Topic 1: An Update Discussion on All Things Supply Chain--Is it getting any better?

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/07/23/chip-shortage-detroit-manufacturing/

Ongoing supply chain issues / chip shortages have caused persistent delays in the auto industry … among other impacts. The question after 2 ½ years of disruption is whether the IT supply chain is any more healthy and whether industries have learned to adapt to the new levels of uncertainty and supply.

https://mailchi.mp/protocol/why-your-supply-chain-is-breaking?e=d30f866e34

Modernizing the supply chain is an existential priority for our customers … and for our own businesses. If we can’t trust the availability of products or forecast the timing of shipments, how can we maintain credibility with our customers? Also … this would be a terrific business opportunity for a systems-thinking solution provider. Sounds like a new focus area for MSPs!

https://seths.blog/2022/07/embracing-constraints-2/

It’s time for the IT channel to re-think how we design systems and solutions for our customers: if the chip supply isn’t getting any better, simply re-selling the latest vendor product isn’t going to solve your customers’ needs any time soon. So what are you going to do about it?

Topic 2: Bill to Boost Domestic Semi-conductor Production

Recently, the senate voted on a bill that would increase domestic semiconductor production--the goal being to strengthen the American economy and to possible out-compete China. 

We hope to proceed successfully! ...And hopefully with caution. 

https://www.nextgov.com/technology-news/2022/07/bill-boost-domestic-semiconductor-production-passes-key-senate-hurdle/374986/

Topic 3: TECH JOURNALISM’S ACCESSIBILITY PROBLEM

“Everyone, that is, except accessibility-minded writers like Steven Aquino. Aquino, who is disabled, finds laptop keyboards difficult to use, due both to the fine motor skills required to perform the shortcuts and to the cognitive load required to remember them. The touch bar allows him to access in one tap features that would otherwise require multiple — everything from sending emails to selecting emojis.”

https://www.theverge.com/23205223/tech-journalism-accessibility-assistive-coverage

There’s also a browser extension called Axe Dev Tools:

https://wave.webaim.org/

https://pagespeed.web.dev/

https://www.learnui.design/tools/accessible-color-generator.html

Sponsor Memo OITVOIP

Did you know about STIR/SHAKEN?  If you’re doing voice for your customers, you had better — the deadline was June 30.

This technology is focused on reducing robocalls, and providers have to take action.

Are you compliant? The team at OITVOIP has put together resources for you to learn more…or, for their customers, it’s already handled.

Want to learn more?

Visit oit.co/mspradio/ for resources to help make sure you’re covered.

:-)

Topic 1: Sony’s racing AI destroyed its human competitors by being nice (and fast)

https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/07/19/1056176/sonys-racing-ai-destroyed-its-human-competitors-by-being-nice-and-fast/

Etiquette and risk analysis is the secret success! This perhaps suggest that talent and skill are not the only key factor to progress...and maybe not even the defining factor.

Topic 2: The Crypto Crash … Lessons from a Previous Era of Technology Crash Economics

https://www.protocol.com/fintech/dot-com-bubble-crypto-crash

The parallels between today’s crypto winter and the technology crash of 20 years ago are multiple … with some vital differences. What lessons can be drawn from past experience to help the industry survive the lean times? And what do you believe the next “real” phase of practical applications for crypto will be?

Topic 3: What Part of the Tech Industry Grows During a Recession? Domain Name Registration!

https://www.protocol.com/godaddy-paul-nicks-domains

Data from GoDaddy shows a strong correlation between economic downturns and an increase in the number of new domains registered. In simple terms, layoffs lead to entrepreneurial startup momentum. But that’s not the only force driving the online presence market … and the value of existing “good” domain names is rising. (Another killer business opportunity for Karl, who owns many domain names.)

Sponsor Memo: FieldEffect 

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 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.

:-)

Topic 1:

EU Passes DSA & DMA Legislation to Increase Regulation of US Tech Giants

https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-lawmakers-pass-landmark-tech-rules-enforcement-worry-2022-07-05/

New legislation in Europe is designed to address a gap in GDPR that left larger tech companies unregulated by providing specific rules and significant consequences for platforms that do not do enough to moderate illegal content or allow fair competition.

Topic 2:  The Way Forward for Cybersecurity Progress is to Begin at the Entry Level

https://www.protocol.com/enterprise/cybersecurity-talent-gap-diversity-hiring

Cybersecurity is a massive challenge, and it’s getting more complex each day. As a result, the approach to solving the problem has become a focus on stealing away existing senior-level experts to solve the big challenges. But that approach does nothing to address the huge gaps in available people with relevant cybersecurity skills. There needs to be a shift to focus on the entry level to build a sufficient industry bench of talent.

Topic 3:  It’s Hot Out There … and it Is Getting Hotter for Data Centers

https://www.protocol.com/climate/drought-data-centers-tracking-water

Data center services are a hot topic across the IT industry as customers increasingly move to public and private hosted infrastructure solutions. But data centers are also literally hot … and they require massive amounts of energy and water to keep the machines from melting. Until now, water usage in data center operations have been mostly secret, but this trend isn’t going to survive as the temperature rises … and that means cloud operators need to think of a plan to address this in practice and in public relations.

See also the heroes in Las Vegas https://www.cbsnews.com/news/las-vegas-water-conservation-grass/

26% reduction in water usage since 2002 while adding 750,000 in population.

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 including Meraki, Duo, and Umbrella, learn more with the link right in the show notes.

https://lnkd.in/gsydMya

Keywords / tags

:-)

Topic 1:

Is there value in paying these volunteers, or more value in not paying them?

Online moderators' contributions to open forum platform Reddit are estimated to be worth 3.4 million dollars in a given year. That accounts to roughly 3% of revenue Reddit generated through ads alone in 2019. In other words, you can argue there is room in the budget to compensate online moderators. 

But contributing to a community/activity you are passionate drives people to participate beyond a monetary value so is it really necessary? 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/technology/online-moderators-compensation.html

Topic 2: 

Russia has always been recognized as a haven for hackers. 

It is not recognized as such because of its superior encryption, ingenius malware, or anything like that; Rather, it reigns number one by fear alone. 

It has been instilled in us that Russia is the big bad of the cyberspace.

The drive to fight back has always been overshadowed by the fear that doing so might open up a Pandora's box of Russian retaliation. 

However, as hacktivists and criminals become major players in the conflict in Ukraine, we might be able to gain some leverage in the near future. 

It would mean taking a huge step towards chaos but sometimes things need to get worse in order to get better. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/01/russia-cyber-attacks-hacking/

Topic 3:

Yandex, the perfect Russian tech company, falls on hard times.

Yandex is what can be recognized as the "Google of Russia." They own 60% of search in Russia...Plus taxi apps, emails, robot food delivery, and more.

But now, the Kremlin has forced them to filter all of its content and create and distribute pro-government media. This has led to a loss of over 2,500 employees and a devastating blow to the company's reputation.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/06/world/europe/ukraine-russia-yandex-google.html

Sponsor Memo: PC Matic

Endpoint Security built on a zero trust/default deny foundation.

Finally - a light weight, simple to deploy & easy to manage approach to application allowlisting.

The perfect compliment to your current security stack. No minimums and no annual contracts.

Find out more about by visiting PCMatic.com/MSP today.

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

:-)

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.

:-)

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      :-)

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.

:-)

Topic 1:  Update on that Apple Self-Repair Kit for iPhone Screen

The basic program includes two large Pelican cases full of equipment and tools, which you rent for $49/week plus a $1,300 deposit. Then the repair kit is about $10 cheaper than taking your phone to the Apple store for the service.

At this point, the self-repair program appears to meet enough requirements that you can check the box and say there IS a self-repair option. But it is not the simple, elegant “Apple” experience you might have assumed you would have.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/25/technology/personaltech/apple-repair-program-iphone.html

One of many videos you can find:  https://www.macrumors.com/2022/05/04/apple-self-repair-program-hands-on/

Topic 2: “Digital Nomad” Visas Are Becoming Quite Competitive

30 Best Digital NOMAD VISA and Residency Programs for Remote Workers in 2022

https://www.travelinglifestyle.net/countries-offering-digital-nomad-visas-and-residency/

How “Digital Nomad” Visas Can Boost Local Economies

https://hbr.org/2022/05/how-digital-nomad-visas-can-boost-local-economies 

This article includes a great summary graphic.

Topic 3: Techies reject worker surveillance 

About half of tech employees would jump ship rather than have their productivity monitored via audio/video recording, keystroke tracking or similar methods, according to a Morning Consult poll shared exclusively with Axios' Ina Fried.

Why it matters: Employers are experimenting with new, often controversial ways of keeping tabs on an increasingly remote workforce.

By the numbers: More than half of tech workers wouldn't take a new job at a company that surveils its employees, the survey found.

About 3 in 5 tech workers who are currently working either partially or entirely remotely said they have no interest in returning to the office full time.

About 3 in 5 tech workers also said they would be open to using virtual reality for training and professional development.

https://www.axios.com/2022/05/31/tech-workers-quit-employer-recorded-surveillance

Vendor Memo: Field Effect 

When it comes to delivering cyber security services to your clients, there’s a lot to consider – and even more at stake. Firewalls and antivirus don’t provide enough protection anymore and adding more tools to an already complex tech stack is expensive and difficult to manage.

The Field Effect Partner Momentum Program, together with their award-winning security portfolio, solve these issues by making it easier for MSPs to:

-Deliver complete cyber security protection; -Unlock new revenue streams; -Simplify operations; -And stand out from the competition.

Learn more and connect with the Field Effect team today by visiting: fieldeffect.com/MSPRadio

Topic 1:  Shredding the Myth of Anonymity in Bitcoin 

Wired recently published a long, detailed story of how law enforcement agencies around the world collaborated to bring down the largest child abuse sex network in history. One key element in this take-down is the “trick” of turning bitcoin from an anonymous tool into a perfect record of evidence.

This story truly is the modern equivalent of the Al Capone story. Once agents have access to a few crypto wallets, they can then use the public Bitcoin blockchain data to identify every transaction, and every buyer or seller. All of this data is unique, unalterable, and publicly accessible.

A few key points: 

Bitcoin has been used extensively by criminals on the promise that it’s anonymous and untraceable.

Bitcoin exchanges are “permanent, unchangeable, and entirely public” in nature. Once one Bitcoin transaction is connected to a specific legitimate account, an entire web of related transactions can be built.

https://www.wired.com/story/tracers-in-the-dark-welcome-to-video-crypto-anonymity-myth/

Somewhat related story: Man gets life in prison for traveling to Vietnam to sexually abuse children.

https://www.wistv.com/2022/05/16/man-gets-life-prison-traveling-vietnam-sexually-abuse-children-doj-says/

Topic 2: 911 Needs to Move to the Cloud. What's taking so long?

"Modern" 911 systems are actually old, outdated, and far more complex than they would be if you rebuilt the system from the ground up.

But rebuilding all that infrastructure takes time and costs money. Plus, if you get it wrong, people die.

https://www.protocol.com/enterprise/emergency-911-cloud-contact-center

Topic 3: CISA Addresses Self-Attestation for IT Service Security

It would be impossible to have government agencies test and verify everything they are charged with regulating. But, as we saw with Boeing’s 737 Max, there are real consequences for letting companies regulate themselves.

The Computer Information Security Agency just released “guidance” around security services sold to government agencies. Basically, they want companies to declare (and eventually document) their compliance with security frameworks such as CMMC.

Note that the National Institute for Standards and Technology released similar guidance as well, in addition to being the home of CMMC and other standards.

See: https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/05/nists-supply-chain-security-guidance-tells-agencies-look-fedramp-first/366564/ 

Quote from the NIST report: “The external system service providers discussed in this publication include cloud service providers.”

See: https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/SpecialPublications/NIST.SP.800-161r1.pdf 

https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2022/05/federal-ciso-recommendations-acquisition-council-software-procurement/367351/ 

Vendor Memo: Gozynta 

Did you know that the average MSP spends 10 hours manually inputting accounting data each week?

That time is 120 prospect calls, a month’s worth of the Business of Tech, or building an entire lego death star.

Gozynta Mobius can make your life easier through accounting automation.    

Automatic sync of invoices, expenses and inventory from ConnectWise Manage into QuickBooks Online in just a single click of a button.

With onboarding, direct support, and regular feature releases, Gozynta is a family owned company dedicated to making software suck a little less each day. Visit us at gozynta.com

:-)