SMB Community Podcast: Business Advice for Small MSP Owners

Host Karl got together with Jamie Levy, Director of Adversary Tactics from Huntress.

Jamie is also a longtime researcher, developer and board member of the Volatility Foundation. She has worked over 15 years in the digital forensics industry, conducting investigations as well as building out software solutions.

We got together to discuss the Huntress 2024 Threat Report. Download here: https://www.huntress.com/resources/2024-cyber-threat-report?utm_campaign=CY24-Q2-Threat-Report&utm_source=smb-community-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=August-2024-threat-report

Jamie walks us through some of the major trends, including important "take-downs" and ransomware trends. One interesting finds is that squishing down one threat leaves room for other threats to increase.

Her analogy to apex predators in the animal world is excellent.

Karl's favorite quote from this interview (though scary): "The smaller businesses are the testbed" for malware writers. Why have a test network when you can use live machines as your testbed? If feels like we knew that. Now we know it for sure.

Thanks to Huntress for their excellent 2024 Threat Report.

Check out the full report while you listen.

MSPs: Huntress has a great NFR program for professional consultants.

Here's a link to their not-for-resale program for MSPs - Neighborhood Watch. This gives MSPs access to Huntress products for internal use to to level up their own protection -- whether they are a partner or not!

https://www.huntress.com/neighborhood-watch-program/internal-license-request?utm_campaign=CY22-Q2-NFR-Neighborhood-Watch&utm_source=smb-community-podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_content=August-2024-threat-report

Comments and questions welcome.

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This is a paid appearance. Thank you, Huntress, for supporting the SMB Community Podcast.

:-)

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We're back for Q3 2024. Quick question of the day ... then onto the topics of the day.

Topic 1: MIT Releases the AI Risk Repository

Thanks to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for a major resource. It's definitely more for you than your clients. But we see great opportunity here. 

The public database contains 700+ risks as documented by published papers. It includes many categories, based on severity and other variables. 

Check it out here: https://airisk.mit.edu/

You can poke around online and gets some good information. Or download the entire database in Excel format. You can then sort, color code, or do whatever you want with the data. 

And that includes providing educationi and training for your clients

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Topic 2: Shocker - Google Has a Monopoly on Search!

Okay, not really a shocker. But does it matter that a judege says so?

Does anyone care (other than other search engines)? Would breaking up Google change anything? What is most likely to actually happen (e.g., Microsoft-like consent decree)? The 1984 AT&T breakup into seven baby Bells may help us see 40 years into the future

As usual, we discuss.

Related Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/13/technology/google-monopoly-antitrust-justice-department.html

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Topic 3: NIST Releases Cryptography for Quantum Computing

See https://www.axios.com/2024/08/13/nist-post-quantum-cryptography-encryption.

Quantum computing has been ten years away . . . for more than forty years.   Besides the “no harm to update,” how much attention do we really need to give to quantum computing?   

We have three different perspective on how much this "news" matters. As usual. What do you think?

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Host James Kernan sits down with Baxter Lanius to discuss automating customer payments using the software tool, Alternative Payments.

At Alternative Payments, their mission is to lower the barrier and make smarter payments accessible to one and all. More in-depth, Alternative Payments provides offline businesses the opportunity to participate in online transactions - enabling merchants to accept credit cards, ACH, and B2B PNPL, while accessing powerful reporting and analytics all-in-one.

Check them out: Alternative Payments | Payments for service-based businesses

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host James Kernan sits down with Dustin Puryear to discuss sales and marketing for MSP's.

Dustin Puryear is indeed a prominent figure in the tech world. As the founder of Puryear IT, he leads a team dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance business operations. His expertise is widely recognized, with contributions to well-known publications like Windows Magazine and CIO.com. Additionally, he's been featured in interviews on Federal News Radio and Microsoft Podcasts.

Dustin's involvement extends to national tours with Microsoft, where he shares his insights on enterprise technology with C-level executives. He has also authored several white papers and a book titled "Best Practices for Managing Linux and UNIX Servers". His blog, "Bayou Technology Blog," reaches a large audience annually.

Check them out: IT Managed Support and Consulting Firms in Baton Rouge (puryear-it.com)

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host James Kernan sits down with Larry Garcia to discuss the EOS compatible and reporting collaboration tool known as Strety.

Larry Garcia is the co-founder of Strety, a company that provides a Business Operating System Software (BOSS) designed to help companies improve their operational efficiency. Strety focuses on key performance indicators (KPIs), goal setting, and project management. Garcia has written about various topics related to employee engagement and effective team meetings, emphasizing the importance of well-structured and productive meetings.

Check them out: Strety | Run your Business Operating System in Teams

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak kick off this week's episode with topics regarding project quotes, the Olympics, and an exclusive interview with Larry Garcia, founder of Strety.

1.) MSP Question of the Week: Should you quote hourly or fixed-fee for projects?

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss the different strategies to pricing as it relates to scalable projects for clients.

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2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

Host James Kernan interviews Larry Garcia, co-founder and president of the business management tool, Strety. This solution is design for small and medium-sized businesses to help improve operational efficiency.

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3.) Notes On The News

This week, James and Amy discuss the Olympics, Bitcoin, and the recent stock market movement.

Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/bitcoin-falls-569-58987-2024-08-04/

CNBC article: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/02/tech-stocks-wrap-up-steepest-three-week-slump-in-two-years-led-by-plunge-in-amazon-and-intel.html

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host James Kernan sits down with Jason Miller, founder and CEO of BitLyft Cybersecurity, for an exclusive interview.

As the founder, Jason has dedicated his 20-year IT career, including co-founding SaaS pioneer Reviora, to removing cybersecurity barriers for mid-sized enterprises. Establishing BitLyft in 2016, Jason set out to unburden security teams with innovative, approachable, and affordable solutions, a vision which has made BitLyft a respected managed detection and response provider.

Established in 2016, BitLyft is a leading managed security service provider, dedicated to delivering mid-sized organizations with high-touch, personalized cybersecurity solutions. Our prioritization of service and security excellence, creates a holistic defense approach that allows our clients to navigate the digital world with unwavering confidence. With BitLyft by your side, cybersecurity challenges evolve into robust protection, ensuring resilience in the ever-changing digital landscape.

Check them out: https://www.bitlyft.com

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

Our Social Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kernan-varcoach/

https://www.facebook.com/james.kernan

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - How did Crowdstrike affect you?

This week, James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing. James addresses the security concern, "Isn't Security 101 eliminating the single point of failure? ". Listen as James and Charlene discuss the aftermath of the Crowdstrike outage.

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2. ) Notes on the News

Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-says-about-85-million-its-devices-affected-by-crowdstrike-related-2024-07-20/

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) Interview with Mandy Teply of the Fit Method. Hear how health and fitnes in the workplace can help with motivation and productivity.

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

1.) Interview with Rob Scott, co-founder of Monjur

Contracts-as-a-service legal solutions

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Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – Sept 26-27th

http://bit.ly/kernanmastermind

Use "EARLYBIRD" as the coupon code to save $200!!

SMBTechfest Q4 - Irvine, CA - October 17-18

www.smbtechfest.com

Check out Amy's weekly newsletter!

Sign up now: https://mailchi.mp/thirdtier/small-business-tech-news

Kernan Consulting "Weekly Tips"!

Sign up now: https://kernanconsulting.com/

About the SMB Community Podcast: Weekly business advice for small MSP owners from Amy Babinchak and James Kernan of the Small Biz Thoughts community — MSP sales, MSP pricing and agreements, hiring and leading an MSP team, MSP operations, selling your MSP, and AI for small MSPs. Produced by MSP Radio. More for MSP owners at smallbizthoughts.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.