SMB Community Podcast

Host James Kernan discussses security offerings, specifically looking at offering vCISO services as part of your cyber security stack.

1.) MSP Question of the Week: Should you offer vCISO services?

---

2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

Host James Kernan sits down with Charlene Ignacio, CEO of Fornix Marketing, to discuss being strategic about M&A discussions.

---

3.) Notes On The News

Chris Day, founder of ScalePad, has taken over as CEO, focusing on creating an integrated suite of products rather than pursuing new acquisitions. Outgoing CEO Dan Wensley will remain as a shareholder and advisor.

Additionally, a recent IBM study reveals that business leaders' confidence in IT has significantly declined, with only 47% considering their IT organization effective, down from 69% in 2013

Reuters article: https://www.reuters.com/technology/cybersecurity/german-intelligence-says-russian-gru-group-behind-nato-eu-cyberattacks-2024-09-09/

Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com/how-does-nvidia-s-record-usd279b-market-cap-loss-stack-up-8706251?utm_source=perplexity

A recent IBM study reveals that business leaders' confidence in IT has significantly declined, with only 47% considering their IT organization effective, down from 69% in 2013

---

Our upcoming events and more:

MASTERMIND LIVE – Denver, CO – NEXT WEEK 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/

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

Host Karl Palachuk caught up with Dor Eisner, CEO of Guardz. Right off the bat, Eisner points out the reason enterprise cybersecurity attacks are different from those focused on small business. Like it or not, most of the attacks that work against SMB clients will not work against larger enterprises.

Eisner discusses the toolsets that are built specifically to attack small businesses, and marketed that way on the dark web. Assuming you don't want to spend time browsing the dark web, it's good to have a partner who is willing to.

Guardz is focused completely on securing small businesses, and helping them to secure their networks in a way that helps them lower their insurance premiums. Think about what that means for your clients: A dashboard that benchmarks a network against the requirements and checklists used by cybersecurity insurance companies to set rates.

A secure network AND lower insurance rates: That's a great combination!

You can connect with Guardz at: https://guardz.com

Request a Guardz Demo at https://guardz.com/schedule-a-meeting/

Karl asked about pricing and was pleased to find a very transparent, friendly pricing structure. Dor gives the pricing in the podcast, and it's posted clearly on the web site. In addition, you are not locked into longterm, inflexible contracts. Scale up and down as you need.

Also check out the free internal-use licensing for MSPs. Learn it. Use it. And integrate Guardz into your solution.

You get your free demo, free license, and some great sales tools at https://guardz.com. Check out the full podcast to hear Dor's advice on sales techniques and the response options for various clients and attack alerts.

Connect with Guardz on social media at:

• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Guardz_com
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/guardz/
• Twitter - https://x.com/GuardzCyber
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/guardz_cyber/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/guardzcom/

About Dor Eisner

Dor Eisner is the CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz, working to create a safer digital world for SMBs. Dor has over 20 years of experience in the field of cybersecurity. Prior to founding Guardz, Dor worked at IntSights, a Rapid7 company, as their VP of Business Development, as well as at Alarum Technologies as Director of Sales.

Dor began his career in cybersecurity in the Israeli Defense Force's 8200 Unit as Cyber Security Team Lead.

About Guardz

Guardz distinguishes itself in the cybersecurity market with the first AI-Native MDR solution that redefines security management for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) with an automated detection and response platform. It simplifies and strengthens security operations, enabling MSPs to protect their SMB customers against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.

Guardz's MDR empowers MSPs by integrating fragmented security controls into a cohesive, unified security ecosystem. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, the platform correlates data across multiple sources – such as dark web monitoring, email security, and cloud services – to detect threats at their earliest stages. This capability ensures that all security components, from user profiles to endpoint protection, work harmoniously, reducing the risk of overlooked vulnerabilities.

Guardz's cost-effective pricing reduces cybersecurity expenses by up to 75% compared to traditional solutions, making it accessible for businesses with lean IT teams. The platform also supports MSPs through the MSP Growth Hub, offering tools for business development, including ROI reports and AI-powered risk assessments.

By combining innovation, affordability, and comprehensive protection, Guardz positions itself as a leader in the cybersecurity industry, empowering MSPs and their SMB clients to thrive in a safer digital world. Learn more at https://guardz.com.

-- -- --

Thank you to Guardz for sponsoring this interview.

:-)

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 an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick, President of Rialto Marketing.

Founded in 2012, Tim created Rialto with the vision of having a positive lasting impact on the businesses they work with. Tim believes there are three (3) critical elements of marketing: strategy, planning, and leadership. Having a passion for developing and growing businesses has allowed Tim and Rialto Marketing to accomplish groundbreaking marketing campaigns over the years.

---

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/

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 big wins, Windows 10 End of Life, and an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick

1.) MSP Question of the Week: Can you share some big wins?

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss various successes and wins with clients over the years.

---

2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

Host James Kernan interviews Tim Fitzpatrick, the President of Rialto Marketing. Rialto provides marketing consulting and outsourced CMO services to help B2B professional service firms that need accelerated growth without the full-time cost.

---

3.) Notes On The News

This week, James and Amy discuss the Windows 10 End of Life deadline and marketing campaigns to try.

---

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/

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 big wins, Windows 10 End of Life, and an exclusive interview with Tim Fitzpatrick

1.) MSP Question of the Week: Can you share some big wins?

Hosts James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down and discuss various successes and wins with clients over the years.

--- 

2.) 5 Minutes with a Smart Person

Host James Kernan interviews Tim Fitzpatrick, the President of Rialto Marketing. Rialto provides marketing consulting and outsourced CMO services to help B2B professional service firms that need accelerated growth without the full-time cost.

---

3.) Notes On The News 

This week, James and Amy discuss the Windows 10 End of Life deadline and marketing campaigns to try.

--- 

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/

1.) The MSP Question of The Week - Do you have an entry level MSP offering?

This week, James Kernan and Amy Babinchak sit down to discuss entry level MSP offerings. Does your company offer one? Hear James and Amy speak about the benefits and drawbacks that an entry-level MSP offering can have on your business.

---

2.) Notes on the News

Discussion on Olympics: Athletics abilities

Media giant TikTok's response to the U.S. ban decision.

CNN article: https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/27/tech/tiktok-response-to-us-ban/index.html

---

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

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 Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry.

Kevin Lancaster and Matt Solomon are the co-founders of Channel Program, a platform designed to unify the IT Channel industry.

Kevin Lancaster has a strong background in the channel technology space. He previously served as the CEO of ID Agent, a cybersecurity company, which he grew significantly before its acquisition by Kaseya.

Matt Solomon also has extensive experience in the industry. He worked alongside Kevin at ID Agent and later became the Channel Chief at Kaseya. Matt has spoken at over 150 industry events across six countries. Together, they launched Channel Program to create a collaborative, video-enabled platform for IT Service Providers and Vendors.

Do you have any specific questions about their work or the Channel Program?

Check them out: Channel Program | Home

---

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

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

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.

-- -- --

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

:-)

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 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

---

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

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)

---

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

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