s team and customer base will be integrated into its existing operations. Data security and management vendor Cohesity has expanded its Aspire Global Partner Program with new specializations, broader rebates, and simplified training requirements. The Aug. 25 announcement adds partner specializations around AI data security, cloud services, and backup and recovery, along with expanded profitability through increased rebates and deal registration protection. Cohesity says the updated program took effect on Aug. 1, 2026, and is designed to reward partner teaming, services expertise, and what the company calls “customer obsession.” The program is global, so Canadian partners are eligible for the new specializations immediately. The rebate expansion is the piece to watch here: Cohesity is moving toward outcome-based incentives that favor partners who wrap services around the platform rather than pure transactional resellers, which mirrors a broader trend across infrastructure vendors. Email signature management vendor Exclaimer has launched a dedicated partner program for MSPs called MSP Connect. The Aug. 19 announcement includes consumption-based billing, self-service provisioning, and direct integrations with ConnectWise, HaloPSA, and Kaseya BMS. Exclaimer is also offering NFR licensing so MSPs can run the platform internally before pitching it to clients. The program is global, so Canadian MSPs are eligible from day one. The pitch here is that email signatures have become a bigger compliance and brand-consistency issue as phishing attacks get more sophisticated, and MSPs can fold Exclaimer into their security and productivity stacks without adding billing complexity. According to Exclaimer, the PSA integrations mean invoice line items and tenant management should live inside tools MSPs are already using. IBM Consulting says it has deployed thousands of AI agents across security projects for enterprise clients. CRN reported the initiative on Aug. 25 as part of Big Blue’s broader push to productize agentic AI for cybersecurity use cases. CrowdStrike chief business officer Daniel Bernard says frontier AI demands what he calls cybersecurity’s “greatest mobilization” ever. In an Aug. 25 interview with CRN, Bernard outlined how the company is positioning partners to defend against AI-accelerated threats. CRN has published its 2026 Fast Growth 150 list, with the top 25 solution providers ranked by two-year growth rate. Caylent, EchoStor, and Park Place Technologies are among the fastest-growing companies. The ChannelPro Network has unveiled its Top 20 MSPs for 2026, an annual recognition of providers the publication calls “bold, relentlessly innovative leaders.” Kaseya is bringing agentic AI deeper into MSP service delivery. ChannelE2E reported on Aug. 24 that the IT management platform vendor is embedding autonomous AI agents into its core MSP tools. Full details and links in the show notes or the blog post. Later today on In The Channel, Red Hat vice president of the global partner ecosystem Kevin Kennedy sits down with me to talk about how the partner business has shifted away from swim lanes, where the VMware modernization opportunity stands for Canadian partners, and what data sovereignty actually means in practice. And if you haven’t heard it yet, yesterday on In The Channel, Cisco Canada president Raj Juneja walked me through the company’s new Sovereign Critical Infrastructure portfolio and what trust-based licensing looks like for partners selling air-gapped infrastructure to Canadian public sector clients. That’s how we’re seeing the headlines today. I’m Robert Dutt for ChannelBuzz.ca, thanks for listening. Have a great day.
The core structural shift highlighted is the disconnect between service reliability gains from AI automation and readiness for strategic change among IT service providers and their clients. Reports from SolarWinds, Corsica Technologies, and Deloitte reveal that AI is delivering measurable productivity benefits, but those time savings are consumed by ongoing reliability work rather than being directed toward governance, process redesign, or workforce adaptation. This leaves most organizations with improved operations but unprepared to leverage AI for broader business transformation, creating a gap between what clients say they want and what providers are set up to deliver. SolarWinds' 2026 State of ITSM report found that 84% of IT teams report AI meeting or exceeding their return on investment expectations, with teams recovering roughly three hours per week in several core areas, such as issue detection and ticket triage. However, almost the same amount of capacity is then redirected to keeping those new AI systems running—83% of teams spend three or more hours weekly maintaining AI reliability. Simultaneously, Corsica Technologies' Censuswide research among 600 IT and security leaders at U.S. mid-sized businesses found that 96% claim to trust their MSP, yet two-thirds are considering switching within 12 months, citing limited AI or automation support as one of the top reasons. Additional research contextualizes the readiness gap. According to a PwC survey, only 5% of organizations report their business processes as highly prepared for AI agents, and a Cloudera study found that 95% of large companies delayed or canceled at least one AI project in the past year due to governance, compliance, or regulatory concerns. The episode also notes a public sentiment shift, citing a Pew Research poll in which over half of American adults express more concern than excitement about AI—a trend particularly strong among people under 30. Vendor product launches from companies like Kaseya and Syncro are described as offering only superficial differentiation in this environment. For MSPs and IT leaders, this dynamic presents operational risks. The default allocation of AI-driven productivity gains toward reliability tasks undermines investment in strategic readiness, reinforcing dependence on vendor offerings without improving meaningful differentiation. Most clients lack a specific benchmark for “AI readiness,” creating an open but temporary competitive opportunity for providers willing to define and document it for them. However, unless time and resources are explicitly earmarked for readiness activities—in governance, process adaptation, and client education—MSPs risk being evaluated on ill-defined criteria or commoditized platforms, increasing contract risk and exposing gaps in internal accountability. 00:00 The Two Numbers Don't Fit 04:52 Only One Half Can Take the Hours 08:02 Everyone Buys the Same Platform 11:20 Why Do We Care? Supported by: Pax8 TimeZest
Halo PSA has launched a customizable artificial intelligence capability and announced a price reduction for its product, separating its approach from other PSA vendors. According to Amy Babinchak, Halo's model allows users to build their own AI agents for a range of business processes, including quarterly reporting and project management, without charging additional fees. The company indicates that future price reductions may occur as user adoption milestones are met. This development is especially notable in an environment where other providers are raising prices while limiting flexibility. Halo's differentiation is further underscored by its openness and a lack of legacy constraints. James Kernan states that Halo is experiencing rapid market share growth, currently behind established players such as Kaseya and ConnectWise. The transcript notes customer concerns regarding restrictive contracts and limited support from these larger incumbents. In contrast, Halo's policy of integrated AI features without additional fees, as well as its responsive approach to MSP feedback, positions it as a vendor that some perceive as more adaptable to industry needs. Additional discussion addresses emerging risks related to MCP servers, which now facilitate the integration of client data across multiple platforms. Amy Babinchak raises liability concerns, noting that bringing client data into MSP-controlled systems may expand organizational exposure if security or compliance failures occur. The episode also reviews a backup vendor failure, in which an MSP was notified that Microsoft 365 backups were irretrievable due to a catastrophic vendor system failure. Both speakers underscore the severity of this scenario and recommend that MSPs seek written assurances from their backup vendors regarding data replication and recoverability practices. For MSPs and IT service providers, these developments highlight several operational considerations. The integration of customizable AI tools and falling PSA pricing offer new opportunities, but also present due diligence and alignment challenges. Expanded MCP server capabilities and recent backup vendor failures illustrate the necessity of strict data governance, contractual clarity, and continuous risk assessment. Technology leaders are advised to verify vendor practices surrounding security, data ownership, and incident response to mitigate both business and client risk.TITLE: How to Create People-Led Learning Culture? MSP Question of the Week: Create a safe space, encourage questions, use group training, and teach without doing the work for people. Halo introduces AI and lowers prices: Halo launches AI Studio for AI agents and plans to keep lowering prices. Could this spark an AI pricing war? https://www.crn.com/events/2026/halo-launches-ai-studio-mcp-push-to-help-msps-automate-service-delivery MCP: Friend or Foe? MCP gives AI access to MSP systems, but creates new security, data, and liability concerns. AI Shared Responsibility is now an MSP problem: MSPs need AI governance, approved tools, access controls, data policies, training, and incident reviews.https://petri.com/ai-shared-responsibility-is-now-an-msp-problem/ Tales from the Field: A backup failure raises a critical question: who is responsible when protected Microsoft 365 data cannot be recovered?https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/1vm9dcs/heads_up_cove_backup_isnt_backed_up/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Elle Perez is Kaseya's Account Manager of the Year and now leads a team of strategic account managers there. She has been selling since 1997, starting in marketing at Anheuser-Busch before the company told her that moving up meant carrying a quota, and joined Kaseya five years ago as an individual contributor in strategic accounts. This conversation gets specific about the parts of account management that rarely get taught: treating customers as partners rather than accounts, leading with business outcomes instead of product features, and using executive alignment between two C-suites to reopen a stalled relationship. Elle also covers prioritizing a book of business without defaulting to the 80/20 rule, why she believes presence and body language are underrated, and the one habit she wants every seller to pick up this week. Full show notes, the complete transcript and links to everything mentioned: top1.fm/202
The central structural shift addressed is the fracture of the longstanding per-user, per-month MSP pricing model due to AI-enabled consumption-based (tokenized) billing, which introduces variable costs previously absent from MSP contracts. This shift is being reinforced by vendor strategies from firms such as Microsoft, Atera, ConnectWise, N-able, and Pax8, each proposing different mechanisms for channel partners to integrate and manage AI costs and capabilities. Recent research from Omnia, highlighted by Jessica Davis, underscores the pace and fragmentation of this evolution, creating new exposure for MSPs to vendor-driven pricing and value capture. Data from an Omnia poll of 255 MSPs found 40% are maintaining traditional per-user pricing, while 60% are reevaluating or transitioning toward hybrid, outcome-based, or true consumption models. Business of Tech research shows that two-thirds of MSPs have not referenced AI at all in their customer-facing positioning, and those that do overwhelmingly reference Microsoft as their AI provider. According to Jessica Davis, much of the 40% maintaining legacy pricing may not be doing so out of clear strategy or discipline, but because they have yet to encounter the practical or financial impacts of AI usage patterns. Secondary developments discussed include vendor-driven channel consolidation in the form of proprietary control planes: Kaseya, ConnectWise, N-able, and Pax8 are all positioning their platforms as the central operational layer for AI services, but with divergent models—ranging from bundled internal use to open orchestration. Dave Sobel and Jessica Davis note that this fragmentation and experimentation by vendors creates substantial complexity for MSPs, who face real risk of shifting from managed service models to a lower-margin reseller role, particularly as vendors seek to capture value through consumption pricing. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI tool development is enabling some MSPs, particularly advanced or less-regulated firms, to bypass vendors and build custom integrations or internal automations. For operators, the practical implications are increased operational risk and pricing uncertainty, coupled with the challenge of balancing internal efficiency gains against eventual client demand for AI-driven services. Vendor dependency is deepening as MSPs must choose whether to commit to a control plane and cede elements of value and data custody, or attempt to differentiate through custom service layers. The most immediate risk is margin compression from ill-managed or misaligned pricing models—a threat compounded if MSPs fail to map their AI cost and value flows. According to Jessica Davis, MSPs who closely monitor their actual AI-related costs and value delivered, rather than reacting prematurely or simply holding the line, will be better positioned to adapt to ongoing changes in both technology and vendor strategy. Supported by: Pax8Guardz
The episode addressed the heightened challenges MSPs and IT service providers face in client acquisition, with specific reference to a recent Kaseya report indicating that twice as many MSPs describe obtaining new clients as more difficult compared to the previous year. This shift is attributed, in part, to changes in marketing efficacy and the increased reliance on referrals rather than structured marketing strategies. These findings emphasize the need for a consistent, proactive marketing approach—moving beyond informal networks—to counteract periods of slow business and ensure stable revenue. Discussion highlighted that many MSPs lack a formalized marketing plan and treat the absence of active marketing as a matter of pride, despite clear evidence that consistent marketing activities are essential for growth and resilience. According to James Kernan, "marketing is the oxygen of your business," and its absence correlates directly with reduced new business opportunities. Strategies such as recurring in-person or online engagement with clients, regular assessment of marketing practices, and leveraging written marketing plans were identified as actionable recommendations for sustaining pipeline health. A secondary focus examined operational risk and opportunity related to "shadow AI"—unauthorized or unmanaged use of AI tools by clients' staff. Amy Babinchak detailed three core risks: accidental exposure of confidential data, violation of contracts or regulatory requirements, and a lack of auditable records for actions taken by shadow AI tools. The discussion identified practical risk mitigation steps, including staff education, policy development, and implementation of monitoring tools, all of which represent billable opportunities for MSPs while reducing downstream liability in the event of a breach. For technology service providers and decision-makers, the episode underscores the operational imperative of formal, consistent marketing—even during slow periods—as well as the need for vigilant governance over emerging technology risk vectors such as shadow AI. By proactively engaging clients through both marketing and risk education, MSPs can better protect their businesses while expanding stable, recurring revenue streams rooted in demonstrable expertise and accountable service delivery.Title: How do I get more business when it's slow? M&A Topic: Why is an elevator pitch for my business important? Article: Why is finding new clients harder? Double the number of MSPs in Kasaya reported said so. https://www.kaseya.com/blog/msp-growth-challenges-2026/ QBR Talk: Talk to your clients about Shadow AI https://www.thirdtier.net/2026/06/25/speak-to-your-client-about-shadow-ai/ Tales from the field: A fictional tale about the Trunk Slammer from Hell. https://www.reddit.com/r/msp/comments/1u82vnh/i_got_obsoleted_by_ai_so_i_wrote_you_all_a_bofh/ UPCOMING CHANNEL EVENTS Mastermind LIVE in Omaha NEJuly 30-31st Register: https://kernanconsulting-mastermind.mykajabi.com/mastermind-event Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A structural shift is occurring as employees and customers increasingly bypass sanctioned IT systems in favor of faster, unsanctioned "shadow" tools that offer comparable or "good enough" functionality with less friction. This shift is highlighted through evidence from Gartner, SparkToro, Microsoft, and reports from Altran Digital Business, which collectively show sanctioned internal and customer-facing systems losing relevance as users opt for alternative solutions that optimize convenience and efficiency over formal governance. The most consequential development referenced is Microsoft's move to replace premium OpenAI and Anthropic models in core applications like Excel and Outlook with lower-cost in-house models, as reported by Bloomberg and Channel Insider. Microsoft claims these new models offer similar accuracy with increased efficiency, reflecting a broader market trend toward solutions that meet minimal functional thresholds at drastically reduced costs. This mirrors broader enterprise behavior, where cost and sufficiency now outweigh premium features, driving a reconsideration of value in AI provisioning. Supporting developments include a Gartner survey showing consumers are about three times more likely to use general AI tools like ChatGPT than corporate chatbots, and a report from Altran Digital Business revealing that over half of employees rely on personal devices or unauthorized tools for work, with nearly a third ceasing to report IT problems entirely. Clickstream data shows that more than two-thirds of Google searches end without a click as users accept AI summary answers, bypassing source links altogether. Vendors such as N-Able and Okta are responding with new products aimed at identifying and gating shadow tool usage, but these approaches often add operational friction without actually closing governance gaps, as Kaseya data indicates most SaaS accounts remain unmanaged despite existing controls. For MSPs and IT leaders, the key implication is that additional controls and "lockdown" measures are likely to increase friction without effectively steering users back to sanctioned processes. Current market tools that focus on visibility and gating of shadow IT may exacerbate the problem by making official workflows less attractive. The practical recommendation is to map where users have already abandoned sanctioned paths and focus on improving those official workflows until they are easily usable and competitive with shadow alternatives. The effectiveness of service delivery should be measured not by control metrics, but by whether users actively choose sanctioned systems for their work. 00:00 The quiet walkout 03:49 Even Microsoft picked good-enough 06:22 Why more control backfires 09:00 Why Do We Care? Supported by: Pax8
The dominant structural shift outlined is a transfer of liability and accountability for AI-generated errors from vendors to the entities deploying these systems—primarily MSPs and their clients. While vendors aggressively promote scalable AI tools and urge rapid adoption, the legal and operational burden of verifying and standing behind AI output falls on deployers, not on the tool providers. Recent court rulings and shifting buyer expectations are accelerating this transfer, fundamentally altering the MSP business model around AI services. Primary evidence for this shift comes from both industry behavior and legal precedent. Kaseya urged MSPs to quickly embrace AI services while revealing that only about 13% of providers are seeing significant revenue from AI, despite roughly half of clients requesting these solutions. Compounding the structural gap is a low conversion rate from proof-of-concept to production (only 20% success, per Kaseya), and high failure rates in AI-generated code—Forbes reported security and logic errors appear far more frequently in machine-produced output than in human code. Notably, courts in Germany and Canada have ruled that organizations are legally responsible for the statements and errors created by their AI, not the vendors providing the underlying tools. Supporting developments reinforce the risk and accountability mismatch. Research cited from Gartner indicates over 70% of CEOs and 75% of CIOs believe current IT operating models are unfit for the demands of the AI era, highlighting a recognized governance gap. Consumer surveys show that over half hold company leadership personally responsible for AI failures. The recurring vendor emphasis on selling tools, combined with product features that prioritize scale over individualized accountability, deepens the structural challenge for service providers. For MSPs and IT service organizations, the primary practical implication is that competitive differentiation and risk mitigation will depend less on which AI products are resold and more on documented processes for reviewing, annotating, and standing behind AI-generated output. Vendors' tools are pervasive and quickly commoditized, so market separation arises from the ability to provide tangible accountability standards—proof of human review, defined sign-off authority, and clear records for client audits and legal defense. Pricing strategies that reflect the cost of accountability, rather than simply product markup, are likely to become more sustainable as client focus shifts from features to liability management in AI adoption. 00:00 The 13% Problem 03:29 The Tool vs. The Work 05:43 The Wrong Answer's New Address 08:37 Why Do We Care? Supported by: CometBackup TimeZest
Send us Fan MailWhat separates a strong operator from a true leader—and how do you scale success across multiple companies?In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, Joey Pinz sits down with seasoned tech executive Jim Lippie to break down decades of experience across MSPs, SaaS companies, and multiple successful exits. From early days in the MSP space to leading SaaS growth and navigating acquisitions, Jim shares practical insights on leadership, metrics that matter, and what most operators overlook.
Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a former elementary school teacher steps into the fast-paced world of tech sales and MSP project management?In this episode of Joey Pinz Conversations, Andrea McGlothin shares a powerful journey from teaching first graders how to read to helping MSPs structure projects for real profitability and success.
Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to perform at the highest level—on the field and in business?
Eén op de drie kinderen praat online met vreemden. Op straat zou je in paniek raken, online haalt iedereen z’n schouders op. Astrid Oosenbrug zit aan tafel, en ze draagt een complete garderobe aan petten: medeoprichter van DIVD, CEO van DIVD Academy, interim-directeur bij HackShield en Public Affairs & CSR Officer bij ESET. We beginnen bij HackShield, de gratis game die kinderen van 8 tot 12 tot Cyber Hero opleidt, en belanden al snel bij Roblox. Randal bekent dat hij zichzelf binnen een half uur betrapte terwijl hij stiekem naar zolder liep om zijn eigen poppetje op de loopband te laten farmen. Hoe houd je jong hackerstalent op het goede pad? Bij de DIVD Academy gaat dat over ethiek: je kunt aantonen dat je in een systeem zit, maar je past geen cijfers aan. Astrid legt uit waarom Victor met maga2020! wel mocht inloggen maar verder niets aanraakte, hoe moneymuling werkt, en waarom het datalek bij Clinical Diagnostics voor sommige vrouwen letterlijk levensbedreigend is. Plus: meidenhuizen, dark patterns en het eindeloze kat-en-muis-spel om schermtijd. Over Astrid Oosenbrug Astrid Oosenbrug is medeoprichter van DIVD (Dutch Institute for Vulnerability Disclosure, bekend van onder meer de Kaseya-zaak in 2021) en medeoprichter en CEO van DIVD Academy. Ze is interim-directeur bij HackShield en doet Public Affairs & CSR bij antivirusbedrijf ESET. Van 2012 tot 2017 was ze Tweede Kamerlid voor de PvdA en gold ze als het meest digitale Kamerlid; tot juni 2025 was ze bijna zeven jaar voorzitter van COC Nederland. Ze keert in deze aflevering terug om twee lijnen te verbinden: kinderen veilig en ethisch leren omgaan met internet, en de strijd voor een veiliger en eerlijker net. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/astridoosenbrug/ Website: https://www.divd.nl/who-we-are/team/people/astrid-oosenbrug/ Sponsor: Red de AI Wet Kim van Sparrentak neemt het op tegen de techbro’s om duidelijke regels te maken voor kunstmatige intelligentie. Red de AI Wet besluiter je hier.In deze aflevering 0:00:00 Het meest digitale Kamerlid en een waslijst aan petten0:02:18 HackShield uitgelegd: gamen om Cyber Hero te worden (8-12 jaar)0:05:48 Roblox als verslavingsmachine, en Randal die zichzelf betrapt0:09:06 Dark patterns: waarom zelfs het klikgeluid is uitgedacht0:11:14 Meidenhuizen: gezellig, met een zieke wereld eronder0:13:39 Eén op de drie kinderen praat online met vreemden0:17:26 Kat-en-muis met schermtijd: de Word-truc en de Unix-computer0:25:32 Interim-directeur bij HackShield: governance en de stekker eruit0:28:46 Een onbetrouwbare overheid en de preventieparadox0:32:13 Gedrogeerd en gefilmd: 80.000 Nederlandse IP-adressen0:35:21 Waar meld je het als je per ongeluk klikt?0:46:31 DIVD Academy: van digitaal belletje trekken tot ethisch hacken0:58:39 Rebootcamp met de politie en ronselen via Discord0:59:55 Werkt een social-mediaverbod voor jongeren?1:06:33 Trumps wachtwoord en de grens van responsible disclosure1:08:09 Vraag Arnoud Wokker: moet programmeren en AI een schoolvak worden?1:13:28 Moneymuling: hoe kinderen ongemerkt witwassers worden1:21:02 Clinical Diagnostics: als een datalek levensbedreigend wordt Genoemd in deze aflevering HackShield Future Cyber Heroes, gratis game cyberweerbaarheid voor 8-12 jaar DIVD, vrijwilligers die kwetsbaarheden opsporen en melden DIVD Academy: The Ethical Hacker, gratis online hackcursus Offlimits, meldpunt online misbruik (voorheen Helpwanted) ATKM, autoriteit om kinderporno en terreurmateriaal te melden Stichting Cyberbrein, Henk van Ee begeleidt jonge cyberbreinen Effectevaluatie HackShield (Saxion), onafhankelijk onderzoek naar het lespakket Datalek Clinical Diagnostics, achtergrond bij het bevolkingsonderzoek-lek Tips van de tafel Astrid Oosenbrug: zet bij games als Roblox de chatfunctie uit; kies waar mogelijk voor “alleen mensen die je kent”. Astrid Oosenbrug: per ongeluk op iets verkeerds geklikt? Meld het laagdrempelig bij Offlimits of de ATKM in plaats van het weg te klikken. Randal Peelen: maak schermtijdafspraken samen mét je kind en leg uit waaróm, in plaats van alleen te verbieden, want een verbod lossen ze creatief op. Jurian Ubachs: spreek elkaar aan op gedrag dat niet oké is, ook bij een grap; wacht niet tot het slachtoffer dat zelf moet doen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today’s headline news for Canadian IT solution providers: Kaseya MSP Success ecosystem: Kaseya has launched MSP Success, a unified growth initiative led by EVP of Channel Dan Tomaszewski and backed by a 140-person global team. The ecosystem consolidates three programs: MSP Success Digital Marketing (AI-powered lead generation, website, and SEO/AEO tools in Express and Pro tiers), MSP Success Peer (combining TruMethods Peer and Technology Marketing Toolkit into a single accountability network), and the Kaseya Community hub at MSPsuccess.com. The launch is framed around a finding from Kaseya’s own 2026 State of the MSP Report: 71% of MSPs say acquiring new customers is their single biggest challenge. Zscaler agentic AI security: Zscaler has announced major innovations to its Zero Trust Exchange platform at Zenith Live 2026, including three new capabilities for securing agentic AI: Zscaler AI Broker (securing MCP and A2A agent communications via an integrated Agent Registry), Zscaler Endpoint AI Security (detecting AI-related threats in browsers, plugins, and local tools), and Zscaler AI Access Graph (mapping identities, apps, and data sources in real time, powered by the Symmetry Systems acquisition). The company is positioning this as the industry’s first complete Zero Trust platform for Agentic AI. FlexPoint AI agents for MSPs: FlexPoint launched what it describes as the first AI-powered agents purpose-built for the MSP back-office, built into its AI-native accounts receivable platform. According to FlexPoint, the agents automate billing, collections, payment reconciliation, and client follow-up workflows, and are designed to integrate into existing MSP toolstacks without requiring additional administrative headcount. Kaseya State of the MSP Report context: The 2026 Kaseya State of the MSP Report finds 48% of MSPs rank AI as their top client need, while difficulty hiring skilled technicians has risen from 9% to 16% year over year, compounding the business development challenges MSP Success is designed to address. DTEX behavior intelligence: DTEX Systems has announced a new behavior intelligence tool built specifically for its partner ecosystem, using behavioral science and machine learning to flag anomalies that indicate potential insider risk or accidental data loss events. ConnectSecure Patch 360: ConnectSecure launched Patch 360, a centralized patch management platform purpose-built for MSPs, offering consolidated visibility across endpoints and third-party applications to streamline remediation workflows. Tumeryk and CSA AI Trust Score: Tumeryk has announced a collaboration with the Cloud Security Alliance on the RiskRubric v2 AI risk framework, now covering agentic AI and MCP servers, and has launched its AI Trust Score assessment service in beta. Read Full Transcript Welcome to The Buzz from ChannelBuzz.ca, I’m Robert Dutt, today is Wednesday, June 10, and here’s what’s happening in the channel today. Kaseya yesterday launched MSP Success, a unified growth ecosystem designed to tackle what its own research identifies as the managed service provider community’s single biggest problem. According to Kaseya’s 2026 State of the MSP Report, 71% of MSPs say acquiring new customers is their primary challenge. MSP Success is Kaseya’s answer – a three-pillar initiative that consolidates the company’s existing growth programs under one roof. The first pillar, MSP Success Digital Marketing, is a new platform offering conversion-focused websites, AI-powered search and answer engine optimization, local search visibility, automated lead generation, and access to a dedicated marketing specialist. The platform comes in Express and Pro tiers depending on scale. The second pillar, MSP Success Peer, unifies two programs Kaseya has operated separately until now – TruMethods Peer and Technology Marketing Toolkit – into a single global accountability network with quarterly in-person meetings across North America, EMEA, and APAC. The third pillar is the Kaseya Community hub at MSPsuccess.com, a centralized resource and learning portal. The initiative is led by Dan Tomaszewski, EVP of Channel, supported by a 140-person global team. In a sector where technical excellence is table stakes, this is a signal that Kaseya is investing meaningfully in the business side of running an MSP, not just the tooling. Zscaler yesterday used its Zenith Live 2026 conference in Las Vegas to announce what it describes as the industry’s first complete Zero Trust platform for Agentic AI. The announcement extends Zscaler’s Zero Trust Exchange to address a challenge traditional security tools were not designed to handle: autonomous AI agents that operate at machine speed, create ephemeral identities, and access sensitive data in ways that conventional perimeter and identity-based tools cannot fully see or control. The centerpiece of the announcement is Zscaler AI Broker, which secures agent-to-agent and MCP-based communications through an integrated Agent Registry that governs what each AI agent is permitted to access. Alongside that, Zscaler introduced Endpoint AI Security, targeting threats hidden in browsers, plugins, extensions, and local AI tools that many legacy endpoint products miss. A third new capability, AI Access Graph, powered by Zscaler’s earlier acquisition of Symmetry Systems, maps how identities, applications, and data sources connect across an enterprise to enable real-time policy enforcement and data lineage tracking. For MSSPs building managed AI security practices, this is a significant platform update from one of the key SASE and zero trust providers in the market. FlexPoint yesterday launched what it is positioning as the first AI-powered agents purpose-built for the MSP back-office. The company, which operates an AI-native accounts receivable platform for service providers, says the new agents are designed to automate the financial workflows that consume significant administrative time inside MSP operations – billing, collections, payment reconciliation, and client follow-up. According to FlexPoint, the agents integrate directly into existing MSP toolstacks and are designed to work without requiring dedicated back-office headcount. The core argument from FlexPoint is that MSP revenue growth often stalls not because of a shortage of clients, but because back-office operations don’t scale proportionally. That framing aligns with the theme emerging from Kaseya’s research and this morning’s news – that the constraint on MSP growth is increasingly on the business operations side, not the technical side. In Brief – Kaseya’s announcement follows its own 2026 State of the MSP Report, which also finds that 48% of MSPs rank AI as their top client need and that difficulty hiring skilled technicians has nearly doubled year-over-year. DTEX Systems announces a new behavior intelligence tool built for its partner ecosystem, designed to detect insider risk through behavioral analytics and machine learning anomaly detection. ConnectSecure launches Patch 360, a new patch management platform purpose-built for MSPs, offering a centralized view across endpoints and third-party applications. Tumeryk and the Cloud Security Alliance announce a collaboration on RiskRubric v2, an AI risk assessment framework that now covers agentic AI and MCP servers, with Tumeryk launching its AI Trust Score assessment service as part of the ecosystem. Later today on In The Channel, ESTI Consulting Services‘ Earl Gosick brings a Prairie data center perspective to a conversation about AI infrastructure, cyber resilience, and why the storage conversation is the one Canadian partners should be having right now. And if you haven’t heard it yet, yesterday’s episode features AWS Canada’s Martin Brazonet and CGI’s Dinesh Bhavsar on the launch of the AWS Partner Innovation Hub in Toronto – and why the gap between AI prototype and production is where the real partner opportunity sits. That’s how we’re seeing the headlines today. I’m Robert Dutt for ChannelBuzz.ca, thanks for listening. Have a great day.
Une nouvelle épidémie d'Ebola déclarée en République démocratique du Congo, dans la province de l'Ituri, ainsi que dans deux pays voisins, l'Ouganda et le Soudan du Sud. L'information a été confirmée par l'OMS et l'agence sanitaire de l'Union africaine, Africa CDC. Plusieurs dizaines de cas ont déjà été recensés et de nombreux décès enregistrés. La RDC reste le foyer principal de cette épidémie, et une nouvelle souche de contamination y a été découverte. Cette dernière, explique le Dr Jean Kaseya, épidémiologiste et directeur général du Centre africain de contrôle et de prévention des maladies (Africa CDC), ne dispose pour le moment ni de vaccin, ni de traitement. RFI : Le 5 mai 2026, l'Organisation mondiale de la santé a reçu un signal de cas suspects et a envoyé une équipe sur le terrain. Les premiers échantillons testés à Mungbwalu étaient négatifs. Ce n'est que le 15 mai que l'Institut national de recherche biomédicale a confirmé les cas positifs. Deux jours se sont écoulés. Ce délai a-t-il aggravé la situation ? Dr Jean Kaseya : On peut dire que tout délai dans une flambée d'Ebola est préoccupant, mais que les premiers échantillons négatifs ne suffisent pas à exclure une flambée. Cela peut dépendre du moment du prélèvement, de la qualité de l'échantillon, du choix des cas testés, du transport ou de la dynamique de transmission. Nous devons examiner la chronologie complète avant de conclure que ce délai a aggravé la situation. Ce que nous savons, c'est qu'Ebola exige une réponse immédiate dès le signal et cela signifie l'investigation, l'isolement, la recherche des contacts, le contrôle des infections et la communication communautaire. Voilà pourquoi Africa CDC travaille avec les gouvernements à accélérer la confirmation, à renforcer les laboratoires, à reconstituer les chaînes de transmission et à réduire tout nouveau délai opérationnel. Le patient zéro a-t-il été identifié ? Le patient zéro n'a pas été publiquement confirmé. À ce stade, les enquêtes épidémiologiques sont en cours pour établir la chronologie des premiers cas, les expositions possibles, les événements communautaires, les soins reçus. Vous savez, les funérailles et les déplacements sont aussi d'autres facteurs. Les informations venant de la communauté sont importantes et doivent être écoutées. Nos équipes travaillent avec le gouvernement et d'autres partenaires pour que nous puissions vérifier scientifiquement avant de parler du patient zéro. On parle de la RDC, mais d'autres pays seront également impactés, l'Ouganda et le Soudan du Sud notamment. Vous confirmez ? Effectivement, la situation est confirmée en Ouganda. On parle de la même souche qui vient d'être confirmée en RDC. Il s'agit de la souche « Bundibugyo » et on parle de cas importés en Ouganda venant de la RDC, dont une personne est déjà morte. Actuellement, nous sommes en train de travailler sur la détection rapide pour renforcer la surveillance. On est en train de rechercher les contacts, de faire de la prévention et le contrôle des infections. Nous avons aussi la communication avec les communautés, bien sûr, les enterrements sûrs et dignes au niveau du Soudan du Sud. Nous activons la pression maximale en termes de prévention et surtout de détection accélérée s'il y avait un cas. Pour revenir à la RDC, c'est la 17e épidémie que connaît le pays depuis 1976. Mais cette fois, ce n'est pas la souche Zaïre. Le séquençage est en cours. Vous avez évoqué tout à l'heure le nom de la nouvelle souche. Pouvez-vous nous rappeler de quelle souche il s'agit ? Généralement, nous parlons des trois souches. Il y en a une vingtaine, mais généralement on parle de trois souches pour Ebola : la souche « Zaïre », que l'on connaît, la souche « Soudan », et la souche « Bundibugyo ». C'est de celle-là dont on parle. Cette souche n'a pour le moment aucun vaccin disponible, aucun médicament disponible. Nous avons des vaccins candidats, des médicaments candidats sur lesquels nous sommes en train de travailler. Aujourd'hui (vendredi 15 mai, NDLR), mon équipe a eu une réunion avec tous les partenaires et les industriels pharmaceutiques qui ont des produits sur lesquels on fait des études, et donc nous saurons vous informer un peu plus dans les prochains jours. Dernière question, quelle est votre plus grande crainte dans les prochaines 72 heures ? La crainte des chaînes de transmission invisibles, des contacts qui ne sont pas listés, des personnes exposées qui se déplacent vers Bunia, vers l'Ouganda, vers le Soudan du Sud, des soignants qui sont exposés sans protection suffisante et surtout des décès communautaires sans enterrements. Les prochaines 72 heures doivent servir à passer d'un signal inquiétant à une réponse structurée, où nous allons lister les contacts. On va prendre des soins sécurisés, on va renforcer les laboratoires et on va avoir des communautés informées. À ce moment-là, je peux commencer à dire que nous pourrions contrôler cette épidémie dans les semaines qui viennent. À lire aussiRDC: nouvelle épidémie d'Ebola en cours en Ituri, la société civile appelle à éviter le pire
The dominant structural shift addressed is the move of platform vendors away from competing on feature sets toward controlling the governance and billing layer that underpins managed services. This is evident in moves by Microsoft, AWS, and Kaseya, specifically with Microsoft's new licensing tier combining per-seat fees with consumption-based AI add-ons, AWS redefining managed services around agents, and Kaseya introducing action-based pricing for IT management. Analysts noted that these developments collectively place a consumption meter on previously flat-rate services, reconfiguring how MSPs and IT providers will be billed and held accountable. Primary evidence for this shift includes data from Omdia's channel media report and tracked M&A activity within the MSP sector. The report counted 169 MSP acquisitions in 2025, mirroring prior years' activity, yet identified that one acquirer—Evergreen Services Group—accounted for 47 deals, illustrating a concentration in acquisition strategies. Notably, 69% of publicly announced deals involved private equity, with the remainder pursued by independent operators. The North American channel media landscape saw significant contraction, with titles dropping from 29 to 18, despite stability in the global outlet count—attributed to both industry consolidation and AI-driven changes in content discovery. Supporting developments include growing use of AI in content production, leading to declining traffic for B2B publications as audiences increasingly access information through automated tools rather than direct visits. The rise of engagement-focused business models and shifts in acquisition criteria—such as Evergreen targeting founder-led MSPs—underscore evolving buyer strategies. Additionally, platform vendors are restructuring their product and pricing models around agent-driven and action-based billing, while shifting their external positioning to emphasize AI, intelligence, and cyber resilience. Operationally, MSPs and IT leaders face increased pricing and margin variability driven by emerging consumption-based licensing and AI service models. The historical per-user, per-month bundle is at risk as vendors experiment with new billing constructs, exposing providers to cost unpredictability and complicating client contracts. Providers lacking internal engineering or acquisition frameworks may be especially exposed, while consolidation and vendor dependency raise governance and accountability stakes. MSPs pursuing higher margin services, such as compliance or cyber resilience offerings, must prepare for new cost structures and intensifying pressure from both customers and vendors regarding efficiency, pricing, and service outcomes.Supported by: Zero Networks Moovila Upcoming event: The Pivotal Point of IT: Building Services for the AI-First Era Date: May 13 at 1p.m. EDT Register: https://go.acronis.com/davesobelaiera
Jennifer Bleam is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, and one of the most recognizable voices in the MSP world when it comes to sales, marketing, cybersecurity, and now AI. Her book, Simplified Cybersecurity Sales for MSPs, has earned nearly 200 reviews, and her work today is centered on helping MSPs understand the AI opportunity, package it correctly, and lead better business conversations with clients. She's spoken at a long list of industry events hosted by organizations like ConnectWise, Continuum, Kaseya, Auvik, Technology Marketing Toolkit, CharTec, ASCII, and ChannelPro, and she's built a reputation for making complex growth topics easier to understand—and easier to act on. What makes Jennifer especially compelling is that she's not coming at this from theory alone. She owned an MSP, coached more than 2,000 MSPs on sales and marketing best practices, and helped grow a channel-focused cybersecurity company from startup to acquisition in less than two years. Through MSP Sales Revolution, she now helps MSPs design more human-centered sales and marketing systems, with a strong focus on practical execution, stronger positioning, and real revenue growth. ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Links: https://mspsalesrevolution.com/about/ https://www.youtube.com/c/JenniferBleam facebook.com/groups/mspsalesrevolution linkedin.com/in/bleamjennifer
The dominant structural shift outlined in the episode is the destabilization of the classic per-seat MSP bundle caused by the rise of agentic AI and token-based, metered automation platforms. Vendors such as Kaseya, Google, and OpenAI are embedding persistent AI agents within core business applications, moving beyond traditional licensing models to charges based on actions, tokens, and workflow usage. This introduces margin instability, as MSPs cannot reliably predict costs or maintain flat-rate contracts in an environment where AI consumption is dynamic and externalized. The most consequential evidence presented is the quantification of AI-driven inefficiencies and costs in operational terms. According to a Gallup poll, cited by ZDNet, half of US employees are now using AI at work, but those users waste up to eight hours weekly managing AI-related tasks—amounting to approximately $1.25 million drag per year for a 100-person firm. This data underlines how the proliferation of automation does not equate directly to labor savings and can introduce significant, unanticipated costs that are difficult to contain under legacy MSP pricing models. Supporting developments further highlight the governance gap and operational risk. Reports from PRWeb and Ruist find that 97% of MSPs intend to automate more in 2024, but only 4% are “highly mature.” Vendor announcements—as with Kaseya's agentic IT management platform, Auvik's Aurora AI agents, and Liongard's data control enhancements—are paired with warnings from Information Week and The Register about the risk of overspending, audit failures, and accountability gaps tied to AI-driven automation. Most IT managers lack full control over AI agents, and as agents proliferate, the difficulty of tracking, governing, and assigning accountability rises. For MSPs and IT service providers, these changes demand immediate attention to contract structure, governance, and pricing. Flat-rate, all-you-can-eat support models expose providers to untracked vendor consumption and hidden overages, making traditional agreements economically unstable. Practical safeguards require shifting toward consumption-based or outcome-based billing, enforcing explicit usage caps, audit controls, and vendor SLAs that clearly define liability and accountability. Failing to adapt risks absorbing uncontrolled automation costs and shouldering client disputes over AI-driven actions and expenses. 00:00 AI Overhead Crisis 04:48 Agent Control Gap 07:17 MSP Margin Squeeze 12:00 Why Do We Care? Supported by: Acronis Zero Networks Nerdio Upcoming event: The Pivotal Point of IT: Building Services for the AI-First EraDate: May 13 at 1p.m. EDTRegister: https://go.acronis.com/davesobelaiera
NinjaOne's reported growth and positioning within the MSP software landscape presents a notable development for service providers evaluating vendor ecosystems. According to statements reviewed by Ryan Morris and Dave Sobel, NinjaOne claims an annual recurring revenue (ARR) exceeding $500 million, a valuation above $5 billion, and a customer base of more than 35,000. This self-reported data, while not independently verified due to NinjaOne's private ownership, places the company within the top tier of platform providers for endpoint management, alongside ConnectWise and Kaseya. The expansion and platform focus suggest material choices ahead for MSPs considering stack consolidation, endpoint management, and integration requirements. Supporting analysis from Dave highlights trends in the categorization of platform players, noting shifts among vendors such as Enable, which is repositioning from the MSP infrastructure platform to the security domain. The discussion raises a technical consideration: the evolution from API-driven integration toward emerging orchestration standards such as MCP servers, though details from vendors remain limited. MSPs are advised to understand tier distinctions among platform providers and carefully assess how these shifts may affect integration, security posture, and operational alignment. Adjacent topics explored by the speakers include the risk and tradeoffs involved in vendor onboarding, M&A (mergers and acquisitions) processes, and the relevance of business continuity strategies. Ryan Morris and Dave Sobel critique extended, six-month vendor evaluation pipelines as potentially eroding competitive positioning in a landscape characterized by rapidly evolving technologies, especially AI-driven tools. Additionally, the episode revisits the skill set of the IT generalist, acknowledging that while specialist expertise remains essential in domains such as security, contemporary AI adoption demands generalist capabilities for validation, interpretation, and curation of technology outputs. The podcast asserts several operational takeaways for MSPs and IT leaders. Prioritizing process documentation and standardization enables scalability and business value beyond the presence of individual owners, as financial professionals weigh factors such as repeatability and owner-independence in valuation. Businesses should balance rigorous stack control with responsive, customer-centric experimentation, managing the pace of change in vendor portfolios and technologies. In M&A scenarios, the speakers caution against overly formulaic approaches, emphasizing contextual evaluation of fit and motivation to mitigate post-transaction dissatisfaction. Collectively, these themes stress the need for ongoing adaptation, systematized governance, and objective risk management in MSP operations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Automation and AI are shifting the pricing and accountability models for managed service providers, with risk increasingly centered on governance, workflow coherence, and outcome measurement rather than tool deployment. Evidence from studies like Fixify, reports from ChannelLive, and real-world cases such as the City of Seattle's pause on Microsoft Copilot rollout highlight that technology adoption is now gated less by access to solutions and more by readiness to govern, coordinate, and prove outcomes across fragmented processes. Automation exposes underlying coordination debt, moving the client focus from paying for labor time to demanding measurable outcomes and managed exceptions. Fixify's analysis of more than 50,000 support tickets from 30+ organizations showed tickets with at least 75% automation saw average resolution in 4.4 hours versus roughly three days for non-automated tickets. Data cited from OpenAI found that 93% of London SMBs use AI tools, but readiness and uptake are highly uneven within the UK. In Seattle, more than 450 labor hours per week were reported saved during the Copilot pilot, yet adoption was paused due to concerns over data governance and accountability for errors, not tool capability. According to coverage in GeekWire and IT Pro, these dynamics are shifting buyer expectations and vendor liabilities. Supporting developments include security concerns outlined by Kaseya's INKY report, which highlights the normalization of AI-generated phishing and changes in attack formats, forcing defenders to rethink detection and response. The operational surface of automation—where AI reshapes data, not just moves it—means standard controls and classic alerts are increasingly bypassed. Reports from Information Week and experts such as Dan Lorman emphasize that accountability for exceptions, shadow AI usage, and data exposure is shifting by default onto providers, whether or not contracts address these risks. These trends mean MSPs face direct operational and contract exposure: clients and auditors are demanding proof of how AI touches data, how exceptions are handled, and where logs and controls exist. Pricing based on seats or tickets is becoming harder to defend as automation compresses labor and raises expectations for accountability. Providers must reconsider SLAs, explicitly define automation boundaries, charge for governance activities, and move toward outcome-based pricing models if they want to avoid absorbing unpriced liability and operational complexity. 00:00 Automation Divide 04:27 Coordination Debt 06:01 Automation Liability 09:18 Why Do We Care? Supported by: JumpCloud HaloPSA
This week we interview Christopher J. Millerick. Christopher is a revenue architect, go-to-market strategist, and expert in partner eco-systems leadership who has spent more than fifteen years engineering the systems that translate Private Equity and Venture Capital investment theses into predictable, capital-efficient revenue growth for enterprise SaaS and cybersecurity companies. As Global Vice President of Worldwide Partner Sales, Alliances & Hyperscalers at Infoblox—a Vista Equity Partners and Warburg Pincus portfolio company—Chris led the structural transformation of a stagnant $450M transactional channel into a strategic growth ecosystem that now executes 97% of total company revenue. Under his leadership, partner-sourced revenue grew from 38% to 73% of new customer bookings, new customer acquisition increased 43%, and the organization scaled steadily toward $1B in annual recurring revenue—all while meeting the board's rigorous "Rule of 60" profitability and growth mandates. Chris brought expertise that in collaboration with Infoblox's previous CRO led to the adoption of the "3 WHYs" qualifying framework — a buyer-centric methodology that aligns direct sales, marketing, and partner engagement around the three questions every enterprise buyer must answer before committing: Why now? (Urgency drivers) What happens if I do nothing? (Cost of inaction) Why this solution? (Value clarity) The framework has been deployed across global organizations to compress complex sales cycles and systematically improve capital efficiency. His operating experience spans the full PE value creation lifecycle. He built a greenfield enterprise region at Nutanix from zero to a top-producing region in North America within 24 months, led global revenue responsibility through the successful acquisition of Unitrends by Kaseya and co-led the Plexxi go-to-market turn-around through to acquisition by Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Chris led global channel sales for EMC Corporation's flagship storage business and held a variety of sales and GTM roles with progressive financial impact across a twelve-year tenure. A 5-time CRN Channel Chief honoree, Executive Revenue Growth Advisor in the Hubble network, and Limited Partner at Stage 2 Capital, Chris holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross, an MBA from Babson College and Chief Revenue Officer Leadership Program Certificate from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He speaks on partner ecosystem transformation, PE/VC value creation through GTM architecture, leveraging AI in GTM and building revenue engines that deliver both growth and profitability at scale.
The current wave of managed service provider (MSP) consolidation and rollups is being distinguished by the integration of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) expertise, particularly among entities such as SHIELD and Titan. As discussed by Rich Freeman and Jessica Davis, these newer rollups are acquiring not just MSPs but also Silicon Valley AI talent and developing proprietary AI-driven services, a marked shift from earlier private equity-backed consolidators. Rich Freeman highlighted SHIELD's recent leadership hires from Palantir and direct collaboration agreements with OpenAI, signaling an intent to embed AI at the operational core rather than simply as a tool for optimization.The structure and access to data is central to these developments. As Rich Freeman elaborated, large rollups possess a scale-driven “AI flywheel” advantage: broader customer bases provide larger datasets, which in turn drive better AI performance, operational efficiency, and profitability. This concentration creates risks for smaller MSPs that lack equivalent data pools and resources for internal AI development. Jessica Davis noted that while tool vendors and platform companies such as ConnectWise and Kaseya are enhancing AI within their offerings, their efforts are not yet matching the focused investments of the largest rollups, and are simultaneously being pressured to accelerate innovation.Commercial and operational pressures are increasing throughout the MSP ecosystem. Jessica Davis cited indications of slowing managed services revenue growth projections (potentially below 10%), alongside potential cost-cutting or workforce reductions within large rollups as private equity owners seek AI-driven returns. Divergent rollup models are also emerging—with distinctions between platform centralization (e.g., retiring acquired brands) and decentralized, founder-friendly approaches (e.g., preserving local brands and founder involvement). Decisions around acquisition, platform engagement, and specialization are increasingly nuanced as founders and owners evaluate their options under new market dynamics.For MSPs and IT service leaders, these trends necessitate a measured response. The competitive risk posed by the AI-fueled scale of consolidated rollups underscores the importance of specialization, operational focus, and alignment with platform partners committed to democratizing AI resources. Community collaboration, best-practice sharing, and strategic use of vendor tools are positioned as potential mitigants to the structural disadvantages faced by smaller organizations. Governance, due diligence, and clear assessment of vendor or acquirer incentives should be prioritized, especially as service models and influencer dynamics continue to fragment. Remaining adaptable, resource-aware, and critically informed about the changing power landscape will be vital for sustainable operations.
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss their upcoming travel plans and the busy start to 2026. They tackle a key listener question about how much to invest in training for IT teams, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and proposing strategies for incorporating both free and paid training within organizations. Additionally, they cover recent news in the tech industry, including Walmart's drone delivery expansion, layoffs in Kaseya, and the latest updates from companies like Ninja One, CrowdStrike, and others. The episode also touches on future technological predictions and top job listings for 2026. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Greetings 01:18 Kicking Off 2026: Busy Times Ahead 01:47 MSP Question of the Week: Investing in Team Training 02:24 Strategies for Effective Employee Training 09:49 News Highlights: Industry Updates and Trends 15:47 AI and Future Technologies 20:27 Top Jobs and Opportunities in 2026 21:40 Closing Remarks and Call to Action --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI --- Sponsor Memo: Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6). If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out. There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it. For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com
Sales team culture building is what turns sales strategy for B2B into real performance - not tools, not talk, and not one-off initiatives. This episode explores how leaders build organizational culture that actually executes. On the B2B Sales Trends Podcast, host Harry Kendlbacher sits down with Susana Klotz, VP of Global New Client Acquisition at Kaseya, to unpack how high-performing sales teams move from process to performance by obsessing over culture, habits, and the buyer journey. This is a standout conversation from our archive - resurfaced because its lessons remain highly relevant for today's B2B leaders.
Fred is a technology entrepreneur, philanthropist, and board director based in Miami, best known for building and leading hyper-growth technology companies in some of the most demanding markets in the world. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Simpro Group, and is the Co-Founder, Vice Chairman, and former CEO of Kaseya, where he helped scale the company into a global industry powerhouse. Beyond the boardroom, Fred serves on the Board of Florida International University and leads the Cooper Voccola Family Foundation, supporting causes focused on animal welfare, veterans, and children—because leadership, to him, extends beyond business. Internationally recognized for his expertise in AI, cybersecurity, hyper-growth at scale, business transformation, crisis leadership, and organizational culture, Fred brings a real-world perspective on what it actually takes to lead when the stakes are high and the pressure is real. Resources: Website: https://www.simprogroup.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SimproSoftware LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-voccola/ X: https://x.com/realFredVoccola
Slowing U.S. job growth alongside rising labor productivity highlights how organizations are replacing hiring with automation and AI-driven systems. Government labor data shows job growth in 2025 fell to roughly 584,000 positions, while productivity rose nearly five percent in the third quarter, allowing output to increase without additional staff. According to CompTIA, demand for AI-related skills rose more than 100 percent year over year, even as overall tech employment declined. For MSPs, this signals a shift where customers rely less on internal teams and more on external providers to absorb operational responsibility when automated systems fail.Survey data from TechAisle indicates that small and midmarket businesses are redirecting technology spending away from basic digitization toward autonomous, outcome-driven systems. The research, based on responses from 5,500 firms, shows profitable growth and cost control as top priorities for 2026, with increased adoption of generative AI, agentic automation, and managed security services. At the same time, rising RAM and storage prices—driven by AI data center demand, according to TrendForce—are delaying PC refresh cycles and pushing workloads into cloud environments, changing where performance, security, and cost risks surface.Vendor signals remain mixed. Kaseya reported layoffs affecting five percent of its workforce, following earlier reductions, while TD Synnex and Samsung reported strong revenue growth tied to AI infrastructure, memory, and server demand. Distributors cite continued hardware refresh activity, yet repeated workforce cuts at vendors suggest internal cost corrections rather than demand collapse. For MSPs, this combination increases environmental complexity, with longer device lifecycles, higher component costs, and more heterogeneous platforms to support.Operational AI announcements further extend decision-making authority into automated systems. New healthcare, printing, and service desk tools embed AI into intake, routing, authorization, and workflow execution, often acting before human review. For MSPs and IT service providers, the central issue is not efficiency gains but accountability: when AI-driven processes misroute work, generate compliance errors, or escalate incidents incorrectly, responsibility frequently defaults to the operator. The episode underscores the need for clearer governance, pricing, and contractual boundaries as AI assumes functional authority inside managed environments. Four things to know today 00:00 Slowing Job Growth, Rising Productivity, and AI Adoption Shift Operational Responsibility to Providers05:26 TechAisle Data Shows SMB Focus Moving From Digitization to Autonomous, Outcome-Driven Systems09:19 Kaseya Cuts Staff as Distributors and Chipmakers Report Strong AI-Driven Demand14:27 Operational AI Advances as Vendors Embed Automation Into Intake, Routing, and Authorization This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship
Artificial intelligence adoption is accelerating without formal ownership as employees, customers, and patients integrate AI tools into daily decisions. Surveys from Gallup show 45% of U.S. employees use AI at work at least occasionally, while research cited by OpenAI indicates roughly 60% of American adults recently used AI for health-related questions. Zoho and Arion Research report that 41% of organizations have strengthened privacy measures after adopting AI, reflecting growing concern about data exposure and accountability. For MSPs, the shift places liability closer to the systems being used rather than the vendors supplying them.Trust in digital media is also eroding as AI-generated content becomes harder to distinguish from authentic material. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri states that assuming photos or videos reflect real events is no longer reliable and suggests verification at the point of capture rather than labeling generated content. This approach reframes trust as a technical system rather than a social assumption. For IT providers, the issue extends beyond social platforms to security footage, compliance evidence, training data, and any asset where authenticity must be demonstrated.At the same time, automation and AI training are converging on the same constraint: expert judgment. HireArt's 2025 AI Trainer Compensation Report shows subject-matter experts earning $60 to more than $180 per hour, compared with under $20 for generalist data labelers, reflecting the cost of errors in regulated or technical fields. Kaseya's 2025 EMEA MSP Benchmark Report finds that while nearly 75% of MSPs expect revenue growth, 45% face staffing and skills shortages, increasing reliance on automation built on accurate data and curated exceptions.Major vendors are embedding judgment directly into platforms. ServiceNow's planned $7.75 billion acquisition of Armis expands asset classification and risk scoring within workflows. Freshworks' acquisition of FireHydrant integrates AI-driven incident management into ITSM. Google Cloud's revamped Partner Network shifts incentives toward outcome-based tiers beginning in 2026. For MSPs and IT service leaders, these moves concentrate responsibility around interpretation, governance, and accountability, even as tools increasingly define risk and success.Four things to know today00:00 Surveys Show AI Adoption Is Happening Without Ownership as Employees, Customers, and Patients Lead Usage04:50 Instagram's CEO Says Trust Is No Longer Assumed as AI Forces Proof-of-Reality Models07:22 AI and MSP Automation Are Converging on the Same Bottleneck: Expert Judgment09:52 Vendors Shift From Tools to Judgement as ServiceNow, Freshworks, and Google Cloud Embed Risk, Incidents, and Outcomes This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://scalepad.com/dave/
Laith Palhawan, CEO and founder of OrangeCrew, has successfully transitioned his managed IT services company into the public sector by becoming GSA certified, allowing him to provide IT services to government agencies. This shift has required a deep understanding of compliance and security requirements that differ significantly from those in the private sector. In the public sector, clients expect adherence to strict standards and predefined solutions, which contrasts with the more flexible and responsive approach typically found in private business engagements.Pahlawan's experience highlights the challenges of profitability in the managed services landscape, particularly when working with government contracts that often yield lower margins of 10-15%. He emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and effective business analysis to maintain sustainable margins. By utilizing tools like Power BI and Kaseya, OrangeCrew can track time and resources spent on each client, allowing for informed decisions about which clients to prioritize and which to decline based on profitability and demand.The episode also delves into OrangeCrew's innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance internal operations and client services. Pahlawan has developed a centralized database that integrates various data sources, enabling the use of AI to analyze client interactions and identify potential issues proactively. This system not only improves operational efficiency but also positions OrangeCrew as a forward-thinking MSP capable of offering advanced solutions to clients, particularly in the realm of AI.For MSPs and IT service leaders, the insights shared by Pahlawan underscore the necessity of adapting to evolving client needs, particularly regarding compliance and AI integration. As businesses increasingly rely on AI for operational efficiency, MSPs must enhance their understanding of data management and automation to remain competitive. The conversation serves as a reminder that embracing new technologies and strategic partnerships can lead to sustainable growth and improved service delivery in a challenging market.
CISA staff may see pay cuts in 2026. Threat actors advertise a full chain zero-day exploit for iOS. A US-led international coalition releases joint guidance on integrating AI into operational technology. Microsoft lowers sales growth targets for its agentic AI products. A major fintech provider suffers a ransomware-linked breach. Arizona's Attorney General sues Temo over data collection practices. Lessons learned from Capita's handling of Black Basta. The UK sanctions Russia's GRU. My guest is Dave Baggett, co-founder and CEO of INKY (recently acquired by Kaseya), about the challenges of email security. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court insists on AI transparency. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today, Dave Bittner speaks with Dave Baggett, co-founder and CEO of INKY (recently acquired by Kaseya), about the need to update email security that was built on a 1971 design. Selected Reading US Slashes Pay Incentives at Already Weakened Cyber Agency (Bloomberg) Zero-Day Alert: Alleged iOS 26 Full Chain Exploit for Sale (Dataminr) Principles for the Secure Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Operational Technology (CISA) Microsoft drops AI sales targets in half after salespeople miss their quotas (Ars Technica) Marketing and Compliance Software Vendor to Banks Breached (Data Breach Today) Arizona attorney general sues Chinese online retailer Temu over data theft claims (AP News) What organisations can learn from the record breaking fine over Capita's ransomware incident (DoublePulsar) UK cracks down on Russian intelligence agency authorised by Putin to target Skripals (GOV.UK) General Order 210: Filings Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Southern District of California, United States Bankruptcy Court) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textAt IT Nation Connect 2025, Mike DePalma—VP of SMB Cybersecurity at OpenText—sits down with Joey Pinz to talk about rebuilding community in the MSP world, evolving vendor programs, and the tidal wave of AI reshaping security and operations.Mike shares how OpenText's new EDR rollout is simplifying life for ConnectWise partners, the surprising results of their latest MSP Report, and why most AI projects fail—hint: it's not the tech. He opens up about the Datto → Kaseya acquisition, lessons in leadership, and why discipline, presence, and family still define success more than revenue or market share.
While many businesses rely on Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace security features, critical blind spots remain—the recent series of high profile SaaS breaches demonstrate this. So what should you do? Mike Puglia, General Manager of Kaseya Labs, joins Business Security Weekly to discuss the risks in SaaS applications. In this segment, Mike will explore how bad actors are focusing their attacks on SaaS applications, hijacking tokens and how misconfigured integrations are used to bypass traditional defenses. Mike will also discuss how IT leaders can rethink protecting their essential SaaS business applications with tools that go beyond endpoint and MFA strategies to secure the modern user. This segment is sponsored by Kaseya 365 User. Visit https://securityweekly.com/k365 to learn more about them! In the leadership and communications segment, The rise of the chief trust officer: Where does the CISO fit?, When Another Company's Crisis Hurts Your Reputation, Effective Workplace Communication Tips, and more! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-424
While many businesses rely on Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace security features, critical blind spots remain—the recent series of high profile SaaS breaches demonstrate this. So what should you do? Mike Puglia, General Manager of Kaseya Labs, joins Business Security Weekly to discuss the risks in SaaS applications. In this segment, Mike will explore how bad actors are focusing their attacks on SaaS applications, hijacking tokens and how misconfigured integrations are used to bypass traditional defenses. Mike will also discuss how IT leaders can rethink protecting their essential SaaS business applications with tools that go beyond endpoint and MFA strategies to secure the modern user. This segment is sponsored by Kaseya 365 User. Visit https://securityweekly.com/k365 to learn more about them! In the leadership and communications segment, The rise of the chief trust officer: Where does the CISO fit?, When Another Company's Crisis Hurts Your Reputation, Effective Workplace Communication Tips, and more! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-424
While many businesses rely on Microsoft 365, Salesforce and Google Workspace security features, critical blind spots remain—the recent series of high profile SaaS breaches demonstrate this. So what should you do? Mike Puglia, General Manager of Kaseya Labs, joins Business Security Weekly to discuss the risks in SaaS applications. In this segment, Mike will explore how bad actors are focusing their attacks on SaaS applications, hijacking tokens and how misconfigured integrations are used to bypass traditional defenses. Mike will also discuss how IT leaders can rethink protecting their essential SaaS business applications with tools that go beyond endpoint and MFA strategies to secure the modern user. This segment is sponsored by Kaseya 365 User. Visit https://securityweekly.com/k365 to learn more about them! In the leadership and communications segment, The rise of the chief trust officer: Where does the CISO fit?, When Another Company's Crisis Hurts Your Reputation, Effective Workplace Communication Tips, and more! Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/bsw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/bsw-424
Overview: In this episode of the SMB Community Podcast, hosts Amy and James discuss the evolving landscape of IT distribution and whether it is becoming obsolete. They reminisce about the days when IT professionals relied heavily on specific distributors and how the market shift has changed their role. They also touch on the U.S. Senate passing the budget bill, LinkedIn's top 50 startup list for 2025, Apple's advancements in satellite technology, and a change in leadership at Kaseya. Additionally, Amy announces the return of her scholarship program for Microsoft certifications, and James gives updates on his upcoming events. --- Chapter Markers: 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:48 MSP Question of the Week: Is Distribution Dead? 07:09 News Highlights: Senate Budget Bill and Government Shutdown 09:37 LinkedIn's Top 50 Startups for 2025 12:30 Apple's Satellite Technology and Future of Cellular 15:24 Kaseya's New CEO and Company Direction 17:54 Scholarship Program for Tech Certifications 19:45 Upcoming Events and Announcements 20:28 Closing Remarks --- New Book Release: I'm proud to announce the release of my new book, The Anthology of Cybersecurity Experts! This collection brings together 15 of the nation's top minds in cybersecurity, sharing real-world solutions to combat today's most pressing threats. Whether you're an MSP, IT leader, or simply passionate about protecting your data, this book is packed with expert advice to help you stay secure and ahead of the curve. Available now on Amazon! https://a.co/d/f2NKASI --- Sponsor Memo: Since 2006, Kernan Consulting has been through over 30 transactions in mergers & acquisitions - and just this past year, we have been involved in six (6). If you are interested in either buying, selling, or valuation information, please reach out. There is alot of activity and you can be a part of it. For more information, reach out at kernanconsulting.com
Send us a textAt DattoCon Miami 2025, Joey Pinz sits down with one of the industry's sharpest minds to explore how AI, automation, and evolving customer needs are redefining the Managed Services landscape. From Kaseya's 42-product ecosystem to the accelerating pace of AI adoption, this conversation dives deep into how MSPs can stay ahead in a fast-changing world.
The podcast discusses the current state of AI adoption among Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the challenges they face in delivering measurable results to clients. Despite significant investments in AI, many enterprises report no new revenue from these technologies, leading to a growing skepticism about their practical value. MSPs are now under pressure to bridge the gap between vendor promises and client realities, focusing on specific workflow use cases that can demonstrate tangible benefits. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding client workflows and integrating technology in a way that enhances human productivity rather than replacing it.Ryan Morris, a channel strategist, highlights the cyclical nature of technology adoption, comparing the current AI landscape to previous technology trends like the dot-com boom and cloud computing. He notes that while the tools for implementing AI have become more user-friendly, the challenge remains in effectively integrating these tools into existing business processes. The discussion also touches on the need for MSPs to evolve from traditional roles to become more strategic partners, guiding clients through the complexities of AI implementation.The podcast further explores the trend of vendor consolidation in the tech industry, particularly with Kaseya's acquisition of Inky. This move signals a shift towards integrated platforms, but Morris argues that the best-of-breed approach is still relevant, especially for MSPs who prioritize flexibility and risk management. He explains that while vendors may push for comprehensive solutions, MSPs are cautious about committing to a single vendor due to concerns about vendor lock-in and the need for reliable service delivery.Finally, the conversation addresses the changing landscape of market development funds (MDF) in the channel. Traditional MDF programs are viewed as outdated, with partners now seeking outcome-based funding and support for solution development. This shift reflects a broader desire for meaningful collaboration between vendors and partners, focusing on integrated campaigns that drive measurable results rather than simple marketing reimbursements. The podcast concludes with a call for a more strategic approach to channel development that prioritizes long-term partnerships and shared success.
It's hump day and Tobin & Leroy gets you through it talking what is going in the world of sports. They talk about the Miami Dolphins and all the controversy with QB Tua Tagovailoa and his unprovoked comments he made following the loss the Los Angeles Chargers. Tua will be answering questions from the media today and they will ask him about how his comments was a national headline? Tobin & Leroy talk about how the 1-5 start to the season has the fanbase very upset and quickly irritable but it has opened the eyes to the fact they arena good team with a lot of weaknesses especially upfront with the offensive and defensive lines. With a 1-5 record are they in the business of trading some of their players and would you let Chris Grier make personnel decisions? They talk Florida Panthers who are back on the ice tonight looking to get back on the winning track as they are in a national televise game vs the Detroit Wings. The Miami Heat host their red, white and pink scrimmage tonight at the Kaseya center. They ask the question who will be the go to guy with Tyler out for a couple of months? Tobin & Leroy start to talk University of Miami vs Louisville Cardinals at the Hard Rock Friday night. Star defensive player Reuben Bain is getting a lot national recognition but he says he doesn't wat any individual awards when the big awards "the natty" us the ultimate goal. We talk all of this and much more including "Mix Bag" and our favorite Wednesday game "Rats off A Ship" on today's Tobin & Leroy show.
International law enforcement take down the Breachforums domains. Researchers link exploitation campaigns targeting Cisco, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet. Juniper Networks patches over 200 vulnerabilities. Apple and Google update their bug bounties. Evaluating AI use in application security (AppSec) programs. Microsegmentation can contain ransomware much faster and yield better cyber insurance terms. The new RondoDox botnet exploits over 50 vulnerabilities. Researchers tag 13 unpatched Ivanti Endpoint Manager flaws. Our guest is Jason Manar, CISO of Kaseya, sharing his insight into how the private and public sectors can work together for national security. Hackers mistake a decoy for glory. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Today we are joined by Jason Manar, CISO of Kaseya, sharing his insight into how the private and public sectors can/must work together for national security. Selected Reading FBI takes down BreachForums portal used for Salesforce extortion (Bleeping Computer) Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks Devices Targeted in Coordinated Campaign (SecurityWeek) Juniper Networks Patches Critical Junos Space Vulnerabilities (OffSeq) Apple Announces $2 Million Bug Bounty Reward for the Most Dangerous Exploits (WIRED) Google Launches AI Bug Bounty with $30,000 Top Reward (Infosecurity Magazine) In AI We Trust? Increasing AI Adoption in AppSec Despite Limited Oversight (Fastly) Reducing Risk: Microsegmentation Means Faster Incident Response, Lower Insurance Premiums for Organizations (Akamai) RondoDox Botnet Takes ‘Exploit Shotgun' Approach (SecurityWeek) ZDI Drops 13 Unpatched Ivanti Endpoint Manager Vulnerabilities (SecurityWeek) Pro-Russian hackers caught bragging about attack on fake water utility (The Record) Share your feedback. What do you think about CyberWire Daily? Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey. Thank you for helping us continue to improve our show. Want to hear your company in the show? N2K CyberWire helps you reach the industry's most influential leaders and operators, while building visibility, authority, and connectivity across the cybersecurity community. Learn more at sponsor.thecyberwire.com. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kaseya made headlines at DattoCon by announcing its shift to becoming an “AI-first” company, highlighted by its acquisition of INKY, a generative AI email security provider. Alongside this, the company unveiled new Datto products and teased its upcoming Cyber Resiliency Platform for 2026. While Kaseya's vision of unified, intelligent automation sounds ambitious, many managed service providers (MSPs) remain skeptical, wanting to see real product integration rather than marketing promises.AI's impact on the workforce also dominated discussion, with reports showing that one in seven U.S. jobs faces automation risk. However, experts emphasize that AI isn't eliminating jobs—it's transforming them. The real challenge for businesses lies in broken workflows and poor operational readiness, not the technology itself. For MSPs, this creates a new opportunity to help organizations document processes, integrate AI effectively, and deliver measurable ROI.Meanwhile, OpenAI's trillion-dollar compute deals with major tech firms reveal the escalating financial pressure behind the AI race. Despite massive commitments with Nvidia, AMD, and Oracle, analysts question the sustainability of such spending as compute costs surge. This “AI bubble” highlights that power and price, not innovation, may soon be the industry's greatest constraints, pushing businesses toward efficiency and smarter workloads.Finally, companies like Snowflake, IBM, Otter.ai, and Google are leading the next evolution of AI—turning it into infrastructure. From data management and cost-efficient models to meeting automation and browser-based AI agents, these developments mark the shift from experimentation to real-world integration. The emerging “intelligence layer” means that AI will soon underpin how services, systems, and workflows connect, defining the next frontier for MSPs and tech providers alike. Four things to know today 00:00 At DattoCon, Kaseya Sells an AI Future — But MSPs Want Proof, Not Promises04:19 AI Isn't Taking Jobs — It's Exposing Broken Workflows and Creating a New Service Market06:41 AI's Real Risk: Not Job Loss, But Business Disorganization and Soaring Compute Costs08:42 The Intelligence Layer Emerges: Snowflake, IBM, Otter, and Google Show How AI Becomes Infrastructure This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://scalepad.com/dave/https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship
Full transcript and links to extended interviews is at https://businessof.tech/podcast/datto-sues-slide-2025/What happens when a founder returns to disrupt the company he built, and that company sues him for stealing its secrets? This is the central conflict in the case of Datto v. Slide, a legal battle unfolding in Delaware. Datto, now owned by Kaseya, accuses Slide, founded by former Datto CEO Austin McCord, of misappropriating proprietary technology related to its Hardware Independent Restore (HIR) system. Slide, on the other hand, asserts that it developed its technology independently and that Datto's lawsuit is merely a distraction from the reality that better products will prevail in the market. The lawsuit includes multiple allegations, such as trade secret misappropriation and unfair competition. Datto claims that Slide's technology closely resembles its own HIR, which allows for near-instant recovery of systems across different virtual environments. The complaint details how Datto's HIR operates and the proprietary elements it encompasses, arguing that Slide's founders had access to these trade secrets and used them to expedite their competing platform. Slide counters these claims by emphasizing that its product was built from the ground up, utilizing modern tools and practices that do not infringe on Datto's intellectual property. To provide further context, the podcast features interviews with Slide's founders, who discuss the safeguards they implemented during development to ensure compliance with legal obligations and to avoid using any confidential information from Datto. They assert that their technology is fundamentally different and that their marketing strategies, including a dramatic demonstration involving the destruction of Datto hardware, were intended as light-hearted competition rather than disparagement. The conversation highlights the importance of transparency and trust for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) considering which platform to support. The episode also delves into the broader implications of the case, particularly how litigation can serve as a competitive strategy in a consolidating market. With Kaseya reportedly carrying significant debt, the lawsuit may reflect a defensive posture rather than a commitment to innovation. For MSPs, the ongoing legal battle raises questions about vendor reliability and the potential distractions that litigation can create. Ultimately, the podcast suggests that while the case may settle, the reputational costs for Kaseya could be substantial, impacting its image as a channel-friendly company. 00:00 Intro: Founder vs Incumbent01:45 Case Summary: Datto v. Slide Explained02:22 Inside HIR: The Alleged Trade Secret04:47 Slide's Defense06:05 Timeline and Next Steps08:36 Interview: Slide Founders Respond14:04 Expert Analysis: Bob Zeidman20:10 Expert Analysis: Prof. Camilla Hrdy24:10 Market Context: Kaseya's Debt & Strategy26:24 Lessons for MSPs28:33 Closing Take: What This Means for the Channel All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
OpenAI has announced a major restructuring plan that involves transferring an equity stake valued at over $100 billion to the non-profit organization overseeing it. This move is part of a broader strategy to transition OpenAI from a non-profit to a public benefit corporation, alongside a tentative agreement to resolve financial issues with Microsoft, which has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI since 2019. The revised agreement includes a clause that limits Microsoft's access to OpenAI's most advanced technologies if they achieve artificial general intelligence. This transition is under scrutiny from regulators and raises concerns about OpenAI's commitment to its foundational mission of ensuring that artificial intelligence benefits humanity.The financial implications of OpenAI's restructuring are significant, particularly with an estimated computing cost problem of $350 billion. This staggering figure not only highlights the challenges OpenAI faces but also sets a concerning precedent for other tech companies relying on cloud computing resources. If OpenAI struggles with these costs, it could lead to higher API pricing, throttled access, or abrupt contract changes that would affect managed service providers (MSPs) and their clients. The podcast emphasizes the importance of diversifying partnerships and negotiating flexibility in contracts to mitigate potential volatility in the AI landscape.In other industry news, N-able has launched CATMIP, an initiative aimed at standardizing AI terminology in cybersecurity and IT management. This effort seeks to address the inconsistencies in terminology across different tech vendors, which can lead to errors and ambiguities in AI command interpretation. Meanwhile, Kaseya has reshaped its leadership with a community-first message, appointing new executives to enhance its AI-first platform, Kaseya 365. These changes reflect a shift towards a more community-centric approach for managed service providers, although the podcast cautions that new titles alone won't resolve existing integration challenges.Adobe and Coro are also making strides in integrating AI into their offerings. Adobe has introduced AI agents in its Experience Cloud, with over 70% of customers already adopting the new tools designed to enhance customer experience processes. Coro has released a new version of its cybersecurity platform tailored for small and mid-sized businesses, leveraging AI to simplify security processes. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the decline of the open web, the normalization of AI as a technology, and the importance of aligning AI adoption with business goals rather than treating it as a standalone strategy. Four things to know today 00:00 OpenAI Restructures With $100B Equity Transfer While Confronting $350B Compute Crisis03:58 N-able Pushes AI Standardization While Kaseya Reshapes Leadership for AI-First Future06:51 Adobe Targets Customer Experience as Coro Brings Enterprise Security to SMBs08:28 Open Web Fades, AI Normalizes, and Strategy Matters More Than Ever This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://scalepad.com/dave/ All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
Catch more Miami Comedy — podcasts, live stand-up, sketches, and raw social commentary — at miamicomedy.comMiami calls itself a cultural city, but our performing arts scene is either Lady Gaga at Kaseya or a crackhead breakdancing in the Publix parking lot. No in-between, no community, just bottle sparklers pretending to be art. This episode rips open the lie and asks — when do regular Miamians finally get a stage?(00:00) Welcome to the Madness(00:15) Miami Arts: Gaga or Crackhead?(01:41) Jazz in Miami = Background Noise(06:56) Pop Culture NPCs Unite(12:25) Bottle Sparklers as Performance Art(20:32) The 80% Nobody Markets To(26:11) The Next Era of Miami
Microsoft is facing backlash from managed service providers (MSPs) for not adequately protecting them against aggressive pricing strategies employed by larger licensing solution providers. These larger entities are reportedly undercutting smaller MSPs by as much as 20%, leading to significant margin erosion and increased competition. The Cloud Solution Provider Program, which was designed to create a more equitable environment for smaller providers, has not been effectively enforced by Microsoft, leaving many MSPs feeling abandoned. Analysts warn that this trend may result in consolidation among partners, as smaller providers struggle to compete in a landscape increasingly favoring larger firms.In the realm of cybersecurity, MSPs are grappling with severe alert fatigue, with a recent survey indicating that over 75% of providers experience this issue monthly. The report highlights that larger firms are particularly affected, with nearly half of those employing over 500 staff facing daily fatigue due to excessive tools and poor integration, which leads to a high volume of false positives. Alarmingly, one in four alerts is a false positive, and many providers are hesitant to consolidate their security tools due to concerns about migration complexity and potential feature loss. Despite the clear advantages of integrating platforms and enhancing automation, only 31% of MSPs have adopted AI or security orchestration tools to alleviate their burdens.In product news, several companies have made significant announcements. SuperOps has launched an AI marketplace for MSPs in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, aiming to streamline the adoption of AI agents for various tasks. Kaseya introduced customer responsibility matrices to help MSPs comply with Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements, while ConnectWise expanded its remote monitoring and management platform to include third-party patching for over 7,000 applications. Synchro reported impressive operational efficiency improvements for a client, and Ignite unveiled a no-code framework for creating customized AI agents.Lastly, the podcast discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Intel and the vulnerabilities in Enable's remote monitoring and management solution. Intel is receiving substantial investments from SoftBank and potential support from the U.S. government, indicating a lack of market confidence in the company's performance. Meanwhile, Enable is dealing with two critical vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited, with nearly 900 servers still unpatched. The urgency for MSPs to apply updates and validate their security measures is emphasized, as these vulnerabilities pose significant risks to their operations. Four things to know today 00:00 Microsoft Faces Backlash as MSPs Accuse CSP Program of Favoring Larger Licensing Providers04:53 From SuperOps to Egnyte, Vendors Announce AI and Security Features—Syncro Stands Out With Measurable Results07:50 Chip Market Split: Intel Relies on Bailouts, Foxconn Rides Explosive AI Demand10:24 Shadowserver: Nearly 900 N-able N-central Servers Remain Unpatched Against Critical Vulnerabilities This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://www.moovila.com/ https://scalepad.com/dave/ All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
In an era where organizations depend heavily on commercial applications to run their operations, the integrity of those applications has become a top security concern. Saša Zdjelar, Chief Trust Officer at ReversingLabs and Operating Partner at Crosspoint Capital, shares how protecting the software supply chain now extends far beyond open source risk.Zdjelar outlines how modern applications are built from a mix of first-party, contracted, open source, and proprietary third-party components. By the time software reaches production, its lineage spans geographies, development teams, and sometimes even AI-generated code. Incidents like SolarWinds, Kaseya, and CircleCI demonstrate that trusted vendors are no longer immune to compromise, and commercial software can introduce critical vulnerabilities or malicious payloads deep into enterprise systems.Regulatory drivers are increasing scrutiny. Executive Order 14028, Europe's Cyber Resilience Act, DORA, and U.S. Department of Defense software sourcing restrictions all require greater transparency, such as a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM). However, Zdjelar cautions that SBOMs—while valuable—are like ingredient lists without recipes: they don't reveal if a product is secure, just what's in it.ReversingLabs addresses this gap with a no-compromise analysis engine capable of deconstructing any file, of any size or complexity, to assess its safety. This capability enables organizations to make risk-based decisions, continuously monitor for unexpected changes between software versions, and operationalize controls at points such as procurement, SCCM deployments, or file transfers into critical environments.For CISOs, this represents a true technical control where previously only contractual clauses, questionnaires, or insurance policies existed. By placing analysis at the front of the software lifecycle, organizations can reduce reliance on costly manual testing and sandboxing, improve detection of tampering or hidden behavior, and even influence cyber insurance rates.The takeaway is clear: software supply chain security is a board-level concern, and the focus must expand beyond open source. With the right controls, organizations can avoid becoming the next headline-making breach and maintain trust with customers, partners, and regulators.Learn more about ReversingLabs: https://itspm.ag/reversinglabs-v57bNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Saša Zdjelar, Chief Trust Officer at ReversingLabs and Operating Partner at Crosspoint Capital | On Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasazdjelar/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from ReversingLabs: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/reversinglabsLearn more about ITSPmagazine Brand Story Podcasts: https://www.itspmagazine.com/purchase-programsNewsletter Archive: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/tune-into-the-latest-podcasts-7109347022809309184/Business Newsletter Signup: https://www.itspmagazine.com/itspmagazine-business-updates-sign-upAre you interested in telling your story?https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-storyKeywords: Black Hat 2025, Black Hat USA, sean martin, saša zdjelar, software supply chain security, commercial software risk, binary analysis, software bill of materials, sbom security, malicious code detection, ciso strategies, third party software risk, software tampering detection, malware analysis tools, devsecops security, application security testing, cybersecurity compliance
Rania Succar, the new CEO of Kaseya, discusses her vision for the company at a crucial time for both Kaseya and the managed service provider (MSP) ecosystem. With Kaseya facing scrutiny over customer service and billing practices, Succar emphasizes the importance of innovation and a cultural reset to strengthen relationships with MSP partners. She believes that Kaseya has the potential to be a leader in driving outcomes for small businesses through its partnerships with MSPs, which are essential for helping these businesses adopt cutting-edge technology. Succar outlines four key values that will guide Kaseya's next chapter: measuring success based on the profitability and revenue growth of MSP partners, delivering innovation that benefits these partners, enhancing the overall customer experience, and investing in the community. She acknowledges the frustrations MSPs have expressed regarding customer service and billing practices, and she highlights specific steps Kaseya is taking to address these issues, including the end of high watermark pricing and improvements in customer support. The conversation also touches on the importance of internal culture and employee retention at Kaseya. Succar emphasizes the strength of her leadership team and the need for a culture that empowers employees to make decisions at all levels. By fostering a customer-centric and innovative environment, she aims to improve the overall experience for both employees and customers, ultimately leading to better service quality. Looking ahead, Succar shares her vision for leveraging AI and automation to enhance Kaseya's offerings for MSP partners. She recognizes the challenges SMBs face in adopting AI and emphasizes the need for collaboration between Kaseya and MSPs to unify data and create effective solutions. By focusing on these areas, Succar aims to position Kaseya as a leader in helping small businesses navigate the evolving technology landscape. All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
OpenAI has released a new economic analysis showcasing the extensive impact of its AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, on productivity across various sectors. The report reveals that over half a billion people globally utilize OpenAI's AI tools, with a significant portion of users in the U.S. reporting that they use ChatGPT for work. However, a survey indicates that many employees feel pressured to adopt AI tools despite lacking confidence in their usage, raising concerns about the actual productivity gains versus the pressure to conform to employer expectations.In the realm of enterprise technology, Kindrel has introduced the Kindrel Agentic AI framework, aimed at facilitating the deployment of AI in secure environments. This initiative comes in response to the growing adoption of generative AI technologies. Kindrel's framework is designed to enhance operational efficiency and address critical issues such as bias and security, particularly in sectors like banking and government. This move highlights the importance of delivering tangible outcomes rather than merely promoting the hype surrounding AI.Dedicated servers are experiencing a resurgence as organizations seek to meet performance and compliance requirements. A recent survey indicates that a significant majority of IT professionals are utilizing dedicated servers, particularly in sectors like government and finance. This trend reflects a strategic shift towards hybrid infrastructure, where businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of dedicated resources for specific workloads, rather than relying solely on public cloud solutions.Proton has launched a privacy-focused AI chatbot named Lumo, which emphasizes user privacy by storing data locally and employing zero-access encryption. This initiative contrasts with offerings from larger tech companies that often exploit user data. Additionally, Kaseya has introduced an AI-powered workflow generator to enhance automation for managed service providers, while Malwarebytes has integrated a new email security module to combat sophisticated email threats. These developments underscore the growing importance of automation and privacy in the tech landscape, providing opportunities for service providers to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Three things to know today 00:00 OpenAI's scale, worker pressure to adopt AI, vendor risk blind spots05:43 Liquid Web reports rising dedicated server spend—MSPs must guide smart workload placement, not a full retreat from cloud08:22 Kaseya, Malwarebytes, StorX, NinjaOne, and Inforcer all launch moves to help MSPs automate, secure, and scale13:06 AppleCare One is a masterclass in “sticky” support—can your plans deliver the same seamless value? This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://cometbackup.com/?utm_source=mspradio&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=sponsorship Tell us about a newsletter!https://bit.ly/biztechnewsletter All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
A recent report by Auvik reveals significant challenges faced by managed service providers (MSPs), highlighting issues such as tool sprawl, burnout among IT professionals, and the increasing reliance on IT generalists. The report indicates that 50% of MSPs use over ten tools to manage client networks, with many professionals experiencing high levels of stress and burnout. The ongoing retirement of baby boomers in the IT sector exacerbates these issues, leading to a demand for specialists who can assist generalists in navigating the complexities of technology. Key areas of interest for IT professionals include cybersecurity planning and cloud computing, as they seek to enhance productivity and user experience.In addition to the challenges faced by MSPs, two significant cybersecurity incidents have come to light. Kaseya's Network Detective tool was found to have critical vulnerabilities that could expose sensitive data across managed environments. Similarly, a flaw in McDonald's chatbot job application platform compromised the personal information of over 64 million applicants due to weak security measures. These incidents underscore the importance of robust vendor security practices, as clients often hold their MSPs accountable for data breaches, regardless of the source.The podcast also discusses the ongoing struggle for right-to-repair legislation, which has seen limited enforcement despite public support. A report indicates that many products lack accessible repair materials, and manufacturers continue to resist changes that would facilitate repairs. This situation presents an opportunity for service firms to incorporate repairability into their procurement strategies and asset management services, aligning with client values around sustainability and cost control.Finally, Sonomi has launched new tools aimed at enhancing business impact analysis and continuity planning for cybersecurity professionals. These tools are designed to help MSPs communicate the business value of cybersecurity to leadership, shifting the perception of security from a cost center to a value driver. The success of these initiatives will depend on MSPs' ability to integrate these features into their service delivery, ultimately positioning them as strategic partners who understand both technology and business needs. Four things to know today 00:00 Auvik Report Warns MSPs of Tool Sprawl, Talent Drain, and Rising Burnout04:10 Kaseya and McDonald's Incidents Reveal Fragile Trust in Vendor Security Practices07:01 Manufacturers Withhold Parts, Manuals Despite State-Level Repair Rights Legislation08:40 Cynomi Adds Business Impact and Continuity Planning Tools to Help MSPs Drive Strategic Outcomes This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://getflexpoint.com/msp-radio/ ThreatDown Webinar: https://bit.ly/threatdown All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech
Managed service providers (MSPs) are currently facing unprecedented pressure from clients regarding cybersecurity, with a significant increase in expectations for MSPs to manage their cybersecurity infrastructure. A recent survey revealed that 84% of MSPs report their clients now expect them to handle cybersecurity end-to-end, a notable rise from 65% the previous year. This shift comes as MSPs themselves are under increased scrutiny, with 77% reporting heightened oversight of their security practices. The growing concern over emerging threats, particularly those related to artificial intelligence, has further complicated the landscape, as MSPs find themselves caught between rising client demands and a lack of accountability from cybersecurity vendors.In a related development, a fraudulent impersonator has been using artificial intelligence to mimic the voice and writing style of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, successfully contacting several high-level officials to manipulate them for sensitive information. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in secure communication channels and the ease with which attackers can exploit lax data security among government officials. The FBI has issued warnings about ongoing malicious messaging campaigns that utilize AI-generated voice messaging, emphasizing the need for enhanced verification protocols in executive communications.Additionally, attackers have been exploiting Microsoft 365's direct send feature to launch phishing attacks, impacting over 70 organizations. This method allows attackers to send emails that appear to come from legitimate internal addresses, bypassing traditional security measures. Research indicates that conventional phishing awareness training is largely ineffective, with many employees failing to recognize phishing attempts even after training. The study suggests a shift towards interactive training methods, which have proven more effective in reducing the likelihood of falling victim to such scams.Ingram Micro has begun restoring customer ordering capabilities following a ransomware attack that temporarily disabled its systems, but the company's lack of communication during the crisis has raised concerns among partners. The incident serves as a case study in breach communication, highlighting the importance of transparency and effective communication in maintaining trust. Meanwhile, Kaseya has expanded its community investment with the Technology Marketing Toolkit, aimed at enhancing resources for MSPs. However, questions remain about the potential cultural clash and the impact on the independence of the Toolkit's offerings within Kaseya's larger ecosystem. Four things to know today 00:00 MSPs Face Rising Cybersecurity Pressure as Clients Demand Full Protection and Vendors Sidestep Shared Risk04:25 AI Deepfake Impersonates Secretary of State in Sophisticated Attack, Exposing Risks for Executive Security09:17 Ingram Micro Begins System Restoration After Ransomware Attack, But Silence Frustrates12:07 Robin Robins Sells Technology Marketing Toolkit; Joins Kaseya as Strategic Advisor This is the Business of Tech. Supported by: https://getnerdio.com/nerdio-manager-for-msp/ All our Sponsors: https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://www.businessof.tech/ Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/ Want to be a guest on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights? Send Dave Sobel a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.com Follow us on:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.tech