EChannelNews Podcast

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Ryan Devers, VP Product Strategy of J-SAS, discussed the challenges and opportunities for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in Canada regarding compliance. He highlighted that many Canadian companies are not prioritizing compliance, presenting a significant opportunity for MSPs to educate their clients. He emphasized the flexibility of ProtechSuite in addressing various compliance frameworks, such as SOC 2 and ISO 27001, and its role in helping MSPs track improvements in their clients’ cybersecurity posture. The importance of maintaining compliance year-round, particularly in relation to cyber insurance policies, was also underscored to ensure organizations can recover quickly and substantiate claims.

Ryan elaborated on the capabilities of ProtechSuite, which aids MSPs in managing compliance effectively. The platform facilitates cybersecurity posture assessments, enabling MSPs to identify security gaps and track improvements. It also assists in cyber insurance compliance by documenting necessary controls and policies.

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Presenters: 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 Transformation

The 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 Ecosystem

To learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

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Special Guest: Dee Zepf, Chief Product Officer, Syncro

In this dicsussion, Dee talked about the evolving landscape of Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) and its implications for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). She emphasized the critical juncture RMM is at, highlighting how MSPs are adapting their traditional tools to incorporate new solutions, particularly in light of advancements in AI. She addressed the complexities MSPs face, including the integration of cloud services, identity management, compliance, and cybersecurity.

Dee noted that while routine tasks may decrease due to automation, the demand for skilled professionals capable of managing sophisticated systems and training AI will increase.

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Special Guest: Michael George, CEO, Syncro

In this interview, Michael discussed the industry’s evolution/back and forth of platform vs. point solutions – how and why that has evolved over time and where it’s heading. 

He talked about the profitability challenges faced by Managed Service Providers (MSPs), which typically range from 10-20%. He highlighted the increasing pressures on technicians due to compliance and cybersecurity issues, emphasizing their critical role in maintaining security, especially with the rise of remote work. He discussed the complexities faced by IT professionals and the potential consequences of lapses in IT support, using a recent incident involving a vendor's update failure as an example of the stakes involved.

The conversation also covered the growing reliance on technology among MSPs and the need for streamlined platforms to enhance operational efficiency. Michael pointed out the overwhelming number of products MSPs manage, advocating for automation to alleviate repetitive tasks and improve technician engagement. He stressed the importance of integrating AI into cybersecurity measures, noting the significant risks small to medium businesses face from cyber threats.

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Guests: Likky Lavji and Beata Jirava

The conversation focused on the overwhelming challenges individuals face today, including economic pressures, with Likky emphasizing the importance of managing perceptions in a changing environment.

Beata shared her personal journey from a communist upbringing to becoming a strategic consultant and founding the Integrity Wellness Clinic, which addresses mental health needs exacerbated by the pandemic. Likky recounted his experiences as a refugee and the impact of early bullying on his leadership style, advocating for a shift from fear-based to collaborative leadership. Both speakers highlighted the necessity of adopting an abundance mindset to navigate current economic challenges.

The conversation also addressed the high-stress environment of the IT industry, with Likky discussing the hidden stresses intensified by the pandemic. He shared his personal health struggles, including strokes linked to stress, and urged a focus on controllable factors amidst uncertainty. Beata emphasized the critical role of mental health in leadership, identifying fundamental needs such as well-being, authenticity, and belonging. She noted that true happiness must originate from within, rather than from external validation, and highlighted the importance of fostering supportive environments for growth.

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Guest: Dave Gerry, CEO of Bugcrowd

Dave is no stranger to navigating major transitions. After joining Bugcrowd as COO in 2022 and quickly stepping into the CEO role, he led the company through a management shakeup, restructured teams, and spearheaded a strategy that resulted in $102 million in funding—all within 18 months.

In this discussion, Dave shared insights from his experience at the company. He highlighted the importance of relationships and culture in leadership, emphasizing that success is not solely measured by financial outcomes but by the connections made within the team and with clients. Gerry outlined Bugcrowd’s services, including bug bounty programs and penetration testing, which help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their security measures. He stressed the need for collaboration with channel partners to enhance service delivery and community engagement, which is vital for uncovering vulnerabilities that internal teams might miss.

The conversation also touched on team dynamics, where Gerry emphasized the importance of aligning team members with the company’s culture and goals, advocating for motivation driven by purpose rather than financial incentives.

Check out our past interview with Bugcrowd: https://www.e-channelnews.com/get-ready-for-crowdsource-hacking/

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Guest: Michael Contento, Managing Partner at F12, a trusted provider of cyber security and managed IT services for Canada’s essential businesses. 

The discussion centered on the importance of establishing a robust business framework for entrepreneurs to improve their outcomes and overall satisfaction. As many business owners focus solely on sales without a strategic approach, Michael emphasized the necessity of working on the business itself. He introduced his framework, which includes the rule of four, profit gap, and value gap, noting that these concepts are often neglected in traditional CEO training.

Michael shared insights from his extensive entrepreneurial background, detailing his journey from running a bar to engaging in mergers and acquisitions at F12. He discussed the Elan Framework, designed to prepare businesses for acquisition by focusing on strategic planning and momentum rather than just the sale process. Michael addressed the common issue of entrepreneurs becoming overly involved in their businesses, which can impede growth and strategic development.

The dialogue further explored the concept of exit strategies as a foundational element of business growth, rather than merely a plan for selling. Michael introduced the infinite growth loop and the four intangible Cs—human, structural, social, and customer capital—as critical frameworks for assessing a company’s value.

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With Likky Lavji and Beata Jirava of Dante Group

The discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities within the managed service provider (MSP) sector, particularly in light of external pressures such as tariffs and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Likky shared his experience of adapting his business during the pandemic, while Beata emphasized the importance of self-sustainability and recalibrating priorities in response to discomfort.

The role of soft skills in enhancing leadership and organizational effectiveness was a key theme, with Beata discussing her journey from athletics to advocating for leadership and self-awareness. She stressed the significance of understanding one’s identity and emotions in effective leadership. Likky reflected on his own leadership journey, noting the development of an assessment tool to help individuals identify blind spots that hinder team dynamics. (You can take this free assessment test at https://likkylavji.com/). Both emphasized the need for self-care, wellness, and communication to foster a positive work environment, arguing that a balanced approach benefits both employees and customers.

The conversation also addressed the mental health challenges faced by IT professionals, with Likky advocating for a mindset shift to improve well-being in the industry. He noted generational differences in workplace priorities, highlighting younger employees’ focus on work-life balance. The importance of open communication and understanding diverse styles within teams was underscored by Beata, who called for organizations to assess core values and identify gaps.

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Joe Lohmeier is VP Channel Sales of NinjaOne, a company whose automated endpoint management platform is proven to increase productivity, reduce security risk, and lower costs for IT teams and managed service providers

Joe provided insights into the Managed Service Provider (MSP) channel community, emphasizing the importance of MSPs in managing IT for their clients. He discussed NinjaOne’s commitment to customer satisfaction and innovation, identifying enhanced data protection and automation of cybersecurity tasks as key focuses for 2025. The ongoing consolidation in the industry was noted as a driving force for MSPs and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) to improve their service offerings. Joe also stressed the need for a unified approach to endpoint management, particularly in light of emerging AI technologies and the vulnerabilities they present.

Both Julian and Joe acknowledged the changing landscape of the MSP sector, with traditional incumbents losing ground, and emphasized the importance of nurturing channel relationships.

To become a certified IT Ninja, go to: https://www.ninjaone.com/ninjaone-academy/

See Joe’s past interview with us at: https://www.e-channelnews.com/channel-chief-interview-joe-lohmeier/

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Wallarm, a global leader in API security, recently released its 2025 API ThreatStats Report, revealing that APIs have emerged as the predominant attack surface over the past year, with AI being the biggest driver of API security risks.

Tim Erlin, VP of product at Wallarm, highlighted the significant rise in API usage as organizations transition to API-driven services, which has attracted more attackers. He presented alarming statistics from the annual API Threat Stats report, noting a dramatic increase in AI-related vulnerabilities and emphasizing that 50% of exploited vulnerabilities tracked by CISA are now API-related. Tim underscored the necessity for businesses to conduct thorough audits of their code, whether open source or AI-generated, to mitigate these risks.

The conversation also addressed real-world examples of API breaches, which illustrated the potential consequences of inadequate API security measures. Tim and Julian discussed the challenges faced by channel partners in conveying the importance of API security to customers, emphasizing that this issue transcends specific industries and is vital for any organization relying on APIs for revenue.