Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

In this episode, N-able Head Nerd Eric Harless talks to Sales Engineer Will Linthicum about why native Microsoft 365 tools aren’t sufficient for business‑grade protection and why a dedicated backup strategy matters for MSPs and IT teams. The conversation covers the shared responsibility model, the common misconception that “Microsoft backs it all up,” and practical risks ranging from accidental deletion to insider threats and ransomware. They explore core workloads – Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams – and unpack where advanced licencing and features (e.g., conditional access, litigation hold) start and stop. They walk through a real‑world scenario of a compromised mailbox, the importance of MFA and geolocation rules, and the subtle ways attackers use mail rules and PowerShell to quietly purge data beyond recycle bins.

Aligning data life‑cycles to compliance needs

The episode also addresses retention policies and offboarding: converting users to shared mailboxes, handling OneDrive content, and aligning data life‑cycles to compliance needs. Listeners hear candid guidance on what backup can and can’t do (it’s not DR or BC in itself), backup cadence and on‑demand snapshots, and known limitations like Information Rights Management and OneNote API access. Finally, the discussion touches on roadmap items such as online archive backup and PST restore, plus performance improvements to accelerate scans and handle throttling—placing emphasis on tabletop exercises and clear customer communication so MSPs sell continuity and peace of mind, not just “backup.”

Who Should Listen to This Podcast…

This podcast is essential listening for MSPs, IT solution providers, and corporate IT professionals responsible for safeguarding Microsoft 365 environments. Whether you’re an IT manager, systems administrator, or technical lead, you’ll gain practical insights into the realities of data protection, backup, and recovery in today’s threat landscape. The episode is particularly valuable for those navigating compliance requirements, managing user offboarding, or seeking to strengthen their organisation’s resilience against accidental deletion, insider threats, and ransomware. 

Topics covered

• The shared responsibility model for Microsoft 365 and why native tools aren’t enough
• Accidental deletion, insider threats and ransomware as everyday risks
• Practical mailbox compromise triage: MFA, geolocation and Defender visibility
• How attackers abuse mail rules, nested folders and PowerShell to purge data
• Retention “sweet spots” (1, 3, 5, 7 years) and long‑tail requirements
• Offboarding workflows: converting to shared mailboxes and managing OneDrive
• Backup cadence, on‑demand backups and limits of recycle bins/versioning
• What M365 backup is (point‑in‑time restore) vs. what DR/BC are

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

Intro: Discover why vulnerability management is critical for cyber and business resilience — and how N-able is reinventing the process.

In this episode of Head Nerd Table, Jason Murphy sits down with Jeff Green, Distinguished Product Leader for Vulnerability Management at N-able, to unpack why vulnerability management is no longer optional — it’s essential. Jeff shares insights from his experience as a CTO and MSP leader, explaining how vulnerability management underpins both cyber resilience and business continuity.

The conversation explores why this discipline matters for organisations of all sizes, from SMBs to large enterprises, and how regulatory pressures, cyber insurance requirements, and supply chain risks are driving adoption. Jeff also dives into practical challenges: millions of CVEs, prioritisation, and what to do when patching isn’t an option.

Finally, we look at N-able’s roadmap for vulnerability management, including integration with patching, risk acceptance workflows, and future plans for network and OS scanning. Whether you’re an MSP, IT leader, or security practitioner, this episode offers actionable advice on building resilience and turning vulnerability management into a strategic advantage.

Topics Covered

• Why vulnerability management matters for cyber resilience
• Risk management vs. vulnerability detection
• Regulatory and insurance pressures
• Prioritising millions of CVEs
• Enable’s approach and roadmap
• Risk acceptance and mitigation strategies
• MSP opportunities and co-managed IT
• Practical advice for IT leaders

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

Explore how ransomware became big business, why SMBs are most at risk, and practical steps to boost cyber resilience in this expert-led deep dive.

In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, host Pete Roythorne sits down with Kevin O’Connor, Director of Threat Research at N-able, to explore the shifting landscape of ransomware. What began as opportunistic attacks has evolved into a sophisticated business model, and SMBs are now the most attractive targets. Kevin shares insights from years in cybersecurity – including stints at the NSA and CrowdStrike – on why attackers are scaling down to smaller businesses, how ransomware-as-a-service has lowered the barrier to entry, and why misconceptions about risk still persist.

The conversation covers the economics driving ransomware, the rise of AI-powered social engineering, and the tactics attackers use to stay under the radar. Kevin also offers practical advice for SMBs: from employee training and policy enforcement to planning for worst-case scenarios. Finally, we look ahead at what could disrupt the ransomware economy and restore the balance in favour of defenders.

Topics Covered

• Evolution of ransomware from random attacks to organised crime
• Why SMBs are prime targets
• Ransomware-as-a-service and the crime supply chain
• Declining ransom payments—what’s behind the trend?
• AI-driven social engineering and phishing
• Common SMB security mistakes
• Effective defences and resilience strategies
• The role of law enforcement and global policy
• Future outlook: quantum cryptography and beyond

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with two industry veterans: Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished Product Leader and AI strategist, and Will Ledesma Director of N-able’s MDR team. Together, they explore how generative AI is transforming phishing attacks, why trust remains the ultimate defence, and what organisations can do to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. 

From nostalgic tales of Nigerian Prince scams to today’s AI-generated phishing emails, this conversation uncovers the alarming ease with which attackers exploit automation and social engineering. We discuss the rise of deepfake audio and video, the vulnerabilities of multi-factor authentication, and why defence-in-depth strategies are critical for SMBs and enterprises alike. 

Packed with real-world anecdotes, practical tips, and eye-opening statistics – including the staggering $16.6 billion lost to cybercrime last year – this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about digital security in an AI-driven world.

Click here to download the N-able 2025 Annual Threat Report – SMBs in the Cross Hairs

Topics Covered:

• How generative AI is reshaping phishing tactics
• The psychology of trust and social engineering
• Deepfake audio/video and national security risks
• MFA bypass techniques and adversary-in-the-middle attacks
• Why SMBs are prime targets for AI-powered scams
• Defence-in-depth and practical security layers
• The future of AI in cybersecurity—opportunities and threats

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla sits down with Lewis Pope, Head Security and Compliance Nerd, to unpack the evolving landscape of cloud security for MSPs. As MSPs shift from physical environments to cloud-first operations, Lewis shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to secure cloud workloads, manage identity, and navigate the growing complexity of cloud infrastructure.

From practical best practices to the business realities of outsourcing, this episode is a must-listen for MSPs looking to stay competitive, secure, and scalable in a post-COVID world. Lewis doesn’t just talk theory—he dives into the gritty details of what MSPs need to know, do, and avoid when managing cloud environments.

Whether you're a one-person shop or scaling toward enterprise-level service delivery, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer actionable advice to strengthen your cloud security posture.

Key Takeaways

• Cloud Security Is Not Optional: Identity management, breach detection, and posture management are now baseline requirements for MSPs.
• Outsourcing Is Strategic, Not Shameful: Mature MSPs are outsourcing MDR, cloud infrastructure, and automation to scale efficiently and profitably.
• Know Your Limits: MSPs must recognise when internal capabilities fall short and seek partnerships or MSSPs to fill the gaps.
• Best Practices for Cloud Security:
   
  • Start fresh if needed—don’t be afraid to rebuild cloud environments securely. 
  • Apply least privilege principles across users, services, and APIs.
  • Implement layered security: endpoint protection, segmentation, encryption, and WAFs.
  • Practice business continuity and disaster recovery plans regularly.
  • 24/7 Monitoring Is Table Stakes: Threats move fast—MSPs must adopt continuous monitoring and automated response tools.
  • Peer Learning Is Power: Engage with peer groups and events like N-able Empower to learn from others who’ve already solved these challenges.
  • AI Is Widening the Gap: The rise of AI-driven security tools means MSPs must evolve quickly or risk falling behind.
  • Regulatory Pressure Is Coming: Data sovereignty and compliance will soon force cloud security conversations—MSPs must lead, not lag.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this episode, Head Nerd Stefanie Hammond sits down with N-able Growth Strategist David Tapiero to unpack the real-world challenges MSPs face today—from tool sprawl and outdated backup strategies to rising costs and low margins. You’ll discover how adopting a cloud-first solution like Cove can help MSPs streamline operations, boost profitability, and build cyber resilience.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tool Sprawl & Standardisation: Why too many tools are hurting MSP efficiency—and how Cove simplifies the stack.
• Outdated Backup Strategies: The risks of legacy systems in today’s threat landscape.
• Cove’s Unified Platform: Backup for servers, workstations, Microsoft 365—and soon Google Workspace—from a single console.
• Cyber Resilience by Design: Immutable cloud storage, rapid recovery, and automated testing.
• Growth Barriers: Tackling time constraints, rising costs, and margin pressure.
• Practical Growth Strategies:
  • Transitioning to SaaS-based pricing 
  • Reviewing customer costing
  •  Automating low-value tasks
  •  Monetising existing infrastructure
• Mindset Shift: Repurposing on-prem hardware for DRaaS and internal ops.
• Security Evolution: Moving from breach prevention to rapid recovery and continuity.

Whether you're an MSP looking to scale or a Channel Reseller aiming to improve service delivery, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you rethink your growth strategy and future-proof your business.

For even more, register for the upcoming webinar:  Rethink Backup or Get Left Behind (live on 10 September with an encore performance on 11 November). Register here
 

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing MSPs working with Microsoft 365 and related Microsoft technologies. N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla is joined by Ben Lee, the latest to the Head Nerd team who is a seasoned Microsoft consultant with decades of experience in unified communications, Teams, Intune, and Microsoft Co-pilot. During the conversation Joe and Ben discuss the challenges  MSPs and SMEs face when implement Microsoft’s powerful but often complex ecosystem.

They tackle everything from the lack of guidance around tool usage, to common pitfalls like “just turning it on” without user education, and how MSPs can differentiate by focusing on enablement, training, and policy standardization. The conversation also explores Microsoft's scalability gaps, third-party tool integration, and the game-changing implications of Co-pilot and AI for productivity.

This is a must-listen for MSPs, IT leaders, and tech consultants looking to enhance their Microsoft 365 strategies and drive better client outcomes.

Key Topics Covered

• The MSP opportunity: Beyond just licensing and activation
• Microsoft 365 productivity confusion (Tasks, Loop, OneNote, etc.)
• Teams as an underutilized collaboration hub
• Copilot: Microsoft’s AI gamechanger and its adoption challenges
• Scaling management with Intune, Entra, Azure Arc, and third-party tools
• Balancing security with end-user usability
• Persona-based user policy deployment
• Future of M365 Business Premium and data protection
• The importance of adoption strategies and ongoing education

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla sits down with Stefanie Hammond, Head Sales & Marketing Nerd, to explore how MSPs can reposition, price, and bundle their services in the cloud era—without leaning on tech jargon. This episode is a sales masterclass for MSPs navigating the shifting SaaS and cybersecurity landscape.

In this episode…

In the first episode of N-able’s Cloud Podcast Series, Joe Ferla kicks things off by addressing a common challenge MSPs face—not with the tech itself, but with how to sell it. To explore this further, he brings in Stefanie Hammond, N-able's Head Sales and Marketing Nerd, to unpack how MSPs can rethink their sales strategies as cloud adoption and end-user awareness skyrocket.

Drawing from insights gathered at recent Empower events and real-world MSP conversations, Joe and Stefanie dive deep into how cloud migration is disrupting traditional pricing and bundling models. Stefanie emphasizes that MSPs should stop selling based on features or products and instead focus on outcomes—namely, productivity and peace of mind through cybersecurity.

From bundling strategies and per-user pricing to the evolving buyer psychology in a semi-educated tech market, this episode delivers tactical, experience-driven advice. Joe also underscores the importance of value-based selling, automation, executive business reviews, and adapting sales approaches in a rapidly changing industry.

Whether you're a veteran MSP or just beginning your cloud transition, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to help you differentiate in a crowded market.

Key Topics Covered

• The shift in MSP sales strategy from selling tech to selling outcomes
• Why cloud adoption is disrupting traditional pricing and packaging models
• The case for per-user pricing vs. per-device pricing
• How increased user awareness is changing the sales conversation
• Operational efficiency and automation as revenue multipliers
• Importance of Executive Business Reviews (EBRs) in client retention
• Risk acceptance and how to price for cloud-related security gaps
• Why value-based selling outperforms product-based selling
• Stefanie’s book club and continuous sales education for MSPs

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, hosts Hilda Colon and Will Ledesma unpack the latest findings from the State of the SOC  report. Drawing on decades of frontline cybersecurity experience, they explore the evolving threat landscape—from the unrelenting rise of ransomware to the growing complexity of cloud-based attacks. The conversation dives deep into the data: 500,000 alerts in just three months, 83,000 escalations, and a staggering 8-minute breakout time for some threats.

They also examine the human side of cybersecurity, and how emotional responses, fear-based tactics, and organizational inertia can undermine even the best defenses. The hosts share real-world war stories, including a recent “art of fear” attack that weaponized open-source intelligence to trigger panic without breaching a single system.

AI’s role in the SOC is front and center, with insights into how automation is accelerating detection, reducing analyst fatigue, and reshaping the balance between human judgment and machine speed. Whether you're a CISO, analyst, or just cyber-curious, this episode offers a sharp, honest look at what’s changing—and what’s coming next—in the world of security operations.

Key Talking Points

• Key findings from the 2025 State of the SOC report 
• Ransomware remains dominant, with 2,684 cases in 3 months 
• Cloud attacks now make up 44% of threats—up from 30% last year 
• The rise of “fear-based” attacks using fake screenshots and OSINT 
• AI’s role in accelerating detection and reducing analyst burnout 
• The “Layer 8” problem: human resistance to disruption 
• Hybrid environments and the risks of misaligned identity controls 
• Zero trust: powerful in theory, difficult in practice 
• SOC automation sweet spot: 70% AI, 30% human 
• Real-world story: AI found 3 more IOCs in seconds vs. 60 minutes manually 

Want the full picture?
The insights shared in this episode are just the beginning. Dive deeper into the data, trends, and expert analysis shaping the future of cybersecurity in the full 2025 State of the SOC Report. Whether you're leading a security team or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this report is your essential guide to what’s happening inside today’s Security Operations Centers. Click here to download

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

After 15 years of development and delays, CMMC has transitioned from regulatory uncertainty to enforceable reality. This comprehensive compliance framework now carries the full weight of federal law, creating both significant challenges and substantial opportunities for organizations in the defense supply chain.

The numbers tell a compelling story: 80,000 companies need certification with only 337 qualified assessors available to handle the workload. Real assessments are underway, producing mixed results as companies navigate the rigorous requirements. While some organizations are discovering that compliance costs exceed their contract values, others are leveraging CMMC mastery to command premium rates and establish strong competitive positions.

In this episode of the Beyond The Horizon podcast, Lewis Pope and Mark Pardee provide essential insights into this transformation, examining real-world scenarios, the precision required in technical assessments, and why MSPs now shoulder responsibility for 50-60% of CMMC controls. Whether you're an MSP supporting defense contractors or a company directly involved in federal contracting, understanding this shift is crucial for strategic planning.

Key Areas Covered

• Understanding CMMC's Evolution
• Strategic Implications for Businesses and IT Service Providers
• Requirements and Implementation
• Making Strategic Decisions

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation provides critical insights for navigating one of the most significant regulatory changes in federal contracting. With implementation timelines accelerating, organizations need clear guidance on compliance requirements, strategic options, and business implications.

For MSPs, CMMC represents a fundamental shift in client relationships and service delivery models. Those who understand and adapt to these requirements early will be positioned to capture significant market opportunities. For defense contractors, compliance is becoming a competitive differentiator that affects contract eligibility and business viability.

The episode offers practical frameworks for decision-making, real-world examples of implementation challenges, and insights into the evolving compliance landscape that affects hundreds of thousands of organizations.

Download  CMMC: A Guide to the What, When, Why, and How (https://www.n-able.com/resources/cmmc-a-guide-to-the-what-when-why-and-how) – a comprehensive resource for understanding CMMC requirements and building your compliance strategy. Whether you're just beginning to explore CMMC or refining your implementation approach, this guide provides the foundation for informed decision-making.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com