Podcasts about mssps

"We're not just enabling secure outcomes — we're simplifying how partners deliver them." — Brian Feeney, VP of Global Partner Security Sales, Cisco At Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Brian Feeney, Vice President of Global Partner Security Sales at Cisco, to explore how the company is aligning security innovation with real-world partner needs in an era dominated by AI and complexity. Feeney, whose two-year-old role was created to consolidate and scale Cisco's global partner strategy for security, leads a team of over 260 professionals dedicated to helping Cisco's VARs, MSPs, MSSPs, cloud providers, and global partners navigate a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Cisco's Three-Pillar Security Strategy: Hybrid Mesh Firewall Universal ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) The SOC of the Future (with Splunk Integration) All three areas are now AI-infused by design, not bolted on — a shift exemplified by Cisco's autonomous firewall assistant, which reduces human effort while improving policy execution. Key Cisco Live Announcements: Free Splunk ingestion for Cisco firewall customers, addressing cost concerns and earning applause during the keynote. Streamlined portfolio: Cisco has consolidated 30+ point products into 3 strategic solution sets — user, breach, and cloud — dramatically simplifying the sales and adoption process for partners. Enhanced partner support tools like a “concierge deal registration desk” — offering one-click access to technical, sales, and promotional resources. “This isn't about selling more SKUs,” Feeney said. “It's about helping partners win with less complexity, more margin, and stronger customer outcomes.” Feeney emphasized Cisco's commitment to AI enablement, noting that while only 4% of enterprises are “AI-ready,” partner demand for both securing AI infrastructure and leveraging AI for defense is surging. Cisco is delivering: Expert-led deep dives for top AI-focused partners Scalable enablement through Talos threat intel, learning platforms, and continuous updates AI integrated throughout the security stack — from SOC automation to endpoint visibility The interview concluded with Feeney highlighting Cisco's investment in making security more accessible, operationally efficient, and partner-friendly, even for small or emerging partners. “We want to be the voice and the resource our security partners trust — not just with technology, but with outcomes.” To learn more, visit cisco.com/security.

In this edition of the podcast, we look at the continued rise of ransomware, the mainstreaming of managed security services, and how MSSPs can stand out as we're joined by Datto's Austin O'Saben.

In episode 135 of Cybersecurity Where You Are, Sean Atkinson is joined live at RSAC Conference 2025 by five attendees, including two Center for Internet Security® (CIS®) employees. He conducts a lightning chat with each attendee to get their thoughts about the conference, how it reflects the changing cybersecurity industry, and the role CIS plays in this ongoing evolution. Here are some highlights from our episode:00:40. Stephanie Gass, Sr. Director of Information Security at CISHow to start creating a policy and make it effective through implementation processesA transition to an approach integrating mappings for CIS security best practicesThe use of GenAI and security champions to make this transition04:08. Brad Bock, Director of Product Management at ChainguardBuilding and compiling security from the ground up in open-source container imagesTrusting pre-packaged software in an increasingly complex worldSupport of customer compliance with attestation, SBOMs, and vulnerability remediation07:43. Stephane Auger, Vice President Technologies and CISO at Équipe MicrofixCustomer awareness and other top challenges for MSPs and MSSPsThe use of case studies and referrals to communicate the importance of cybersecurityA growing emphasis on cyber risk insurance as media attention around breaches grows11:36. Brent Holt, Director of Cybersecurity Technology at Edge Solutions LLCHow the CIS Critical Security Controls facilitates a consultative approach to customersThe importance of knowing where each company is in their use of GenAIMapping elements of a portfolio to CIS security best practices17:23. Mishal Makshood, Sr. Cloud Security Account Executive at CISThe use of learning and research to investigate GenAI's utility for CISAn aspiration to scale efficiency and drive improvements with GenAI trainingA reminder to augment human thought, not replace it, with GenAIResourcesEpisode 63: Building Capability and Integration with SBOMsMapping and ComplianceCybersecurity for MSPs, MSSPs, & ConsultantsEpisode 130: The Story and Future of CIS Thought LeadershipIf you have some feedback or an idea for an upcoming episode of Cybersecurity Where You Are, let us know by emailing podcast@cisecurity.org.

DORA, Risk, and Resilience: What Carriers, MSPs, and MSSPs Need to Know Now, "DORA, Risk, and Resilience: What Carriers, MSPs, and MSSPs Need to Know Now" “You can outsource the function — but you can never outsource the risk.” That's the stark reminder from Jenna Wells of Supply Wisdom, who joins Technology Reseller News Publisher Doug Green for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Though it's an EU regulation, DORA's scope reaches far beyond Europe, impacting financial institutions, carriers, MSPs, MSSPs, and enterprises worldwide. Now in effect since January 2025, DORA requires firms to actively monitor and manage their third-party information and communications technology (ICT) providers — vendors that store, create, or share data. That's a tall order in a hyper-connected world where cloud services, telecom carriers, and AI infrastructure are interwoven into every business process. Wells explains that DORA compliance begins with full visibility into your outsourced ecosystem. Organizations must first identify their entire vendor population, then drill down to understand which of those suppliers are truly critical. From there, they must implement continuous monitoring — not just annual risk reviews — and prepare robust backup plans to ensure operational continuity if a vendor falters. The implications for carriers and MSPs are particularly acute. These organizations are linchpins of global communications and critical infrastructure — and often rely on their own layers of third-party vendors. Wells stresses that identifying service concentration risks, establishing redundancies, and planning for hot rollovers are essential steps to avoid costly downtime and regulatory exposure. Drawing on her experience managing third-party risk at Iron Mountain, Wells underscores how tools like Supply Wisdom can simplify the path to compliance. By automating risk monitoring and surfacing early warning signs of disruption, organizations not only stay ahead of regulation — they gain a powerful competitive edge. With enforcement timelines progressing, Wells offers a clear message: DORA compliance is no longer a future issue. It's here. And those who act now will be better protected, more resilient, and more trusted by their customers and partners. Learn more: https://www.supplywisdom.com

In this episode, Subo Guha, Vice President of Product Management at Stellar Cyber, shares how the company is reshaping cybersecurity operations for managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers. Stellar Cyber's mission is to simplify security without compromising depth—making advanced cybersecurity capabilities accessible to organizations without enterprise-level resources.Subo walks through the foundations of their open XDR platform, which allows customers to retain the endpoint and network tools they already use—such as CrowdStrike or SentinelOne—without being locked into a single ecosystem. This flexibility proves especially valuable to MSSPs managing dozens or hundreds of customers with diverse toolsets, including those that have grown through acquisitions. The platform's modular sensor technology supports IT, OT, and hybrid environments, offering deep packet inspection, network detection, and even user behavior analytics to flag potential lateral movement or anomalous activity.One of the most compelling updates from the conversation is the introduction of their autonomous SOC capability. Subo emphasizes this is not about replacing humans but amplifying their efforts. The platform groups alerts into actionable cases, reducing noise and allowing analysts to respond faster. Built-in machine learning and threat intelligence feeds enrich data as it enters the system, helping determine if something is benign or a real threat.The episode also highlights new program launches like Infinity, which enhances business development and peer collaboration for MSSP partners, and their Cybersecurity Alliance, which deepens integration across a wide variety of security tools. These efforts reflect Stellar Cyber's strong commitment to ecosystem support and customer-centric growth.Subo closes by reinforcing the importance of scalability and affordability. Stellar Cyber offers a single platform with unified licensing to help MSSPs grow without adding complexity or cost. It's a clear statement: powerful security doesn't need to be out of reach for smaller teams or companies.This episode offers a practical view into what it takes to operationalize cybersecurity across diverse environments—and why automation with human collaboration is the path forward.Learn more about Stellar Cyber: https://itspm.ag/stellar-cyber--inc--357947Note: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Subo Guha, Senior Vice President Product, Stellar Cyber | https://www.linkedin.com/in/suboguha/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from Stellar Cyber: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/stellarcyberLearn more and catch more stories from RSA Conference 2025 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/rsac25______________________Keywords:sean martin, subo guha, xdr, mssp, cybersecurity, automation, soc, ai, ot, threat detection, brand story, brand marketing, marketing podcast, brand story podcast______________________Catch all of our event coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/technology-and-cybersecurity-conference-coverageWant to tell your Brand Story Briefing as part of our event coverage? Learn More 

 “We're turning a mandate into an operational advantage.” — Barbara Sharnak, SVP of Business Development, Relay In a wide-ranging conversation with Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green, Barbara Sharnak, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Relay, outlines how the company is transforming frontline communication for industries that have traditionally relied on walkie-talkies and two-way radios. Relay replaces legacy radio systems with a cloud-connected platform designed for high-noise, high-mobility environments such as manufacturing, hospitality, education, healthcare, and logistics. “The legacy radio has been around for a reason,” says Sharnak, “but it hasn't evolved to meet the productivity and safety needs of today's frontline workers.” Unlike traditional devices, Relay's system unifies real-time voice, location tracking, text communication, and AI-powered features like Team Translate, which enables seamless multilingual communication across teams. Relay devices integrate cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity to deliver nationwide coverage without costly infrastructure upgrades. The hardware itself is rugged, waterproof, and designed for extended battery life — delivering up to 24 hours of uptime in even the most demanding environments. Sharnak highlights how Relay's panic alert system and precise indoor GPS capabilities have helped customers in hospitality and facilities management not only meet safety mandates but also improve operations. “We support over 5,000 properties,” she notes, “and for many of them, replacing radios with Relay has added value beyond compliance — driving analytics, workforce visibility, and improved morale.” With mobile apps, dashboards, and seamless integration across devices, Relay enables centralized control while keeping frontline teams hands-free and heads-up. The platform also opens doors for MSPs, MSSPs, and channel partners seeking new revenue streams through communication modernization. For more information, visit relaypro.com.

 This podcast is a part of a collection of podcasts recorded at ISC West 2025 and previously shared on social media. “Show me unattended cash. Show me wet floors. Show me signs still on display after the promo ends.” — Jac Ondaye, March Networks, introducing AI Smart Search at ISC West 2025 At ISC West 2025, Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green sat down with Jac Ondaye of March Networks to explore how generative AI is revolutionizing video surveillance and business intelligence. March Networks' new solution, AI Smart Search, brings the power of natural language and large language models to video data. With AI Smart Search, users can ask questions like “show me unattended cash” or “show me empty shelves”—and the system instantly scans millions of image snapshots across multiple cameras and locations to deliver actionable results. “This isn't just about security,” said Ondaye. “It's about improving operations, compliance, marketing execution, and risk management. Whether you're a QSR, a retailer, or a bank, AI Smart Search helps you detect issues before they escalate.” Key features include: Generative AI and Natural Language Interface: Ask questions via text or voice-to-text for instant results. Multi-Site, Multi-Camera Search: Analyze image snapshots across a vast camera network. Use Cases Beyond Security: Identify safety risks (e.g. wet floors), operational inefficiencies (e.g. empty shelves), marketing compliance (e.g. outdated signs), and camera malfunctions. Cloud-Based and Remote-Accessible: No need to review live footage or send staff on-site—monitor and manage everything remotely. March Networks supports global sales through an extensive channel partner network, offering the solution to MSPs, MSSPs, and enterprise customers worldwide. To learn more, visit marchnetworks.com and explore the AI Smart Search video demo and brochure.

This podcast is a part of a collection of podcasts recorded at ISC West 2025 and previously shared on social media. At ISC West 2025, BluebirdSales.io, an outsourced sales and marketing firm dedicated to the technology sector, showcased its deepening partnership with floLIVE, a global cellular MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) known for simplifying and scaling connectivity in security and IoT applications. Tom Dever, president and self-described “strategy guy” at BluebirdSales.io, explained the company's mission: “We're not just about sales—we're about helping technology companies build strategic paths to market. That means understanding the technical problems and delivering the right solutions to the right partners.” At ISC West, Dever and his team were onsite supporting floLIVE's booth, helping introduce the company's carrier-agnostic connectivity to a range of security-focused exhibitors and attendees. floLIVE enables OEMs and integrators to embed global, multi-carrier eSIMs into their products, providing automatic access to networks like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and U.S. Cellular—with no need for separate SKUs or carrier contracts. “It's a game-changer for manufacturers,” said Dever. “One SIM, one integration, and you're connected nearly anywhere.” floLIVE's technology is especially useful for security and monitoring devices—such as IP cameras and smart sensors—that need to transmit critical data from remote or variable locations. Their local IMSI capabilities ensure compliance with global data sovereignty rules, converting devices into local nodes on the cellular network and avoiding roaming restrictions in regions like Brazil and Turkey. Dever also spotlighted floLIVE's channel-friendly approach. MSPs and MSSPs can white-label floLIVE's platform or refer it as a connectivity solution, offering new revenue streams while enhancing customer deployments. “Partners can resell the service or embed it in their offerings—either way, it's a win-win,” he said. In addition to floLIVE, BluebirdSales.io is also engaged with global tech brands like Arduino and Grin. The latter showcased an M.2 module at ISC West featuring floLIVE-enabled connectivity with both cellular and Skylo satellite support—ideal for rugged deployments in agriculture, energy, or isolated security locations. BluebirdSales.io continues to bridge the gap between innovative products and effective go-to-market execution. As connectivity becomes increasingly central to physical security solutions, partnerships like the one between BluebirdSales and floLIVE are helping integrators, manufacturers, and MSPs meet the moment—with confidence and scale. Learn more at: www.floLIVE.net and www.bluebirdsales.io.

Send us a textPresenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker |Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital TransformationThe Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes.Evgeniy shared insights from his book addressing communication barriers in the technology sector, particularly for MSSPs, while Nim introduced his book concept titled “Betrayal,” which explores the emotional complexities in relationships between MSSPs and their clients. The discussion also covered the evolving role of AI in cybersecurity, highlighting both its potential benefits and challenges. Nim raised concerns about the perceived value of AI-generated responses, stressing the need for a human touch in service delivery, while Evgeniy noted that AI can automate tasks but must not compromise service quality.The conversation shifted to the risks posed by insider threats and the vulnerabilities associated with third-party suppliers, with Nim citing that 75 to 85% of breaches occur through these channels. Evgeniy advocated for designing secure connections and implementing multiple layers of protection to prevent breaches. Julian reflected on the increasing complexity of cybersecurity since the pandemic, underscoring the necessity for robust security measures to safeguard against both internal and external threats.Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense EcosystemTo learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

In the enterprise security news, new startup funding what happened to the cybersecurity skills shortage? tools for playing with local GenAI models CVE assignment drama a SIEM-agnostic approach to detection engineering pitch for charity a lost dog that doesn't want to be found All that and more, on this episode of Enterprise Security Weekly. Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/esw-402

In the enterprise security news, new startup funding what happened to the cybersecurity skills shortage? tools for playing with local GenAI models CVE assignment drama a SIEM-agnostic approach to detection engineering pitch for charity a lost dog that doesn't want to be found All that and more, on this episode of Enterprise Security Weekly. Show Notes: https://securityweekly.com/esw-402

At Enterprise Connect 2025, Microsoft's announcement of Microsoft Teams Phone Extensibility marked a significant leap in the evolution of Teams-integrated communications. Among the first to harness this new capability is Luware, whose Teams-native contact center solution, Luware Nimbus Power, was front and center at the event. In a podcast recorded live from the show, John Wright of Luware joined Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green to discuss the implications of this breakthrough. “Luware Nimbus Power leverages Microsoft's Azure Communication Services (ACS) to enable what we call ‘dual persona' functionality,” Wright explained. “This means agents can manage and receive audio calls through either the contact center console or the Microsoft Teams client—seamlessly.” Wright emphasized that while many competitors took the fastest route to market by simply connecting existing solutions to Teams, Luware made a bold move: they rebuilt their contact center platform natively within the Teams environment using the Extend model. Now, with Power certification, Luware adds advanced capabilities that integrate fully with Microsoft 365 tools like Power Automate, SharePoint, and Dynamics, and allow real-time AI enhancements via Microsoft Copilot Studio. This cloud-native, Teams-embedded architecture not only enables secure handling of calls without rerouting media through third-party infrastructure but also offers deep flexibility for integrations with CRMs, ticketing systems, and third-party platforms. “The call stays within the Teams tenant,” Wright noted. “That's a major advantage for organizations with strict compliance and security requirements.” For multi-vendor enterprise environments or long-standing organizations with diverse tech stacks, Wright sees the Luware approach as a powerful unifier: “You might have different departments working with different systems—Salesforce, Freshdesk, you name it. Luware can centralize communications across those platforms while keeping the user experience rooted in Teams.” Luware's robust partner program also makes this a compelling opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs. “We built a rewarding, intuitive partner program around Nimbus,” Wright said. “You can deploy a full-featured, omni-channel, AI-powered contact center in under 40 minutes.” Luware's commitment to native Teams integration and close collaboration with Microsoft positions it as a top-tier option for modern, scalable, secure contact center deployments. Learn more at www.luware.com

MSSPs in the Healthcare vertical face many challenges and opportunities. I sat down with Russell Teague of Fortified Health Security to discuss providing Cybersecurity services in the healthcare space and how it stands out from other verticals. If you are an MSP or MSSP, this is a great opportunity to further explore unique service offerings.

Podcast with Chandra Pandey, Founder & CEO, Seceon – recorded at MSP Summit, Channel Partners 2025 At the 2025 MSP Summit in Las Vegas, Seceon founder and CEO Chandra Pandey shared how his company is reshaping cybersecurity delivery for MSPs and MSSPs. Speaking with Doug Green, publisher of Technology Reseller News, Pandey outlined a powerful vision: giving MSPs the tools to provide better-than-enterprise-grade security at a price point even the smallest customers can afford. “Threat actors don't care which vendor you use—they know how to get around siloed tools. You need a platform that works in real time, across all telemetry, with built-in remediation.” Founded over a decade ago, Seceon was built from the ground up as a cybersecurity platform, not a patchwork of point solutions. The result is a fully integrated stack that ingests application, network, and endpoint telemetry in real time, correlates context with global threat intelligence, and automatically neutralizes threats—through auto-remediation or actionable, guided response. Pandey emphasized Seceon's multi-tenant, multi-tiered architecture, designed specifically to empower MSPs to deliver advanced protection with minimal overhead. For MSPs, that means onboarding hundreds of customers quickly and cost-effectively, while building long-term stickiness and recurring revenue. A featured case study discussed during the podcast tells the story of a mid-sized MSP that suffered a significant breach while using conventional SIEM and EDR tools. After transitioning to Seceon, the company not only secured its infrastructure, but transformed its business—growing revenue by triple digits and achieving 60%+ margins by reselling advanced cyber services through Seceon's platform. “It's not just margin for profit—it's margin to invest in people, deliver better service, and grow. That's the power of platform-based cybersecurity.” Pandey's message to the channel at MSP Summit was clear: cybersecurity is no longer a luxury reserved for the enterprise. With Seceon, MSPs can deliver superior protection to SMBs and SMEs—and thrive doing it. Learn more: www.seceon.com

At Enterprise Connect 2025, David Sundstrom, Regional Sales Manager at LogiSense, highlighted how usage-based billing is transforming the way companies monetize software, AI, and connectivity services. Moving Beyond Seat-Based Pricing Traditionally, software and communications platforms relied on seat-based licensing, where businesses would buy a fixed number of user licenses. But as finance teams scrutinize renewals, questioning unused licenses and looking for cost efficiencies, enterprises are shifting to pay-as-you-go models. “A much more elegant way to monetize your product is what we call a usage-based or consumption-based model, where companies pay for what they use,” Sundstrom explained. LogiSense provides the billing infrastructure that enables businesses to move from static pricing to dynamic, real-time billing models. The shift comes with complexity—from tracking usage data to implementing flexible pricing structures—but LogiSense simplifies the process, making it easier for enterprises to roll out consumption-based services. Flexible Pricing Models Drive Growth A key advantage of LogiSense's platform is its ability to support diverse pricing models, including: Pay-per-use – Customers pay a fixed rate per event or interaction. Tiered pricing – Volume discounts reduce per-unit costs as usage increases. Pooled usage – Shared usage across an organization without individual licenses. Wallet-based billing – Prepaid drawdown models, commonly used in IoT and AI, where businesses commit to a spend level and use credits as needed. The AI Monetization Opportunity AI is reshaping industries, and LogiSense is positioned at the intersection of AI and monetization. According to Sundstrom, there are three primary ways companies are integrating AI into their revenue models: Enhancing existing services – AI is being used to automate processes and improve efficiency within existing platforms. Monetizing AI-driven tasks – Businesses are charging per AI-generated action, such as automated customer responses or data processing. Outcome-based billing – AI is delivering measurable results, and companies are shifting from activity-based billing to billing for successful outcomes. A leading example of outcome-based billing is Salesforce, which is monetizing AI-assisted tasks based on results rather than usage. LogiSense's billing platform supports this shift, allowing companies to charge based on the tangible value AI delivers. Why MSPs, MSSPs, and Carriers Should Pay Attention Managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and carrier service providers are also prime candidates for usage-based billing models. MSPs and MSSPs can bill clients based on service consumption, reducing waste and improving cost alignment. Carrier service providers can bill on behalf of their partners, allowing them to adopt flexible models without building custom billing solutions in-house. Where to Learn More For those interested in learning more about usage-based billing and LogiSense's solutions, the company's website, logisense.com, offers additional resources. Additionally, LogiSense will host the second annual Usage Economy Summit on November 5, 2025, in San Francisco. Following a successful inaugural event, this conference will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of monetization, AI-driven billing models, and the impact of flexible pricing strategies. As enterprises rethink how they charge for their services, LogiSense is helping businesses adapt, scale, and grow with smarter, usage-based billing solutions. #EnterpriseConnect #LogiSense #UsageBasedBilling #SubscriptionEconomy #AI #Monetization #MSP #IoT

“We're here at every stage of the M&A journey,” says Charlene Ignacio of Fornix. Recorded at the ITEXPO Conference, in this podcast, Charlene discusses how her company helps companies through the M&A process. In a rapidly evolving industry, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and MSSPs are facing critical decisions about their future growth, security posture, and potential mergers or acquisitions. Charlene discusses how MSPs can successfully transition to MSSPs, build a strong channel presence, and navigate the complexities of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Fornix: A 3-Fold Approach to MSP Growth Fornix Marketing and PR Agency provides strategic growth and M&A support to MSPs, MSSPs, and channel-focused businesses with a unique three-part approach: MSP to MSSP Transformation – Helping MSPs expand into cybersecurity services, align with top vendors, and build infrastructure for MSSP success. Full-Service Marketing & PR – From thought leadership and public speaking to podcast creation and brand visibility, Fornix ensures companies stand out in a competitive market. Channel Development – Assisting vendors and service providers in building and scaling channel programs both domestically and internationally. M&A Support: The Journey to a Successful Exit Charlene also highlights Fornix's role in M&A strategy through MergerWorld.News, a new educational hub for MSPs considering buying, selling, or merging their businesses. Key Considerations Before Selling Your MSP: What is your EBITDA? How strong is your customer retention? What's your go-to-market strategy post-acquisition? Are your financials and branding aligned for a smooth transition? “We support MSPs at every stage of the M&A process—from evaluating opportunities and increasing valuation to navigating brand integration after a sale,” says Charlene. Why Marketing is Critical to M&A Success Charlene emphasizes that M&A marketing is a unique specialty at Fornix. Brand Integration – Merging companies need to align their brands, positioning, and messaging. Market Visibility – Buyers want a company that has a strong brand presence and clear differentiation. Revenue Growth – A successful acquisition should accelerate sales, not disrupt them. “If you're selling or acquiring a company, you need a marketing strategy to maximize its value and ensure a seamless transition,” adds Charlene. MSPAA: A New Resource for MSPs Charlene is also a key leader in the Managed Service Provider Association of America (MSPAA), a collective group created by MSPs for MSPs. MSPAA works with vetted partners to ensure MSPs have access to the best tools, vendors, and growth strategies available. Where to Learn More fornixmarketing.com Charlene on LinkedIn #MSP #MSSP #Mergers #Acquisitions #MSSPTransition #ChannelMarketing #BusinessGrowth #Cybersecurity #ITExpo #CloudCommunications

Topic 1: CISA Under the Microscope CISA was called out in the Project 2025 document as a left-wing organization inside the government due to their warning about election interference. It is now subject to cuts and scrutiny. In the mass firings at DHS on February 14th, 130 employees at CISA were fired as they were “probationary” employees. Many MSPs and MSSPs subscribe to CISA.gov alerts. It is unclear how this will be affected. Wherever you stand on politics or related topics, small business needs a good source of security alerts we can rely on. What's your take? Topic 2 (AI, of course): Was DeepSeek revolutionary or just the next obvious step in the evolution of AI? From Geekwire: Satya Nadella's response was, "Jevons paradox strikes again! . . . As AI gets more efficient and accessible, we will see its use skyrocket, turning it into a commodity we just can't get enough of." What do you think. Just another step in the evolution of AI? Or is there news here? See: - https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-ceo-says-ai-use-will-skyrocket-with-more-efficiency-amid-craze-over-deepseek/  - Wikipedia on Jevon's Paradox: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jevons_paradox  - ChatGPT now has 300 million users (https://backlinko.com/chatgpt-stats)  - Google Search has 1 billion regular users, and now includes Gemini results at the top of every search - Microsoft CoPilot has about 30 million users (https://www.businessofapps.com/data/microsoft-copilot-statistics/)  - Adobe Creative Cloud has about 30 million users and includes AI in all products (https://photutorial.com/adobe-statistics/)  Topic 3: Will Microsoft compete with you - or your SOC? Now available: Microsoft Defender Experts for XDR Says Microsoft: "Our expertise is now your expertise. Augment your teams across security, compliance, identity, management, and privacy with Microsoft Security Experts." See https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/services Is this service worth considering, or should Microsoft put those resources into fixing security problems in their deployed software? The pages makes it sound like this will have a major human-led component, but that's exactly what they are NOT doing. Will you jump on board or wait to see if this is real first? And will this help Microsoft cut payroll, or just require more hiring? We welcome your feedback! :-)    

On this episode of The Cybersecurity Defenders Podcast we speak with Garret Grajek, CEO of YouAttest, about how MSSPs help clients meet regulatory requirements and what it means for the MSSP.Garret is a certified security leader with nearly 30 years of experience in information security. Garret is widely recognized as a visionary in identity, access, and authentication, holding 13 patents in areas such as x.509, mobile security, single sign-on (SSO), federation, and multi-factor technologies. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to major security projects for prominent commercial clients like Dish Networks, Office Depot, TicketMaster, and E*Trade, as well as public sector organizations including the U.S. Navy and the EPA.Garret began his career as a security programmer at Texas Instruments, IBM, and Tandem Computers, later advancing to key roles at RSA, Netegrity, and Cisco. He is also the founder and creator of SecureAuth IdP, a two-factor authentication and SSO platform. Known for his expertise in security architecture, product development, and leadership, Garret is a thought leader in modern IT architecture, including mobile deployments, cloud, hybrid environments, and advanced authentication technologies.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   In this episode, Justin interviews Shadowserver Foundation Alliance Director Tod Eberle about cybersecurity. Tod tells how his background as a prosecutor led to his interest in cybersecurity, how he encountered the non-profit Shadowserver Foundation, and how he left the public sector to work with them. He explains how Shadowserver provides actionable data to alert network owners and law enforcement of network vulnerabilities that need to be mitigated. He discusses trends in malware attacks, especially in ransomware. He shares his thoughts on ransomware threats of 2025 and the years to come. He provides tips on preparing your network against ransomware.   Listen to how you can harden your organization's network against malware attacks. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:14] Public registration is open for RISKWORLD 2025! RIMS wants you to Engage Today and Embrace Tomorrow in Chicago from May 4th through May 7th. Register at RIMS.org/RISKWORLD and the link in this episode's show notes. [:33] About this episode. We will discuss cybersecurity with Tod Eberle, the Alliance Director of the Shadowserver Foundation. [:55] RIMS-CRMP Workshops! On February 19th and 20th, there will be a two-day virtual workshop for the RIMS-CRMP led by former RIMS President Chris Mandel and presented by the RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter, the 2024 RIMS Chapter of the Year. [1:18] The next RIMS-CRMP-FED exam course will be held from February 4th through the 6th, 2025. Links to these courses can be found through the Certification page of RIMS.org and this episode's show notes. [1:34] Virtual Workshops! Chris Hansen will return on February 11th and 12th to lead the two-day course “Claims Management”. Gail Kiyomura of The Art of Risk Consulting will host the “Fundamentals of Insurance” virtual workshop on February 19th and 20th, 2025. [1:58] On February 26th and 27th, Elise Farnham of Illumine Consulting will lead “Applying and Integrating ERM”. “Managing Data for ERM” will be hosted by Pat Saporito. That course starts on March 12th, 2025. [2:20] A link to the full schedule of virtual workshops can be found on the RIMS.org/education and RIMS.org/education/online-learning pages. A link is also in this episode's show notes. [2:31] The RIMS Legislative Summit 2025 is back! It will be held on March 19th and 20th in Washington, D.C. Join RIMS for two days of Congressional meetings, networking, and advocating on behalf of the risk management community. [2:49] This event is open for RIMS members only so if you're not a member, join now! Visit RIMS.org/advocacy for registration details. [3:02] Interview! Our guest Tod Eberle is the Alliance Director of the Shadowserver Foundation, a non-profit security organization working altruistically behind the scenes to make the internet more secure for everyone. [3:15] Tod Eberle is with us to discuss the cybersecurity trends on his risk radar and the threats he wants risk professionals to be aware of as 2025 kicks into high gear. Shadowserver Alliance Director, Tod Eberle, welcome to RIMScast! [3:41] Justin saw that Shadowserver Foundation was promoted by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and he thought it would be great to have a follow-up on his appearance there. [3:54] Tod says the National Cybersecurity Alliance is a great organization. After working together with them for a year, they invited Tod to do a webinar. It was a great experience. [4:28] Tod's background is as a career prosecutor, starting as a county prosecutor in Western Pennsylvania in 1997. In 2004, Tod became a Federal Prosecutor in Pittsburgh for the U.S. Department of Justice. [5:00] In 2014, He transitioned over to the National Security and Cybercrime section in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh was at the forefront of cyber investigations by both the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI. Tod wanted to be a part of that. [5:34] The Pittsburgh office has run investigations and issued indictments against Chinese Military Intelligence officers and Russian GRU officers for hacking. In 2014, Pittsburgh had the first criminal indictment of nation-state threat actors. [6:00] In that case, Chinese Military Intelligence PLA officers hacked into Pittsburgh companies Westinghouse, ALCOA, U.S. Steel, and United Steel Workers. Some forward-thinking folks at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, particularly U.S. Attorney David Hickton, focused on cyber. [6:29] That continued over the years until the present. [6:46] To begin an investigation, the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office in Pittsburgh, need to have some aspect of an organization's criminal activity touch that district, the Western District of Pennsylvania. A national ransomware case with one victim in Pittsburgh can be investigated. [7:16] In the investigation of Russian GRU actors responsible for the destructive NotPetya malware attack, a district hospital's network was attacked and destroyed. They expanded the investigation and charging documents to include other attacks around the country. [7:58] In 2015 Tod was a prosecutor working with the FBI on an investigation. He was at Europol at the Hague in the Netherlands, a center that brings together investigators and prosecutors from different countries who investigate the same threat group through Europol and Eurojust. [8:33] Tod met the Shadowserver Foundation non-profit group at the Hague in 2015. They were helping, through free technical support to the takedown operation, to dismantle the infrastructure of a crime group, using sinkholing and other security measures. [9:08] Tod Joined the Shadowserver Foundation in January of 2023. He is the Shadowserver Alliance Director. As a small non-profit, everyone wears many hats. The Shadowserver Foundation is a 501(c)(3) in the U.S. and a separate non-profit legal entity in the Netherlands. [9:47] The Shadowserver Foundation started about 2004. It celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. It began as a loose group of volunteers made up of cybersecurity researchers and technical experts who came together to help network owners and law enforcement. [10:15] Over the years they became more structured and became a non-profit organization. It's an unusual non-profit organization working 100% in operations. It works in three core areas. First, it's the world's largest provider of free, actionable cyber threat intelligence. [10:45] Second, the Shadowserver Foundation does cybersecurity capacity-building around the world. Third, it also provides free support to law enforcement investigations and disruption operations with technical support and expertise. Those three things are its core mission. [11:07] Justin notes commonalities between RIMS cyber risk reporting and the Shadowserver Foundation's work. Shadowserver collects a vast amount of threat data daily. What are the patterns it sees for 2025? [11:29] Shadowserver Foundation can help organizations mitigate risks. It collects cyber threat data at its data center in California through internet-wide scanning, honeypot sensors, sinkholing operations, and collecting and analyzing malware samples. [11:57] Every day for free the Shadowserver Foundation takes that data and provides it to over 9,000 organizations around the world and to 201 National C-CERTs that cover about 176 countries. [12:13] These reports identify exposed, misconfigured, vulnerable, compromised instances or devices on networks that need patching. [12:25] The organizations that get Shadowserver's data can be anything from banks to hospitals, universities, K-12 school districts, ISPs, local, state, and federal governments, small, medium, and large businesses, Fortune 500s, and NGOs; just about anyone can sign up. [12:46] The idea behind this is that cyber security should be available to everyone, regardless of the ability to pay. Organizations can sign up at the Shadowserver Foundation website, and provide their contact information and network information with IP ranges and ASNs. [13:12] The Shadowserver Foundation does its due diligence and if everything checks out, it automates those reports to go out to the organization daily. About 9,000 organizations sign up directly to receive daily reports. [13:22] The Shadowserver Foundation also sends out data for entire countries to the national C-CERT designated to handle that in those countries. In the U.S., CISA gets hundreds of millions of events from them every day for all the U.S. It is the same around the world. [13:52] Tod says that some things never change. Networks are breached primarily through phishing attacks, malicious links or attachments, and social engineering. [14:09] One trend is a focus on vulnerabilities. Criminals exploit vulnerabilities in the network that aren't timely patched and before they are patched. Shadowserver gives organizations an external snapshot view of their networks just as criminals are scanning for themselves. [14:52] Cybercriminal groups increasingly leverage zero-day vulnerabilities to breach a network. A zero-day vulnerability is a flaw in software or hardware that's unknown to the vendor and has no patch. The vendor has had zero days to fix the vulnerability after it has been discovered. [15:16] That was the case with the Clop ransomware gang. In 2024, they started exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in Fortra's GoAnywhere software. That continued in May, with them exploiting Progress Software's MOVEit file transfer application. [15:38] Very recently, in December, the Clop Ransomware group claimed responsibility for using a zero-day vulnerability in Clio's file transfer platform that breached victims' networks. [15:49] Cyber criminals extort victims and steal data with ransomware attacks. Risk managers in cybersecurity need to stay on top of critical vulnerabilities that often go unpatched. Those are often the easiest gateway into a network. [16:26] Plug Time! RIMS Webinars! Resolver will be joining us on February 6th to discuss “4 Themes Shaping the Future of GRC in 2025”. [16:38] HUB International continues its Ready for Tomorrow Series with RIMS. On February 20th, they will host “Ready for the Unexpected? Strategies for Property Valuation, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in 2025”. [16:54] More webinars will be announced soon and added to the RIMS.org/webinars page. Go there to register. Registration is complimentary for RIMS members. [17:06] Nominations are also open for the Donald M. Stuart Award which recognizes excellence in risk management in Canada. Links are in this episode's show notes. [17:17] The Spencer Educational Foundation's goal to help build a talent pipeline of risk management and insurance professionals is achieved in part by its collaboration with risk management and insurance educators across the U.S. and Canada. [17:35] Since 2010, Spencer has awarded over $3.3 million in general grants to support over 130 student-centered experiential learning initiatives at universities and RMI non-profits. Spencer's 2026 application process will open on May 1st, 2025, and close on July 30th, 2025. [17:58] General grant awardees are typically notified at the end of October. Learn more about Spencer's general grants through the Programs tab at SpencerEd.org. [18:08] Let's Return to the Conclusion of My Interview with Tod Eberle of Shadowserver! [18:49] Justin notes that In December of 2024, China attackers breached the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. That is the government office that assesses foreign investments for national security risks. [18:58] China also targeted the Treasury's Sanctions Office after it sanctioned a Chinese company for its alleged role in cyberattacks. [19:14] Tod thinks we should acknowledge that this is nothing new and nothing we should be surprised about. It's been going on for many years and it's going to continue. Justin was in the Federal government in 2013 and 2014. [19:32] In 2015, it was announced that the U.S. Office of Personnel Management had been breached. Personal sensitive data for 42 million people were stolen. [19:44] In May 2014, five Chinese military officers were indicted for computer hacking and economic espionage against companies based in Pittsburgh. This is nothing out of the ordinary. Unfortunately, indictments don't seem to have a deterrent effect. [20:21] Countries can deny the charges of hacking even with strong evidence of their involvement. [20:37] There are different types of hacking, with different types of motivation. There is traditional espionage against U.S. government agencies. There is theft of intellectual property with nation-states trying to gain a commercial advantage in business. [21:23] There are destructive hacks by nation-state actors, like the NotPetya attack, or attacks on the Ukrainian power grid and banking systems in 2015 and 2016. [21:36] The Volt Typhoon threat actor group and its access to the U.S. critical infrastructure is one of the greatest national security concerns because of its potential to disrupt everything from water to power, to food, to transportation. [22:10] The ripple effect that can come from those disruptions would be enormous. The Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack of a few years ago affected fuel supplies, commerce, and the prices of goods. [22:31] Nation-state hacking is no longer just a concern for government agencies and companies that do business internationally, but it's now a concern for all of society. There's the potential to affect the daily lives of innocent civilians through attacks on critical infrastructure. [23:16] Tod mentions another 2014 indictment out of Pittsburgh, on the GameOver Zeus Botnet takedown. Part of that was a crypto locker ransomware disruption. This was in the infancy of ransomware, for $300 ransoms. Now ransom demands are in the tens of millions of dollars. [23:53] We have seen a huge evolution in ransomware. It's not going away. One thing we're seeing is bypassing data encryption and focusing on data theft. It's easier and less time-consuming for the threat actors because they don't have to map out the network. [24:41] If a victim company had good backups and easy restoration, that was an issue ransomware actors had to deal with, so why would the threat actors bother with that? They just focus on easy data theft and extortion of ransom for the data. [25:04] Tod thinks we will continue to see extortion. Ransomware continues to be the greatest concern for companies. The use of AI has been increasing both for defenders and attackers.  [25:14] A new ransomware group, FunkSec, is claiming large numbers of victims of extortion, encryption, and data theft. They seem to have ransom demands of less than $10,000. They have sold stolen data. Researchers think this is a less experienced group using AI to write code. [27:22] Shadowserver's very talented team collects the data. It's free. They want to get it into the hands of those who can use it. The reports identify things that are seen to be misconfigured or unnecessarily exposed to the internet. Sometimes they can show if something is compromised. [28:12] Shadowserver designates the events by severity level so the end user can prioritize their patching and address first the ones that are most critical and severe. The reports act both as an early warning system and a victim notification system if a device is seen to be compromised. [28:59] The network owner needs to remediate that and patch it before further exploitation like a ransomware attack can occur. [29:07] Shadowserver has two ways to detect that a device is compromised. The first is if they have indicators that tell them a device on the network is compromised. The second is with their support for law enforcement, law enforcement may share sensitive data with Shadowserve. [29:32] When law enforcement does a takedown and they get victim identification data like IP addresses, they must do victim notification. Law enforcement isn't scaled to do victim notification for hundreds of thousands of users. Shadowserver helps them with notifications. [30:48] Shadowserver is very careful to share data responsibly. Company A will get the data they have for Company A and it won't be shared with Company B and vice versa. Shadowserver views the data as belonging to that network owner. [31:08] If a company authorizes Shadowserver and wants them to share their data with a third party, Shadowserver will happily do it. There are several companies with MSSPs to manage their security. If the company asks, Shadowserver will send the data to their MSSP. [31:43] As a small, non-profit organization, not everyone has heard of the Shadowserver Foundation. They want people to know they have this data and they want to share it. It could be relevant for cyber insurance companies' due diligence, with the insurance applicant's consent. [32:20] It's important because those reports can show whether a network has remained healthy and secure over time. Tod would love to see Shadowserver be able to help more in the risk mitigation areas. [32:56] Special thanks again to Shadowserver Foundation's Tod Eberle for joining us here on RIMScast! Check out this episode's show notes for links to the Shadowserver reports we mentioned. [33:07] Be sure to tune in next week for Data Privacy Day! We've got a special episode with James Burd, Chief Privacy Officer of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). That's going to be a good one! [33:22] More RIMS Plugs! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. Links to sponsored episodes are in our show notes. [33:50] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! Contact pd@rims.org for more information. [34:07] Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [34:25] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more.  [34:41] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [34:55] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. You can email Justin at Content@RIMS.org. [35:03] Thank you all for your continued support and engagement on social media channels! We appreciate all your kind words. Listen every week! Stay safe!   Mentioned in this Episode: RIMS Risk Management magazine RISKWORLD 2025 — May 4‒7 | Register today! RIMS Legislative Summit — March 19‒20, 2025 Nominations for the Donald M. Stuart Award Spencer Educational Foundation — General Grants 2026 — Application Dates RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy Shadowserver Foundation National Cybersecurity Alliance RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars “4 Themes Shaping the Future of GRC in 2025” | Sponsored by Resolver | Feb. 6, 2025 “Ready for the Unexpected? Strategies for Property Valuation, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity in 2025” | Sponsored by Hub International | Feb. 20, 2025 Upcoming Virtual Workshops: “Claims Management” | February 11‒12, 2025 | Instructor: Chris Hansen “Fundamentals of Insurance” | Feb. 19‒20, 2025 “Applying and Integrating ERM” | Feb. 26‒27 “Managing Data for ERM” | March 12, 2025 See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops RIMS-CRMP Prep Workshops   Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Prep Virtual Workshops: “Stay Competitive with the RIMS-CRMP | Presented by the RIMS Greater Bluegrass Chapter” February 19‒20, 2025 | Instructor: Chris Mandel Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule   Related RIMScast Episodes: “Kicking off 2025 with RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche” “Year In Risk 2024 with Morgan O'Rourke and Hilary Tuttle” “AI and Regulatory Risk Trends with Caroline Shleifer” “Cybersecurity Awareness and Risk Frameworks with Daniel Eliot of NIST” (2024)   Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping” | Sponsored by Medcor “Risk Management in a Changing World: A Deep Dive into AXA's 2024 Future Risks Report” | Sponsored by AXA XL “How Insurance Builds Resilience Against An Active Assailant Attack” | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog “Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips” | Sponsored by Alliant “RMIS Innovation with Archer” | Sponsored by Archer “Navigating Commercial Property Risks with Captives” | Sponsored by Zurich “Breaking Down Silos: AXA XL's New Approach to Casualty Insurance” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Weathering Today's Property Claims Management Challenges” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Storm Prep 2024: The Growing Impact of Convective Storms and Hail' | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company “Partnering Against Cyberrisk” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics for Effective Risk Management” | Sponsored by Marsh “Accident Prevention — The Winning Formula For Construction and Insurance” | Sponsored by Otoos “Platinum Protection: Underwriting and Risk Engineering's Role in Protecting Commercial Properties” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Elevating RMIS — The Archer Way” | Sponsored by Archer “Alliant's P&C Outlook For 2024” | Sponsored by Alliant “Why Subrogation is the New Arbitration” | Sponsored by Fleet Response “Cyclone Season: Proactive Preparation for Loss Minimization” | Sponsored by Prudent Insurance Brokers Ltd. “Subrogation and the Competitive Advantage” | Sponsored by Fleet Response   RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS Vice President Manny Padilla!   RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model®   Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information.   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.   Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.   About our guest: Tod Eberle, Shadowserver Foundation   Production and engineering provided by Podfly.  

Host Dave Sobel engages in a lively discussion with seasoned technology journalist Jessica Davis and veteran industry writer Howard Cohen. The conversation kicks off with an exploration of the recent trend of CEO changes in the tech industry, particularly focusing on notable shifts at companies like Kaseya and ConnectWise. The trio delves into the implications of these leadership changes and speculates on the potential reasons behind them, including possible mergers and acquisitions, as well as the evolving landscape of managed services.A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the MSSP (Managed Security Service Provider) benchmark pricing report, which Jessica recently published. She highlights key findings, such as the opportunity for MSSPs to offer Virtual Chief Security Officer (vCSO) services, which are currently underutilized. The report reveals that while 100% of MSSPs provide security operations center services, only 57% offer backup and disaster recovery services, raising questions about the foundational services that should be included in security offerings. The discussion emphasizes the need for MSSPs to better define their services and explore pricing strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.The conversation shifts to the growing trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the managed services sector. Jessica notes that while the M&A market for MSPs surged in 2021 and 2022, it has since slowed due to rising interest rates and a limited supply of quality MSPs available for acquisition. This has led investment firms and organizations like Evergreen and The 20 to create their own events to build a pipeline of potential acquisitions. Howard adds that many MSPs are wary of selling to private equity firms due to concerns about employee retention and company culture, which has prompted alternative acquisition strategies focused on preserving the existing workforce.As the episode wraps up, the panelists share their predictions for the first half of the year. Howard emphasizes the importance of professionalism in the industry, advocating for a shift from viewing managed services as a trade to recognizing it as a profession. Jessica highlights the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) in managed services, noting that MSPs are beginning to explore its applications for both customer use cases and internal operations. The discussion concludes with a call for the industry to embrace these changes and leverage new technologies to drive growth and innovation. 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

MSSPs and other security service providers comprise the backbone of the cybersecurity industry. They are the organizations on the front line that keep the world running in the face of ever more sophisticated adversaries. In this special series we are going to be exploring a variety of topics with seasoned experts around the ways they have learned to improve the effectiveness of their organizations.Our guest today is Nick Gipson - the founder and CEO of Gipson Cyber. Nick founded Gipson Cyber in February 2023 to provide affordable, subscription-based cybersecurity services to small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience as a digital forensics investigator for the Department of Defense and Fortune 100 companies, Nick recognized a gap in cybersecurity solutions for smaller organizations. Determined to address this, he built Gipson Cyber to deliver proffesional-grade protection to industries like accounting, finance, legal, and healthcare.Nick's company focuses on equipping small businesses with the tools to prevent cyber threats before they happen, backed by a team with over 20 years of expertise in the field. Today, we'll explore not only the challenges small businesses face in cybersecurity but also the lessons Nick has learned in building a managed security service provider from the ground up. Nick Gipson, the founder of Gipson Cyber, a company he launched in February 2023 to provide affordable, subscription-based cybersecurity services to small businesses. With nearly a decade of experience as a digital forensics investigator for the Department of Defense and Fortune 100 companies, Nick recognized a gap in cybersecurity solutions for smaller organizations. Determined to address this, he built Gipson Cyber to deliver proffesional-grade protection to industries like accounting, finance, legal, and healthcare.Nick's company focuses on equipping small businesses with the tools to prevent cyber threats before they happen, backed by a team with over 20 years of expertise in the field. Today, we'll explore not only the challenges small businesses face in cybersecurity but also the lessons Nick has learned in building a managed security service provider from the ground up.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff McCullough and Brad Reinboldt of NetAlly to find out what is new. Having spent many years with my trusty Link Sprinter, I was keen to hear what evolutions of products and services they might offer to help MSPs and MSSPs in troubleshooting networks, scanning for vulnerabilities, mapping to common frameworks, and documenting and tracking their findings are part of the new reality. I truly enjoyed the discussion around what it is that NetAlly does today and how far they have come over their 30-year journey.

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/IjlhXzO9QIoAbout the Guest(s): Jamie Simpson is a co-founder of Monopoly Capital, known for his distinctive journey from working in various jobs, like door-to-door sales and configuring holiday packages, to becoming a pivotal player in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sector. With extensive experience across private equity, business turnarounds, and a creative approach to consulting for equity, Jamie has demonstrated a unique ability to transform underperforming companies into successful ventures. His hands-on experience in acquiring and rolling up businesses into profitable entities reflects his commitment and expertise in driving shareholder value. Jamie leverages his skills through Monopoly Capital to assist small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in enhancing their operations and preparing for acquisitions or successful exits.Summary: Jamie Simpson, co-founder of Monopoly Capital, joins Ronald Skelton to discuss strategic growth through M&A and consulting for equity. Jamie shares his journey from a young entrepreneur inspired by "The Thomas Crown Affair" to a seasoned business owner. He emphasizes the importance of building strong foundational systems before pursuing acquisitions, and how his company helps small businesses achieve significant growth through a hands-on approach.Key Takeaways:Transition Story: Jamie Simpson's non-traditional journey from sales to M&A illustrates the power of inspiration and resilience in career development.Consulting for Equity: Monopoly Capital's innovative model prioritizes performance-based equity acquisition over upfront capital injection.Importance of Systems: Foundational systems and processes are crucial for business growth and preparedness for mergers and acquisitions.Industry Focus: Jamie targets service-based industries, especially those with recurring revenue models, to maximize long-term business valuation.Learning from Mistakes: Jamie's initial failed attempt in acquiring a care home emphasizes the necessity of due diligence and adaptability in the business acquisition process.--------------------------------------------------Contact Jamie onLinkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jamiemonopoliWebsite: https://monopolicapital.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/zuaUASJPx5UAbout the Guest(s): Matt Duckworth is the CEO and founder of Rhapsodi, a financial services firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Duckworth has an extensive background in finance, starting from an unexpected entry into the field from music composition. His career transitioned into investment banking and fractional CFO services, where he developed significant expertise in mergers and acquisitions, particularly roll-ups. His unique journey through the world of finance, academia as an adjunct professor, and his practical experience in Wall Street make him a seasoned expert in assisting early to mid-career CEOs in executing roll-ups. Summary: Join Ronald Skelton as he interviews Matt Duckworth, the CEO of Rhapsodi. Discover how Duckworth leveraged his unique background in music and finance to master the art of roll-ups. In this episode, you'll learn about the strategies private equity firms use to rapidly grow companies through acquisitions. Duckworth will share insights into the advantages and risks of roll-ups, as well as practical tips on how to implement them successfully.Key Takeaways:Roll-ups serve as a potent strategy for rapid company growth, often offering a de-risked investment decision that private equity firms leverage.Integrating talent and aligning interests across multiple acquisitions magnifies operational efficiencies, improving prospectives for valuation bumps.Financial institutions, through methods like industrial revenue bonds and mezzanine loans, present existing CEOs and potential entrepreneurs with creative funding structures to support roll-ups.Developing a compelling roll-up narrative to assure investors on return potentials is key, whether one is a seasoned CEO or a novice operator.Exploring ESOPs strategically can help safeguard employee interests and extend the longevity and stability of rural businesses in America.--------------------------------------------------Contact Matt onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-duckworth1/Website: https://www.rhapsodi.net/Simple Illustrated Guide to Roll-up Equity for CEOs: https://bit.ly/roll-upequity--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/7RGrazKlnloAbout the Guest(s): Jordan Wagner is the CEO and founder of the Exit Group, a firm specializing in assisting private equity firms and large corporations in acquiring businesses. With a career grounded in experience gained from working at a competitor straight out of college, Jordan has established himself as a seasoned professional in the mergers and acquisitions sector. The Exit Group, which he started over a decade ago, has grown to closing 35 to 40 multifaceted deals each year, averaging $40 to $50 million. His expertise lies in savvy deal-making, industry analysis, and curating strategic business acquisitions.Episode Summary: Join host Ronald Skelton as he interviews Jordan Wagner, CEO of the Exit Group. Discover the intricacies of buying, selling, and exiting businesses, from the early days of entrepreneurship to closing high-value deals. Learn how youthful optimism and resilience can overcome early challenges, the importance of recurring revenue and market growth in securing premium payouts, and the diverse ways companies can achieve success, even in niche markets.Key Takeaways:Youthful Advantage: Starting a business young comes with the benefit of fewer risks and the ability to endure early failures.Deal Variety: Majority buyouts are common, with business owners having the opportunity to retain equity and benefit from future growth.Unique Businesses: Successful companies often thrive on fulfilling everyday needs in niche markets, unnoticed by the average consumer.Consistent Growth: Premium valuations in company sales hinge on predictable revenue and growth, amid a booming market.Entrepreneurial Risk: Founders begin businesses with uncertain outcomes, taking chances many would avoid.--------------------------------------------------Contact Jordan onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-wagner-b9249135/Website: https://www.exitgroup.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/WoGbc3tqQFsAbout the Guest(s): Adam Coffey is a renowned CEO specializing in running private equity companies, a best-selling author, and a veteran in the business industry. He has led three national and international companies, resulting in over $2.5 billion in exits. With a robust background including engineering and military service, Adam Coffey is known for his buy-and-build expertise, having acquired 58 companies. Currently, Adam advises private equity firms and coaches CEOs globally, sharing his extensive knowledge through consulting and writing, with all royalties donated to charity.Summary: In this engaging episode of How2Exit, Ronald Skelton talks with private equity expert and best-selling author Adam Coffey. They explore key buy-and-build strategies, showcased in Coffey's updated *Private Equity Playbook*, and the evolving landscape of private equity. Coffey shares career insights—from military service and working under GE's Jack Welch to his role as a consultant for top private equity firms—highlighting topics like market volatility, debt coverage ratios, and the appeal of service businesses with recurring revenue. His insights offer valuable guidance for acquisition entrepreneurs navigating private equity for successful growth and exit strategies.Key Takeaways:Understanding private equity is crucial for entrepreneurs to leverage capital and achieve successful exits.The private equity industry has significantly grown, controlling a substantial portion of the global market for company acquisitions.Strategic buy-and-build methods can substantially increase a company's value and attract private equity buyers.It's essential to maintain a healthy debt service coverage ratio, especially in uncertain economic climates.The importance of choosing industries with recurring revenue and high fragmentation for buy-and-build strategies.--------------------------------------------------Contact Adam onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/KmN6M2salZwAbout the Guest(s): Charlie Panayi is an accomplished international speaker and entrepreneur hailing from a Greek Cypriot family, who made his mark in the real estate and private equity sectors. Growing up in North London, Charlie aspired to financial independence from a young age. He achieved millionaire status early in life and has since become renowned for his investment acumen and motivational speaking. Charlie splits his time between England, Dubai, and Europe, while managing a private equity firm that specializes in a diverse array of sectors, including real estate, SaaS, and professional services.Summary: Join Ronald Skelton on this episode of the How2Exit podcast with guest Charlie Panayi, a real estate and private equity investor whose journey spans from North London to global ventures. Charlie shares his strategies for achieving freedom through investing, his passion for travel, and his unique approach to networking and strategic scaling. Discover his insights on building a successful portfolio, harnessing relationships, and spotting untapped opportunities in tech and professional services.Key Takeaways:Building successful investments requires a focus on education and strategic action rather than continuous learning without execution.Personal relationships and networking are crucial in both real estate and business acquisitions.Investing time in building rapport and understanding people can often yield more success than focusing solely on financial metrics.Entrepreneurial success might lead to changes in personal relationships; being prepared for this evolution is essential.Identifying synergy and scalability in business acquisitions is key to sustainable growth.--------------------------------------------------Contact Charlie onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-panayi-2579642b/Email: charliepanayi@hotmail.co.uk--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/otQ8R7xNfNgAbout the Guest(s): Gregory Caruso is a seasoned business valuator with over 40 years of experience. Holding both a JD and CPA, Gregory is licensed in the state of Maryland. His extensive background includes 10 years in a family home building operation and significant experience in business brokerage and valuation. Author of "The Art of Business Valuation," Gregory has contributed to continued education through his role as editor in chief and host of a monthly webinar for the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). His expertise spans a wide array of valuation contexts, including ESOPs, estate planning, and exit strategies for small to medium-sized businesses.Summary: In this How2Exit episode, host Ronald Skelton interviews valuation expert Gregory Caruso on the complexities of valuing companies. Gregory shares insights from his diverse experience, discussing key valuation methodologies, industry standards on price vs. value, and unique requirements for ESOPs, estate planning, and more. He covers profitability, risk, and management structure, offering a comprehensive look at the valuation landscape for business owners planning an exit.Key Takeaways:Understanding Valuation Models: Business valuations typically involve a handful of established models, although variations exist to suit specific purposes like ESOP or SBA requirements.Importance of Management and Profitability: Enhancing profitability and preparing the management team can significantly impact a business's valuation.Role of Judgment in Valuation: Beyond mathematical calculations, Timothy emphasizes the role of professional judgment in assessing business value.Impact of Purpose on Valuation: The intended use of a valuation—whether for market sale, ESOP, or estate planning—alters the methodology and considerations.Strategic Insights into ESOPs: ESOPs are valued at fair market value without synergies, making them ideal for industries with lower synergy potentials.--------------------------------------------------Contact Greg onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorycaruso/Website: http://www.artofbv.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/dAn4eQ8-rBIContact info: David Green: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavid-green/Lord Luke Hammond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lordlukehammond/Sten André Rigedahl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenandrerigedahl/Clémence Kopeikin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clemence-kopeikin/Thomas Emerald White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasemeraldwhite/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/ifppR-5NtxkAbout the Guest(s): Branden Coluccio is the Managing Director of Relentless Ventures, a dynamic firm focusing on acquisitions and advisory services. With a rich background in private equity, mergers and acquisitions, Branden has honed his expertise by working with various sectors including healthcare and real estate development. He has successfully built and exited companies, notably growing a business in the healthcare services industry to a $66 million valuation. Branden is committed to transforming businesses into institutional quality assets and leverages his extensive experience in deal-making to maximize value for stakeholders.Summary: In this engaging How2Exit episode, Ronald Skelton talks with Branden Coluccio, Managing Director of Relentless Ventures, about his journey from a family of entrepreneurs to private equity and founding his own firm. Branden shares valuable insights into mergers and acquisitions, recounting pivotal experiences, including a challenging legal battle in healthcare. His story highlights resilience, the art of business growth, and the role of humility in entrepreneurship as he works to transform small businesses into private equity-ready enterprises.Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurial Influence: Branden's journey is rooted in an entrepreneurial family background, which inspired him to build significant enterprises.Learning from Setbacks: His candid recount of legal challenges underscores the critical need to understand industry regulations intimately.Business Transformation: Transitioning businesses from owner-dependent operations to institutional quality assets can exponentially increase their value.Importance of Humility: Successful business owners must recognize their limitations and be open to external help to facilitate business growth.Detachment for Success: Preparing emotionally and operationally for business exits can reduce post-exit dissatisfaction and identity loss.--------------------------------------------------Contact Branden onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandencoluccio/Email: branden@relentlessventures.io--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/F2BN0d4dmn0About the Guest(s): Issac Qureshi is the founder and owner of Bauer, a mergers and acquisitions (M&A) firm specializing in e-commerce. With roots in the banking sector, Issac began his career at Royal Bank of Scotland Group. He was the youngest board member and played a key role in significant acquisitions such as Natwest Bank, Citizens Bank, and Bahambro in the Netherlands. Transitioning into entrepreneurial ventures, Issac established several companies in marketing, property investment, and leisure. Today, his focus includes leveraging his extensive M&A expertise to foster growth in the e-commerce sector through strategic acquisitions and brand development.Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton interviews Issac Qureshi, a mergers and acquisitions expert with a focus on e-commerce. Issac shares insights from his banking and entrepreneurial background, explaining how platforms like Shopify have transformed business operations. He introduces his “four-tweak model” for boosting profitability through traffic, conversion, sales, and cost optimization, offering actionable strategies for scaling e-commerce businesses in today's fast-paced, data-driven market.Key Takeaways:M&A Skills Transferability: The skills acquired in large-scale M&A are highly transferable to acquiring smaller e-commerce businesses, with the main variance being in the volume of documentation.E-Commerce Appeal: E-commerce is appealing due to its real-time data availability, which supports rapid business adjustments compared to traditional models.Four-Tweak Model: By focusing on four key areas (traffic, conversion, sales, and cost reduction), businesses can significantly enhance profitability across sectors.Importance of Branding and Storytelling: The use of effective storytelling and brand positioning can elevate standard products into appealing lifestyle choices.Strategic Affiliate and Collaborative Marketing: Building relationships with affiliates and utilizing social media for peer-to-peer marketing can profoundly impact a business's organic growth and profitability.-------------------------------------------------- Contact Issac onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/issac-qureshi/Website: https://bowarr.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Host Dave Sobel engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Steven Cook, the owner of Strategic IT Services, a managed service provider (MSP) specializing in cybersecurity. Steven shares insights into the diverse range of services his organization offers, from general technical support to cybersecurity and disaster recovery. With a focus on co-managed IT, Steven explains how his company assists businesses of varying sizes, from solopreneurs to larger organizations in regulated sectors like finance and energy.The discussion delves into the impact of regulations on customer needs, particularly in the energy sector, where recent political changes have significantly affected income streams. Steven highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in maintaining IT services, often opting for minimal or no support, which raises concerns about cybersecurity risks. He emphasizes the importance of having a baseline level of security measures in place, such as endpoint detection and response, to protect sensitive information and maintain operational continuity.As the conversation progresses, the topic shifts to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity regulations, including the rollout of CMMC 2.0 and the implications of FedRAMP certification for software vendors. Steven expresses his expectation that demand for compliance with these standards will increase, particularly as more MSPs and MSSPs serve defense-related industries. He notes that while some vendors have yet to prioritize FedRAMP certification, there is a growing need for businesses to adopt security measures that meet regulatory requirements.Finally, Steven shares his perspective on the liability of software providers in the context of cybersecurity incidents. He argues that while vendors like CrowdStrike bear some responsibility for their products, the onus also falls on businesses and IT implementers to follow best practices in deploying technology. This includes implementing phased rollouts and testing updates in controlled environments. The episode concludes with a call for clearer regulations and standards to protect businesses and their customers from the increasing threat of cyberattacks. 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/businessoftech.bsky.social

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/mK3LBx9ZaSwAbout the Guest(s): Nicholas Hulewsky is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with a rich background in healthcare and mergers and acquisitions. Growing up as the son of an immigrant in a large and financially struggling family, Nicholas learned the value of hard work and opportunity at an early age. After a decade in corporate healthcare, he ventured into entrepreneurship, successfully growing and eventually exiting multiple businesses, including a medical billing company and a home health and hospice service. Currently, he operates a holdco involved in various sectors, such as real estate, cryptocurrency, tree trimming, and an AI healthcare startup.Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit host Ronald Skelton talks with Nicholas Hulewsky about his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and investor. Nicholas shares how his family's immigrant background fueled his drive, leading him to acquire and scale businesses, eventually making successful exits. He discusses his investment strategy, the importance of market research, off-market acquisitions, and building strong relationships. The conversation also highlights the role of emotional intelligence and how ADHD can be a superpower in entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways:Rapport Building and Trust: Establishing genuine connections and trust with sellers is crucial for successful negotiations and acquisitions.Diverse Venture Portfolio: Nicholas's holdco spans industries from crypto to healthcare, showcasing the value of diversified investments.The Power of Curiosity: Emphasizing curiosity and an eagerness to learn as invaluable traits for any entrepreneur.Off-Market Acquisition Strategy: Nicholas shares insights on finding off-market deals, stressing the importance of targeted research and strategic outreach.Leadership Qualities: Identifying operators who show leadership, adaptability, and a strong desire to grow is key in choosing partners for business ventures.--------------------------------------------------Contact Nikolas onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolas-hulewsky-617b132a/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/nzE62t8SFHUAbout the Guest(s):Michael Swigunski is a global entrepreneur, author, TEDx speaker, and digital nomad. As an early employee at Empire Flippers, he contributed to its growth into a leading platform for buying and selling digital assets. With over a decade of experience, Michael has traveled to 100+ countries while building his expertise in remote work and entrepreneurship. He founded Global Career, a platform helping people transition to remote work, and authored the bestselling book "Global Career: How to Work Anywhere and Travel Forever."Summary:In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton interviews Michael Swigunski, a digital nomad and online business acquisition expert. Michael shares his journey from a small town in Missouri to becoming an international entrepreneur, working remotely across the globe. Starting as an early employee at Empire Flippers, he transitioned through academia in Prague and tech startups in Australia and New Zealand, eventually launching his own ventures. The discussion highlights the potential of SaaS and digital products for entrepreneurs, along with Michael's mission to help others embrace remote work, freelancing, and building digital businesses.Key Takeaways:Michael Swigunski's professional journey underscores the power of combining passion with work, as seen in his global travel while pursuing a remote career.Emphasizing practical entrepreneurship, Michael identifies SaaS and digital products as prime business models for sustainability and growth in the online space.Success in remote work and entrepreneurship often involves calculated risk-taking and leveraging unique cultural insights gained from international experiences.Building and managing effective teams can be more critical than mastering technical skills, particularly in software businesses.Having a strong mindset and setting structured goals is essential for achieving the dream of working and living anywhere in the world.--------------------------------------------------Contact Mike onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeswigunski/Website: https://globalcareerbook.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/tSvCuEJhSW4About the Guest(s): Rich Hall is a seasoned Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and author of "The Exit Planning Journey." He has a robust background in leading businesses through turnaround scenarios and rapid growth. With an extensive career journey that began in Atlanta, Georgia, Rich has been instrumental in transforming small companies to IPO or mergers in record time frames. He now resides in Houston, Texas, where he dedicates his expertise to aiding business owners in crafting successful exit and succession plans, ensuring businesses are sale-ready, and enhancing their inherent value proposition.Summary:In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton talks with exit planning expert Rich Hall. Rich dives into the overlooked yet vital world of exit planning, highlighting the difference between an income-generating business and one that's truly valuable for selling. He shares strategies for preparing business owners for a profitable, smooth exit, focusing on financial readiness, leadership independence, and company culture. Rich also walks through his assessment process, which clarifies personal, financial, and business goals well before a sale is considered.Key Takeaways: *Exit Planning Start: It's crucial for business owners to begin exit planning two to three years prior to their desired sale or transition. *Creating Sellable Value: Owners should understand the difference between an income-generating business and one that holds substantial market value. *Comprehensive Assessment: Rich's evaluation process looks at a business's attractiveness and readiness, involving thorough analysis of financials, operations, and personnel. *Personal & Financial Goals: Aligning personal objectives and financial aims with business operations can smooth the transition and prevent post-sale regret. *Industry Professional Network: Leveraging professionals with a focus in exit planning and tax strategies can optimize the transaction process and outcomes.--------------------------------------------------Contact Rich onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richhall42/Website: https://www.richhallgroup.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/77Cz6c646sYAbout the Guest(s): Kip Wallen is a seasoned M&A attorney with over a decade of experience in live mergers and acquisitions deals, primarily within the lower middle market, involving transactions up to $50 million. Currently, he holds the position of Senior Director at SRS Acquiom, where he leverages his extensive legal background and a master's in econometrics to provide insights and data analysis in M&A transactions. Kip's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of M&A deals, fostering efficient processes, and ensuring successful exits for companies across the globe.Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ron interviews Kip Wallen, Senior Director at SRS Acquiom, on selling businesses in the lower middle market. Kip shares insights on preparing companies for acquisition by private equity and strategic buyers, highlighting the importance of a strong support team, understanding market trends, and thorough due diligence. Key topics include clean data rooms, earn-out agreements, and rep and warranty insurance, offering valuable guidance for entrepreneurs aiming for a successful exit.Key Takeaways:Importance of Preparation: Early preparation and establishment of a clean, organized data room are critical for a successful business exit.Role of Advisors: Engaging experienced advisors, investment bankers, and accountants can significantly smoothen the M&A process and enhance deal valuation.Understanding Earn-Outs: Earn-out agreements should be negotiated meticulously, with clear metrics and expectations to ensure they serve both parties' interests.Reps and Warranties Insurance: While offering potential risk mitigation, reps and warranties insurance might not be suitable for every deal, especially in the lower middle market.Building Trust: Establishing trust and good rapport with potential buyers is essential, as it facilitates smoother negotiations and strengthens post-sale relationships.--------------------------------------------------Contact Kip onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kipwallen/2024 M&A Deal Terms study: https://www.srsacquiom.com/our-insights/deal-terms-study/SHR Checklist: https://www.srsacquiom.com/our-insights/ma-checklist-shareholder-representative/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/bzKgIMO1E9AAbout the Guest(s): Ryan Hutchins is an accomplished entrepreneur and expert in the field of mergers and acquisitions. With a background in finance and accounting from his time at Deloitte, Ryan has built his expertise in business valuation. He is the founder of Peak Business Valuation, a firm dedicated to providing independent third-party valuation services for SBA lenders and individuals. Under his leadership, the company has grown exponentially, conducting over 1,400 valuations annually. In addition to his role at Peak Business Valuation, Ryan is an active acquisition entrepreneur, with investments in various sectors, including water softener installation, concrete contracting, striping, plumbing, baking, and pizza franchises. Summary: Join Ronald Skelton on the How2Exit podcast as he chats with Ryan Hutchins, an expert in business valuation and mergers and acquisitions. Ryan shares his journey from corporate finance to owning multiple businesses, diving into the details of valuing companies and acquiring profitable ventures. He discusses key valuation strategies, personal experiences, and lessons learned, offering actionable advice for anyone interested in M&A and business valuations. Key Takeaways:There are three primary approaches to valuing businesses: the market approach and the income approach are the most common in private companies.Financial cleanliness is crucial for accurate business valuation, and it can heavily influence perceived risk and business attractiveness.Investing in businesses requires careful assessment, as external and internal factors can significantly impact success.The entrepreneurial journey often involves identifying opportunities where others might not, and using risk appetite as a guide.Regular and detailed bookkeeping is essential for business success, impacting decisions and facilitating smoother transactions.--------------------------------------------------Contact Ryan onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hutchins-abv-am-cmea-peakbusinessvaluation/Website: http://peakbusinessvaluation.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/_Rlb0ajSBFwAbout the Guest(s): Lane Carrick is a seasoned mergers and acquisitions (M&A) professional with extensive experience spanning multiple industries and transaction levels. Lane has owned and operated various businesses, including banks and wealth management firms. He serves as an M&A advisor, professor at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business, and is currently the founder and leader of Optima Merger and Acquisitions in Dallas, focusing on the lower middle market space. Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton interviews Lane Carrick, founder of Optima Mergers and Acquisitions. Lane shares his entrepreneurial journey, from advising high-net-worth families to navigating complex M&A deals. He offers valuable insights on the challenges of smaller transactions, emphasizing the importance of realistic seller expectations, effective communication, and thorough preparation. Lane highlights how Optima M&A fills the gap in the small and lower middle market, providing expert advisory for successful business sales.Key Takeaways:Realistic Expectations: Unrealistic seller expectations often disrupt the successful sale of businesses. Proper valuation and advisory are essential.Importance of Preparation: Business owners should invest in exit planning and business preparation to maximize value and ensure smooth transactions.Advisory Quality: The choice of a knowledgeable advisor can significantly impact the transaction process, guiding sellers through realistic valuations and expectations.Emotional Component: Emotional readiness and clear post-sale plans are crucial for owners looking to transition out of their businesses successfully.Strategic Buyers: Directly targeting strategic buyers can often lead to better transaction outcomes than broadly marketing a business.--------------------------------------------------Contact Lane onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/b-lane-carrick-65a728/Website: http://www.theoptimateam.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/Rs3517tMrKYAbout the Guest(s): Jules Brenner is a dynamic entrepreneur and the founder of Industrial Succession, a company specializing in the acquisition and roll-up of industrial manufacturing businesses in California. With a background in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Brooklyn, New York, Jules has a unique blend of technical and business acumen. His career spans roles in industrial technology and software for electric vehicle systems, emphasizing business development. He brings a fresh perspective to traditional manufacturing businesses, aiming to modernize operations and implement technology to drive growth.Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, Ronald Skelton talks with Jules Brenner, founder of Industrial Succession, about his industrial roll-up strategy targeting metal fabrication companies in California. Jules shares his journey from Brooklyn to California, how his background in industrial technology and software development led him to mergers and acquisitions, and why he saw untapped potential in manufacturing despite industry skepticism. He discusses key themes like operational improvements, retaining institutional knowledge, and the strategic advantages of growing in California, despite regulatory challenges, with a vision to scale his company into a major West Coast player. Key Takeaways:Contrarian Thinking in M&A: Jules emphasizes that sometimes going against conventional wisdom, such as investing in manufacturing or focusing on California, can reveal significant opportunities.Importance of Process and Technology: Modernizing traditional manufacturing businesses with updated processes and technology can lead to remarkable efficiency gains and scalability.Retaining Institutional Knowledge: Ensuring that critical knowledge from outgoing owners is retained within the company is vital for a smooth transition and continued success.Strategic Location Benefits: Despite California's regulatory and cost challenges, its substantial industrial base and infrastructure needs present unique growth opportunities.Diverse Industry Exposure: Diversifying the customer base across different sectors like infrastructure, defense, and medical can mitigate risks and stabilize revenue streams.--------------------------------------------------Contact Jules onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jules-brenner/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

In episode 102 of Cybersecurity Where You Are, Sean Atkinson and Tony Sager are joined by the following guests:Charity Otwell, Director of the CIS Critical Security Controls® (CIS Controls®) at the Center for Internet Security® (CIS®)Lawrence Cruciana, President of Corporate Information Technologies (CorpInfoTech)Together, they discuss the "sporty" rigor underlying the process and value of achieving CIS Controls Accreditation.Here are some highlights from our episode:01:36. What is meant by CIS Controls Accreditation, as certified by CREST03:32. What motivated CorpInfoTech to pursue accreditation07:47. The importance of CIS Controls Accreditation to the cybersecurity ecosystem20:07. The business value of accreditation for recipientsResourcesCIS Controls AccreditationCorpInfoTech Receives First CIS Controls AccreditationCorpInfoTechTop Hurdles for MSSPs and One Shining SolutionCIS Community Defense Model 2.0Episode 44: A Zero Trust Framework Knows No EndIf you have some feedback or an idea for an upcoming episode of Cybersecurity Where You Are, let us know by emailing podcast@cisecurity.org.

Google Cloud AI Security InsightsThe Big Themes:Google's ecosystem-driven security approach: Google Cloud's partner ecosystem, consisting of entities such as managed security service providers (MSSPs) and global systems integrators, helps deliver top-notch security services. While Google maintains a small in-house service capability, partners are key to scaling and extending innovations to customers. Google provides AI tools to partners, who enhance their product offerings to better serve end customers. This model ensures that the latest security advancements, such as AI integration, are accessible.Transitioning from assisted to autonomous security: Google Cloud envisions a future where AI will evolve from assistive to fully autonomous security workflows. Currently, AI plays an assistive role by providing actionable insights to security teams, helping them prioritize threats and respond more effectively. However, the goal is to transition these capabilities into semi-autonomous workflows, with the potential for fully autonomous security systems in the future.Enhancing CISOs' efficiency with AI: One of the key problems CISOs face today is the overwhelming number of security alerts, which makes it challenging to identify and act on the most critical threats. Google Cloud addresses this issue by leveraging AI to sift through thousands of alerts, helping CISOs quickly identify the most significant risks. AI can provide real-time insights, suggesting actions to mitigate potential threats and reduce the noise from less pressing alerts.The Big Quote: “AI is only as good as the data that the model is trained on and, in the world of security, we happen to have probably the world's most high quality and quantitative data set in threat intelligence."

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/DeV-vW3d6-0About the Guest(s): Ian Smith is the founder of The Portfolio Partnership, a consulting firm that helps businesses become more attractive to buyers. Starting as a Scottish Chartered Accountant, Ian moved into mergers and acquisitions, with over 15 years in investment banking in London, leading numerous successful deals. In the U.S., he turned around software businesses before founding his firm. Ian is also the author of books like *Fulfilling the Potential of Your Business* and *The Acquirer's Playbook*. Summary: In this episode of the How2Exit, Ronald Skelton interviews Ian Smith, founder of The Portfolio Partnership, about strategies for successful mergers and acquisitions. Ian shares his journey from accountant to investment banker, highlighting the importance of building businesses from a buyer's perspective by focusing on unique positioning, reducing dependency, and creating repeatable processes for scalable and profitable growth.Key Takeaways:Look Through the Lens of a Buyer: Transform your business by understanding what makes it attractive to potential buyers, focusing on unique positioning, reducing dependencies, and establishing repeatable processes.Importance of Unique Positioning: Carve a niche for your business to reduce competition and be highly attractive to buyers.Addressing Dependencies: Reduce dependency on the owner, key customers, technology, and legacy products to mitigate risks that deter potential buyers.Repeatable Processes: Develop and document processes that ensure scalability and allow the delegation of tasks to less experienced team members.Preparation for Exit: Engage in exit planning well in advance to address value leakage and ensure a smooth transaction when selling the business.--------------------------------------------------Contact Ian onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iandsmithca/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value.If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa. --------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/wRejWIStEzwAbout the Guest(s):Ray Drew is a distinguished SBA lender with a career spanning over a decade. Beginning his journey at the young age of 22, Ray has carved a niche for himself in the small business financing sector, emphasizing SBA 7(a) loans. Throughout his career, he has facilitated millions in financing for small business acquisitions. Currently, he is a leading figure at Trueliant Federal Credit Union, a nationwide SBA lender. Ray is also known for producing educational content on his YouTube channel, SBA Ray, and hosting the podcast, The Art of SBA Lending.Summary:In this episode of the How2Exit Podcast, host Ronald Skelton chats with Ray Drew, an expert in SBA lending. Ray discusses the surge in SBA-backed business acquisitions since COVID-19 and shares insights on the loan process, borrower prerequisites, and the evolving small business market. They cover key aspects of acquiring businesses, the role of experience, and the due diligence needed for successful financing. Ray also shares real-world examples, offering valuable advice on navigating challenges and the importance of a knowledgeable lender in complex deals.Key Takeaways:Understanding SBA 7(a) Loans: SBA 7(a) loans are a critical tool for small business acquisitions, offering favorable terms and support for borrowers who may not qualify for conventional loans.Importance of Experience: While relevant industry experience isn't always mandatory, having managerial skills and a solid understanding of business operations significantly increases the likelihood of loan approval and business success.Thorough Due Diligence: Engaging in comprehensive due diligence and having a clear understanding of the business operations and potential challenges is crucial for any acquisition.Flexibility and Creativity in Financing: There are various ways to structure deals, including seller notes and bringing in partners to shore up experience gaps, offering flexibility to buyers.Choosing the Right Lender: Not all SBA lenders are the same. It's essential to work with a lender who understands your business model and has a track record of financing similar businesses.--------------------------------------------------Contact Ray onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raydrew4589/Website: https://www.sbaray.com/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/dpT1WeGasRQAbout the Guest(s): Steve Rooms is a seasoned financial expert and serial entrepreneur with extensive experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). He has a strong background in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) from his corporate life, including travel and transactions across Europe. Post-COVID, Steve pursued formal education in M&A, leading to his first acquisition in September 2020. He specializes in evaluating the financial health of companies and assisting other dealmakers in navigating the complexities of business acquisitions.Summary: In this episode of How2Exit, host Ronald Skelton chats with Steve Rooms, a seasoned financial expert and M&A specialist. Steve shares his insights on analyzing financial health, the importance of rapport in deals, and navigating his first acquisition during COVID-19. They cover key strategies for company valuations, cash flow analysis, red flags in financials, and the impact of AI on accounting. Whether you're new to M&A or a pro, this episode is filled with valuable takeaways.Key Takeaways:Building Rapport: Establishing a strong rapport with business sellers is crucial for successful acquisitions.Financial Analysis: Deep diving into financial statements, understanding cash flow trends, and identifying red flags are essential steps.Leveraging Expertise: Don't try to do everything alone; surround yourself with experts who complement your skills.AI in Accounting: AI advancements are revolutionizing accounting processes, allowing professionals to focus on value-added services.Preparing for Sale: Business owners should invest time in preparing their businesses for sale to maximize valuation and attract potential buyers.--------------------------------------------------Contact Steve onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenrooms/Email: info@proffix.uk--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

“We can now provide lead qualification as a service using AI and help reduce operating costs that traditionally would have been involved in that entire sales funnel,” says Paul Kleen, founder and CEO of Pitchit. Pitchit's LQaaS takes on the heavy lifting of those very first few steps in the sales process, which can be very hard on people. The AI assisted process takes the brunt of that challenge, leaving a company's sales force to take on qualified leads and a lead flow that is matched up, better, the way each individual might want to connect. “Voice is not always the best way to get ahold of these people.” Pitchit's LQaaS platform, available today, automates the first 24 hours of manual labor required to qualify inbound leads. To date, Pitchit has helped telecom and insurance sales teams qualify 531,000+ leads, save 4,400+ labor hours, book 4,000+ meetings, and close $280 million in customer revenue. Customers using Pitchit experienced a 250% increase in their lead qualification rate, on average. Pitchit's industry-first AI LQaaS solution can sync leads from 7,000+ channels — social media, CRM, email, SMS, and more — to quickly quote pricing, book meetings, handle objections, and capture personally identifiable information (PII) before handing qualified leads off to a human sales rep. By focusing on purchase-ready leads, brands with a large volume of B2C sales across multiple consumer touch points can dramatically increase sales qualified lead (SQL) conversion rates, lower the time and cost associated with every sale, and maximize revenue per sales representative. In addition, by reducing sales friction, brands can offer their customers a faster and more personalized sales experience while reducing costs. In this podcast, Paul gives us a guided tour of LQaaS. While there are clearly some intriguing consumer-facing applications, we also catch a glimpse at some B2B opportunities. As the portfolios of MSPs and MSSPs expand, could this be a platform that finds leads, lining up undiscovered sales processes by matching product, service, need and more? Visit www.pitchit.ai

About the Guest(s):Danny O'Neill: Danny O'Neill is a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in sales and marketing. Hailing from Scotland with ties to Ireland, Danny has diverse experience in turning around small businesses. He kickstarted his entrepreneurial journey by aiding in the acquisition and sale of a sensory deprivation tank business. Currently, Danny focuses on M&A activities, primarily within the marketing and creative agency sectors.Cian O'Toole: Cian O'Toole is an accomplished chartered accountant with substantial expertise in mergers and acquisitions. Having worked for giants like KPMG and PwC, his M&A proficiency spans corporate structuring, transactions, and strategic exits. Cian has transitioned from the corporate world to focus on small and medium enterprises, aiming to bring practices from big corporations into the SME landscape. He's now partnered with Danny to co-lead fascinating M&A ventures.Summary:In this episode of How2Exit, Ronald Skelton chats with Danny O'Neill and Cian O'Toole about acquiring businesses, M&A strategies, and overcoming SME challenges. They share their journey from early steps to closing deals, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, venture capital, and value creation. Combining Danny's marketing skills with Cian's financial expertise, they explore creative and digital marketing opportunities, offering insights on high-stakes deals, quick decisions, and joint ventures for growth. This discussion is a must-listen for anyone in the M&A space.--------------------------------------------------Contact Danny onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-o-391131189/Website: https://www.dcinvestorsgroup.com/Contact Cian onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cian-o-toole-b8372988/--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!-Why IT ExchangeNet?Since 1998, IT ExchangeNet has created $5 billion in value by selling more than 225 IT businesses in 20 countries. IT ExchangeNet works exclusively with IT-enabled businesses generating between $5M and $30M who are ready to be sold, and M&A decision-makers who are ready to buy. For over 25 years IT ExchangeNet has developed industry knowledge that helps them determine whether a seller is a good fit for their buyers before making a match."Out of all of the brokers I've met, this team has the most experience and I believe the best ability to get IT service businesses sold at the best price" - Ron SkeltonThe IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace we partnered with has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms, and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow, and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.Are you interested in what your business may be worth? Unlock the value of your IT Services firm, visit https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exit and complete the contact form.Our partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

About the Guest(s):Jeff Durso is a seasoned entrepreneur and startup veteran who has successfully founded and exited multiple companies. Graduating during the dawn of the .com era, Jeff has navigated the tech and startup world, creating notable companies like destinationweddings.com. Jeff's expertise lies in understanding and executing product-market fit, leading innovative marketing strategies, and driving startups from inception to successful exits. Additionally, he hosts the "Founder Breakthroughs" podcast, where he dives into the entrepreneurial journeys of various founders. Summary:In this episode of the How2Exit podcast, host Ronald Skelton interviews Jeff Durso, an experienced entrepreneur with a background in startups and exits. Jeff shares his journey from the .com era to founding and selling companies like destinationweddings.com. He discusses the importance of product-market fit, the challenges of securing venture capital, and the lessons learned in product distribution and marketing. Jeff's insights on being a market leader and the need for flexibility make this episode essential for aspiring entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways: *The Importance of Product-Market Fit (PMF): Jeff emphasizes that successfully identifying and iterating for PMF is crucial to turning a good idea into a great company. *Strategic Timing and Distribution: Early mastery of marketing channels like Google Adwords played a massive role in the growth of destinationweddings.com. *Role of Minimal Viable Product (MVP): Starting with an MVP allows founders to make necessary adjustments based on real user feedback, ensuring the product meets market needs. *Navigating VC Investments: Understanding and navigating the venture capital landscape can be challenging, highlighting the difference between investor interest and actual financial commitment. *Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Jeff's journey underscores the importance of remaining flexible and open to change, constantly seeking to refine and improve business strategies.--------------------------------------------------Contact Jeff onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdurso/Website: http://www.destinationweddings.com/dw/site/main/inc500_press_release.asp--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

Watch Here: https://youtu.be/K-IG8lpJqa8About the Guest(s): Christine Nicholson is a distinguished business mentor, speaker, and expert in exit and succession planning. With a robust background encompassing military service, banking, and accounting, Christine has amassed substantial expertise in mergers and acquisitions. She is particularly noted for her remarkable skills in executing multi-business sales, crisis management, and revitalizing failing companies. Recognized as the Business Mentor of the Year four times in a row, Christine is renowned for her dedication to ensuring business owners achieve "happier endings" by securing optimal exit strategies and succession plans.Summary: In this episode of How2Exit, Ronald Skelton interviews Christine Nicholson, a leading expert in exit and succession planning. Christine shares her journey, highlighting the importance of starting exit planning early to maximize business value and ensure smooth transitions. She also discusses the impact of unprepared exits and the necessity of having contingency plans. This episode offers valuable insights for business owners aiming to future-proof their operations and achieve successful exits.Key Takeaways:Start Exit Planning Early: Begin preparing for your business exit years in advance to ensure all systems, processes, and personnel align for seamless transition.Delegate with Confidence: Believe that others can handle your tasks, and structurally offload duties to prepare your business to operate independently of your direct involvement.Succession Planning is Crucial: Have plans in place for all levels within the business to handle unexpected events and ensure business continuity.Value Understanding and Protection: Regularly appraise your business value and implement protections through agreements, trusts, and robust documentation.Embrace Process and Simplification: Effective processes not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly increase business value at the time of sale.--------------------------------------------------Contact Christine onLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-nicholson/Website: www.christinenicholson.co.uk--------------------------------------------------How2Exit Joins IT ExchangeNet's Channel Partner Network!Have an IT Company doing between $5M and $30M You may Sell?The IT ExchangeNet M&A Marketplace @Ronald Skelton - How2Exit Host has a proprietary database of 50,000+ global buyers seeking IT Services firms, MSPs, MSSPs, Software-as-a-Service platforms and channel partners in the Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and Salesforce space.If you are interested in learning more about the process and current market valuations, complete the contact form and we'll respond within one business day. Everything is kept confidential.https://www.itexchangenet.com/marketplace-how2exitOur partnership with IT ExchangeNet focuses on deals above $5M in value. If you are looking to buy or sell a tech business below the $5M mark, we recommend Flippa.--------------------------------------------------

At Black Hat 2024 in Las Vegas, Sean Martin from On Location interviews Dror Liwer of Coro, uncovering the impressive strides Coro has made in creating a truly cohesive cybersecurity platform. This conversation reveals how Coro distinguishes itself in an industry saturated with buzzwords and inadequate solutions, particularly for smaller and mid-sized businesses.Meeting in VegasSean Martin starts the conversation by appreciating the vibrant atmosphere at the Black Hat Business Hall. The colorful Coro booth, coupled with the energetic team, sets the perfect backdrop for a discussion centered on platform innovation.Sean Martin: "Here we are, Dror. Fantastic seeing you here in Vegas."Dror Liwer: "It's where we meet."The Platform BuzzThe term “platform” has become a buzzword in the cybersecurity industry. Dror explains that many companies claim to offer platforms, but these so-called platforms often result from the integration of various point solutions, which don't communicate effectively with each other.Dror Liwer: “We built Coro as a platform and have been a platform for 10 years. It's kind of funny to see everybody now catching up and trying to pretend to be a platform.”Dror criticizes how companies use “platform” to create market confusion, explaining that a true platform requires seamless integration, a single endpoint agent, and a unified data lake.Defining a True PlatformDror and Sean delve deep into what makes Coro's platform genuinely innovative. Dror emphasizes that a real platform collects and processes data across multiple modules, providing a single pane of glass for operators. He contrasts this with other solutions that merely integrate various tools, resulting in operational complexity and inefficiencies.Dror Liwer: "A real platform is an engine that has a set of tools on top of it that work seamlessly together using a single pane of glass, a single endpoint agent, and a single data lake that shares all of the information across all of the different modules."The Role of DataData integration is a cornerstone of Coro's platform. Dror explains that each module in Coro functions as both a sensor and protector, feeding data into the system and responding to anomalies in real-time.Dror Liwer: "The collection of data happens natively at the sensor. They feed all the data into one very large data lake."This unified approach allows Coro to eliminate the time-critical gap between event detection and response, a significant advantage over traditional systems that often rely on multiple disparate tools.Supporting MSPs and Mid-Market BusinessesOne of Coro's key missions is to support Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and mid-market businesses, sectors that have been largely overlooked by larger cybersecurity firms. By offering a more manageable and less costly platform, Coro empowers these providers to offer comprehensive cybersecurity services without the high operational costs traditionally associated with such tasks.Dror Liwer: “We are changing that economic equation, allowing MSPs to offer full cybersecurity solutions to their customers at an affordable price.”Fulfilling New RequirementsDror also sheds light on how Coro helps businesses comply with new regulatory requirements or cybersecurity mandates, often dictated by their position in the supply chain.Dror Liwer: "When this guy comes to you and says, ‘Hey, I need to now comply with this or do that,' this is an opportunity to tell them, ‘Don't worry. I got you covered. I have Coro for you.'”ConclusionDror Liwer's insights during Black Hat 2024 highlight how Coro is not only addressing but revolutionizing the cybersecurity needs of small to mid-sized businesses and their MSP partners. By creating a true platform that reduces complexity and operational costs, Coro sets a new standard in the cybersecurity industry.Learn more about CORO: https://itspm.ag/coronet-30deNote: This story contains promotional content. Learn more.Guest: Dror Liwer, Co-Founder at Coro [@coro_cyber]On LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/drorliwer/ResourcesLearn more and catch more stories from CORO: https://www.itspmagazine.com/directory/coroView all of our Black Hat USA  2024 coverage: https://www.itspmagazine.com/black-hat-usa-2024-hacker-summer-camp-2024-event-coverage-in-las-vegasAre you interested in telling your story?https://www.itspmagazine.com/telling-your-story

Can cybercriminals paralyze a healthcare system with just a few keystrokes? Find out in this compelling episode of the Common Bridge, where Rich Helppie sits down with Dan Dodson, CEO of Fortified Health Security. We go beyond the headlines to explore the motivations driving cybercriminals to target healthcare institutions. With digital records and interconnected systems at the heart of modern healthcare, even a minor security breach can have devastating consequences. Dan sheds light on the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the integrity of patient care and protect sensitive data.Discover the pivotal role Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) play in defending healthcare organizations from relentless cyber threats. Through comprehensive risk analysis and 24/7 monitoring, MSSPs like Fortified Health Security develop customized strategies to mitigate risks and fortify defenses. Our conversation with Dan highlights the importance of deploying advanced technologies such as multi-factor authentication and air-gapped backups. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the complexity of maintaining strong cybersecurity is a challenge that healthcare providers must prioritize to safeguard patient information effectively.Join us as we tackle the shared responsibility of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector. Collaboration between health systems and technology providers like Epic Systems and Oracle's Cerner is crucial. Dan and I discuss the necessity for cybersecurity professionals to have a voice at the executive level and secure adequate funding. With cyber threats evolving daily, vigilance and ongoing education are paramount. From educating C-suite leaders to integrating cybersecurity into overall risk management, this episode offers practical advice for minimizing risks in an increasingly digital world. Tune in and stay informed about the latest trends and advancements in healthcare cybersecurity.Support the Show.Engage the conversation on Substack at The Common Bridge!