SMB Community Podcast

Host James chats with Angela Schroeder. Angela is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, coach, connector, and life-long learner.

Angela is passionate about empowering people to live courageously and developing phenomenal cultures and teams.

With over 25 years of experience in launching and growing businesses, record-breaking sales, leading highly successful teams, and developing phenomenal cultures, Angela has learned it all starts with leading yourself well.

Angela has trained thousands of business owners, teams, and individuals globally on growing your mindset, growing your business, and growing your life.

Author of the Courageous Mind

Founder Courageous Strategies & Solutions.

We empower business professionals to operate in their unique genius and delegate everything else using a virtual team so that by focusing on what matters most they can grow their businesses and their lives exponentially faster.

Resources and Links:

www.thecourageousmind.com

@angelabangsschroeder on all platforms

Sponsor Memo: Agile Blue

AgileBlue is a 24/7 SOC, XDR and SOAR providing managed breach protection including monitoring, detection, and automated response to cloud, networks, and endpoints. Helping MSPs build their cyber business while increasing gross margins, ARR and stickiness. AgileBlue's partner program engages, enables, supports, and rewards your business growth with a white-labeled security dashboard, pooled pricing, marketing collateral, and purpose-built sales content. A 24/7 extension of your team, learn more at agileblue.com

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Episode 171 - Remote Deepfakes, Roe v. Wade: Data Privacy, G7 funds Cybersecurity  

Topic 1: “More” people are using Deep Fakes to apply for remote tech jobs.

File under, “you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder.”...   The employment crisis has born a new adversary: Deepfake remote workers. Thankfully, their sole intent isn't to steal your job.

Sort of.

While these deepfake applicants are actively participating in the employment process, the function of the deepfake is to phish data where it otherwise could not. This includes, job interviews, resume data, job questions, etc. 

That said, as more information is gathered via the onboarding process, the easier it becomes to synthesize a perfect candidate. And if hired, this would mean access to sensitive company data. 

And considering heightened labor shortages, deepfakes may have the same hiring potential as anyone else in the pool. 

People Are Using Deepfakes to Apply for Remote Tech Jobs:

https://www.businessinsider.com/people-applying-remote-tech-jobs-using-deepfakes-fbi-2022-6

Topic 2: Roe v Wade: Law change implications on data privacy

https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/25/23181689/online-abortion-information-ban-roe-wade-section-230-first-amendment

What does overturning Roe Vs. Wade mean for privacy and data ownership law surrounding menstrual cycle tracking apps? And does HIPAA protect you as an individual or does it protect the company that owns your medical information?

We discuss the legal protection or lack thereof surrounding the new implications of Roe V. Wade in the digital landscape. 

Topic 3: G7 funding cybersecurity . . . and setting the U.S. as the standard-bearer. 

We’re the good guys, right? So we should obviously write the rules.

However, if we continue to "cut-off" those within the realm of what we as westerns deem as the good guys, we might create an even badder....well, bad guy. 

Key State Official Warns of ‘Peril’ as US Pursues Cybersecurity Goals at G7 - Nextgov:

https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/06/key-state-official-warns-peril-us-pursues-cybersecurity-goals-g7/368664

See also:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/04/28/fact-sheet-united-states-and-60-global-partners-launch-declaration-for-the-future-of-the-internet/ 

Sponsor Memo: Acronis

Are you still relying on a frustrating patchwork of legacy solutions?

Modernize your cybersecurity and data protection with Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud. It’s a single solution that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection management.

As an MSP, you can easily improve clients’ security posture, eliminate complexity, and generate more recurring revenue.

Learn more about Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud at Acronis.com.

Keywords / tags

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Host Karl chats with Richard Tallman & Michael Reeves of Bitdefender.

Richard Tallman is a 20+ year veteran in the technology industry merging the physical & virtual worlds under one umbrella.

At Bitdefender, he manages Global Cloud Markets & Managed Service Providers (MSP) working directly with the Remote Monitoring & Management (RMM) Platforms and Cloud & Distribution Marketplaces.

Prior to Bitdefender, Richard led the charge at some of the biggest technology companies in the world to streamline and secure customer and partner application enhancements to the cloud for both on and off premise solutions.

When not at work he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children while sharing his love of beach volleyball, mountain biking and surfing.

Michael Reeves is the CISSP - Technical Director, Cloud & MSP at BitDefender. With over 22 years in the industry, Mike is a true pioneer of cloud security. His ability to translate engineering concepts to a business audience is unmatched.

He enjoys spending time with his family, playing bass guitar, and four wheeling in his Jeep - especially at the same time!

Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best-in-class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide.

Guardian over millions of consumer, business, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry's most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy and data, and enabling cyber resilience.

With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers over 400 new threats each minute and validates around 40 billion daily threat queries.

The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioral analytics, and artificial intelligence, and its technology is licensed by more than 150 of the world's most recognized technology brands. Launched in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world.

In this edition of SMBCP, we briefly overview the current threat landscape for MSPs and SMBs and how these segments are impacted by the current market trends.

Skills gap, complex tooling, alert fatigue, insufficient or poor onboarding all lead to slow provisioning and license restrictions. Richard and Michael discuss how an MDR service can address these struggles.

Resources and links:

https://www.bitdefender.com

Blog:

MDR—What is it and Why Should SMBs Care?

https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/mdr-what-is-it-and-why-should-smbs-care

Article (MSPs): 10 Things MSPs Should Know About Cybersecurity Insurance

https://connect.comptia.org/blog/10-things-msps-should-know-about-cybersecurity-insurance

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Topic 1: 4D Time Crystals created by Google Quantum Computing.

We’ve mentioned 4D printing, which involves 3D printing with materials that then change over time. Now 4D Time Crystals designed by Google Quantum Computer.

Herein we bring you the definition of a quantum computer, along with an advancement in science brought about by said quantum computer. Let the arguments begin, but it looks like we’ve discovered a new phase of matter in physics.

Who cares? Well, we’ve actually entered the era in which quantum computers are used for truly amazing advances at a reasonable price. The 4D crystals may bust open all kinds of new advancements in manufacturing and other areas.

And our exponential expansion of technology continues. We’ll see how long before this results in changes we have to manage back in the “real” world.

From DW News:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfSbC2Y0WPo - What are Time Crystals?

From Physics Girl:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieDIpgso4no - a friendlier explanation.

Topic 2: Microsoft rolls out “Responsible AI” framework and resources

As AI becomes increasingly commercially accessible, mainstays in technology finally begin to address the need for an ethical framework. For Microsoft, this means the release of their "Responsible AI". 

Primary Responsible AI page:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai?activetab=pivot1%3aprimaryr6

The Responsible AI Standard:

https://aka.ms/RAIStandardPDF

See also the extensive “Transparency Notes” on Azure, connected spaces, OCR, vision, speech, etc.

Responsible AI principles include Fairness, Reliability & Safety, Privacy & Security, Inclusiveness, Transparency, and Accountability.

See:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/our-approach?activetab=pivot1%3aprimaryr5 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/21/technology/microsoft-facial-recognition.html?mc_cid=9ae5d267e1&mc_eid=70cbbe1cdc

Topic 3: Google is paying Wikipedia for greater access to their information

This is great news for Wikipedia. But with monopolization of information, can we successfully buy into the notion that “the crowd” is smarter than any one person?

https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/22/23178245/google-paying-wikimedia-foundation-information 

Sponsor Memo: Aite-Novarica Group

MSPs are frequently at the forefront of cyber security challenges. Between changing customer expectations and the growing threat landscape, you are stretched thin.  need a helping hand?

Download research firm, Aite-Novarica Group’s report, sponsored by FieldEffect, and learn how offering MDR increases revenue, simplifies operations, and maximizes margins for MSPs.

This independent analysis explores the growing managed detection and response (MDR) market and how MSPs can differentiate their managed security service with the right MDR solution.

You'll also find insights from five MSPs who have added co-va-lence, a hybrid MDR solution, to their offerings and the positive impact it has had on business.   Want to learn more? Check the link in the show notes.

:-)

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Host Karl chats with Eveline of airSlate.

airSlate is a Boston-based technology company specializing in no-code automation solutions, specifically in no-code document workflow automation, eSignature services, and document management.

Eveline leads special projects at airSlate, including partner programs for MSPs as well as the airSlate Academy with a mission to educate and empower a community of people that are passionate about workflow process automation.

Eveline is a managing partner at One Way Ventures, a seed-stage venture capital fund investing in exceptional immigrant entrepreneurs.

Previously, she was a director at Techstars, a mentorship-driven startup accelerator based in Boston. At Techstars, Eveline along with her team sourced, invested, and nurtured over 50 prominent startups.

Eveline is also the former CEO of leading media company Ekonomika, having launched several popular websites including delo.ua, the most quoted business portal in Ukraine.

Prior to Ekonomika, Eveline was CEO of high-tech startup APCT, winner of the second annual "Silicon Valley Open Doors" contest in 2006.

Before moving to Ukraine, Eveline worked for 10 years as an engineering associate on several multi-million dollar projects for the top industrial gas company Praxair, Inc.

Sponsor Memo: Cisco Did you know Cisco helps Managed Services Providers directly? Know about the Cisco Partner Program?

Focused on helping partners combine managed services expertise and service creation with innovative Cisco technology and proven go-to-market resources, there's a program option for you.

With provider pricing, MDF, and marketing resources coupled with Cisco's leading technologies inculding Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes. https://lnkd.in/gsydMya

:-)

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Topic 1: Sentient AI?   Is it real? Should you lose your job over it?    For starters, violating an NDA and whistleblowing are vastly different reasons to be fired.    Besides, this so-called sentient AI could easily just be a complex game of 20 questions; pattern matching at it's best. That said, this freaked-out-ness might be a good indicator that we are getting too close to comfort.   https://www.wired.com/story/lamda-sentient-ai-bias-google-blake-lemoine/        Topic 2: Will privacy legislation happen?   The internet was made for sharing data. Sooner or later, that 140 characters or less post about that weird thing your boss does with his hands would be inevitable! However, as individuals, we cherish our privacy and are entitled to at least an elective form of privacy.     I mean, sharing your boss's quirks online is far from sharing your social security number or the name of your first born...Besides, he's a cool guy once you look pass his jazz hands.    Additionally, enforcement of privacy laws are practical but sometimes that extra step is damning for commerce.    https://www.protocol.com/newsletters/policy/federal-privacy-law-introduced?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1       Topic 3:  Digital Twins   A pop quiz for all you die hard Killing It listeners: "What is a digital twin?"   That's right, the digital twin has grown lungs and is making its way into the collective consciousness after its ten year stint as a dinner table tall tale.    An impending existence adjacent to the metaverse, this digital representation shifts and grows with its physical world counterpart; kind of like your weird baby cousin who decides to parrot your every word and move, it is constantly growing and learning...   https://www.bbc.com/news/business-61742884           Sponsor Memo: AgileBlue    AgileBlue is a 24/7 SOC, XDR and SOAR providing managed breach protection including monitoring, detection, and automated response to cloud, networks, and endpoints.   Helping MSPs build their cyber business while increasing gross margins, ARR and stickiness.   AgileBlue’s partner program engages, enables, supports, and rewards your business growth with a white-labeled security dashboard, pooled pricing, marketing collateral, and purpose-built sales content. A 24/7 extension of your team, learn more at agileblue.com      :-)

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Host Karl welcomes back Toby Nangle, the Global Director, Channels and Partnership at Field Effect to talk about a new white paper highlighting partner success with Field Effect.

You can catch up on Toby's first podcast with us here:

https://www.smbcommunitypodcast.com/2022/01/field-effect-on-changing-security-requirements-for-msps/

On today's show, Toby and Karl delve into the latest in cybersecurity and its changing environment.

Since our last conversation, activity in the cybersecurity space has changed drastically as the conflict in Ukraine continues to shake the globe.

Toby and Karl discuss how FieldEffect and other cybersecurity vendors are navigating the emerging threats and how their services are adapting to this everchanging platform. Karl also had the chance to ask Toby about the White Paper, prepared by Aite Novarica. In the White Paper, Aite Novarica surveyed five, random partners of FieldEffect to learn about their experience so far with the company.

Toby summarizes for us the conclusion of Aite Novarica's finds.

Download the whitepaper here: https://hubs.li/Q01dCmGZ0

Resources and Links:

Field Effect Website:

https://fieldeffect.com

Follow Field Effect on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/field-effect-software/

Follow Field Effect on Twitter:

Field Effect (@fieldeffectsoft) / Twitter

Sponsor Memo: Linode

Linode – a top Infrastructure as a Service provider has resources specifically for helping MSPs explore the alternative cloud.

Discover this growing market: one of the best-kept secrets in building a scalable, thriving, modern Managed Service Provider business.

Learn about the cloud provider landscape, improving KPIs, security, and more in Linode's free ebook, The MSP's Guide to Modern Cloud Infrastructure, available now.

This resource and more at linode.com/mspradio

:-)

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Topic 1:

What does tech company even mean?  

RoW is a good resource to better gauge who can call themselves a tech company. We might want to reframe this seemingly exclusive title. What is the criteria a company must meet to be able to slap this title on a business card?

https://restofworld.org/2022/newsletter-latin-america-tech-company/

Topic 2: Do we think subscription / consumption model is souring?

The ideal business model is evershifting. But the supscription based and reoccuring model is exploding. With our indiviudalistic society, people want to exercise their right to choose...So as long as you are focused on customer success, it's more than likely said choice would be in your favor. 

https://www.businessinsider.com/consumption-based-pricing-snowflake-cloud-companies-risky-market-downturn-2022-5

Topic 3: Trackers are working - a bit of follow-up on the Wired story.

Crypto has moved from the “anonymous” nirvana to a perfect paper trail. Well, bitcoin trail.

Historic sanctions against Russia-based cryptocurrency exchanges have had a desired effect, but robust enforcement of laws to counter money laundering internationally is needed to really thwart ransomware perpetrators, according to witnesses testifying before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. 

 https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/06/trackers-say-sanctions-against-crypto-exchanges-are-working-ransomware-fight/367879/

Dave’s interview - business of tech - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6hXJC0_r3o

Sponsor Memo: SBTTC

his podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success. 

Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

:-)

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Host Karl speaks with Frank Raimondi of IGI Cyberlabs. Frank currently is the VP of Channel Development for IGI CyberLabs, a MSP focused tool that delivers complete visibility of your network, real-time discovery of devices, and prioritization of security gaps (vulnerabilities).

Recent and past consulting clients include start-ups and established companies, including among others: Intel, ECS, CompTIA, ATTO Technology, Absolute Software, Higher Ground Gear, Chargifi, Kickpost, Vedamo, VidBid & MarketStar.

Additionally, Frank was a national board member of the non-profit Community Health Charities (www.healthcharities.org), a guest lecturer at UC Davis, and provides additional marketing and business development support to other non-profits.

He also participates as a Faculty member for CompTIA, presenting at industry conferences on their behalf, and most recently is a member of the Washington County (OR) Medical Reserve Corps, actively participating in the Covid-19 vaccine rollout.

Resources and Links:

https://nodeware.com/events

https://nodeware.com/blog

Sponsor Memo: Egynte

Are you still using on-prem file servers and VPNs to share files with remote workers?

Egnyte is a business class cloud sharing solution that works more like your on-prem server than other solutions.

With a security first approach to file sharing and collaboration, Egnyte offers multiple options for sharing files and collecting files from outside sources. And do it all addressing data governance and compliance.

Want to learn more?

Check out Egnyte.com/mspradio, and when you do, tell them we sent you.

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Host Karl chats with Owen McGab Enaohwo.

Owen McGab Enaohwo is the CEO and Co-founder of SweetProcess, an easy-to-use software that enables company executives and their employees to collaborate together to quickly document and/or improve their standard operating procedures, processes, and policies.

On this episode, we discuss the following:

- Tired of being the Bottleneck in your business? How to stop doing it all yourself

- Growth strategies for small businessed

- Simplifying your systems and processes

- Why you need work instructions (and how to create them like a pro)

- How SweetProcess helps businesses scale, organize workflow, increase productivity and cultivate a winning culture

Resources and Links:

https://www.sweetprocess.com/smbcp

Sponsor Memo: Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community

This podcast is sponsored by the Small Biz Thoughts Technology Community. Check us out at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

Forms, templates, and checklists are just the start. Our Community includes ALL of the best-selling books on managed services in all available formats, plus free training, members-only programs, and the best business training available to managed service providers anywhere.

Plus, we have weekly live members-only Zoom calls. The average member saves more than 200% of their membership cost each year. We are totally dedicated to YOUR success.

Just because you're in business for yourself doesn't mean you have to go it alone. Join us today at www.SmallBizThoughts.org.

:-)

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