Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast (Products, stories, and tips for the MSP and IT Professional)

Nick Scozzaro discusses the inception and evolution of ShadowHQ, a platform initially built to address cyber threats but now also used for other scenarios like natural disasters. Drawing from his background in secure communications at BlackBerry, Nick emphasizes the need for a digitized approach to incident response. ShadowHQ offers a comprehensive solution by providing a secure environment for managing crises, collecting evidence, and supporting audits and lawsuits post-incident. The platform's unique feature is its ability to digitize and automate response playbooks, which are adaptable to various industries and scenarios. 

The conversation also touches on the platform's capabilities and future developments. While ShadowHQ does not fully automate processes, it incorporates AI to identify gaps and suggest improvements. Nick highlights the importance of continuous readiness and the platform's compliance and insurance benefits. The episode concludes with a discussion on the proactive role organizations must play in maintaining and updating their incident response plans, and how ShadowHQ's roadmap is shaped by customer feedback. 

Key Takeaways

• ShadowHQ is a comprehensive platform for managing cyber crises, offering secure environments for incident response.
• The platform supports evidence collection and protection, crucial for audits and lawsuits.
• ShadowHQ's digital playbooks are adaptable to various industries and scenarios, enhancing readiness and resilience.
• Continuous readiness and regular updates are essential for effective incident response.
• ShadowHQ's development is driven by customer feedback, with AI features to identify gaps and suggest improvements.

Sponsors and Partners: 

• Thread: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/thread

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv kicks off the episode by introducing Anup Ghosh and ThreatMate, a company focused on improving cybersecurity for IT networks. Anup shares insights into the company's approach to attack surface management, emphasizing the importance of viewing security through an adversarial lens. Unlike traditional vulnerability management tools, ThreatMate identifies "security exposures," which include insecure protocols and default passwords, offering a comprehensive view of potential threats. 

The discussion highlights ThreatMate's capabilities in managing both external and internal network threats. Anup explains how their platform can inventory network devices, conduct continuous security audits, and perform authenticated scans for compliance. The conversation also touches on ThreatMate's integration with ConnectWise PSA and plans for further partnerships. Additionally, Anup introduces their AI-powered vulnerability management platform, which prioritizes significant risks to streamline the workload for managed service providers. The episode concludes with a look at ThreatMate's partnership with SeedPod Cyber, offering discounted ransomware insurance to clients.

Key Takeaways:

• ThreatMate's platform focuses on identifying security exposures beyond traditional vulnerabilities.
• Continuous, lightweight network scans help maintain a strong security posture.
• AI and machine learning are integral to ThreatMate's approach, reducing the burden on service providers.
• Integration with ConnectWise PSA and other platforms enhances ThreatMate's service offerings.
• The partnership with SeedPod Cyber provides clients with access to discounted ransomware insurance.

Sponsors and Partners: 

• Thread: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/thread

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv and Shanna Utgard kick off the episode with a lively exchange, reminiscing about Shanna's journey from nearly falling victim to a ransom attack to becoming a respected figure in cybersecurity. The discussion quickly shifts to a pressing news story involving a dispute between Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Delta Airlines. Delta has accused these tech giants of contributing to a recent IT outage that reportedly cost the airline over $500 million. Both Microsoft and CrowdStrike have denied these claims, suggesting that Delta's own delayed monetization efforts were to blame. Shanna emphasizes the complexities of third-party losses in cybersecurity, highlighting how such disputes often lead to finger-pointing and legal entanglements. 

The episode also explores the unexpected dominance of Zoom as the go-to remote support tool, with Uncle Marv sharing personal anecdotes about his experiences with various vendors. The conversation touches on the shift in support dynamics since the pandemic, leading to Zoom's widespread adoption for technical assistance. The episode wraps up with a humorous nod to Star Trek Picard, showcasing the fun and engaging rapport between Uncle Marv and Shanna. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Shanna Utgard's inspiring transformation into a cybersecurity advocate.
• The ongoing dispute between Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Delta Airlines regarding an IT outage.
• Insights into the challenges of third-party losses in cybersecurity.
• The rise of Zoom as a preferred tool for remote support.
• Lighthearted discussions about technology and pop culture, including Star Trek Picard.

Show Sponsors:

• SuperOps: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/SuperOps
• TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/TruGrid

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Marvin and Chris kick off the discussion by exploring the core functionalities of the MSP Process platform. Chris explains how the platform helps MSPs verify the identity of end-users and technicians, thereby preventing unauthorized access and AI voice phishing attacks. The platform's unique technician verification feature is particularly emphasized as a critical tool to thwart malicious actors. 

The conversation then shifts to the platform's security features, including encrypted communication and data storage on Azure. Chris highlights the platform's integration with major PSA solutions, allowing seamless operation within existing workflows. They also discuss the potential of AI technology in enhancing MSP operations, with Chris sharing insights into ongoing AI projects aimed at improving communication and security. 

Finally, Marvin and Chris touch upon the platform's pricing model, which is based on the number of technicians using the system, and its customizable branding options. They conclude with plans for future events and the anticipation of more vendor interviews and podcasts.

Key Takeaways

• User and Technician Verification: The platform offers unique verification methods to prevent unauthorized access and phishing attacks.
• Secure Data Sharing: Features include encrypted communication and secure data storage on Azure, ensuring the safety of sensitive information.
• AI Integration: Ongoing projects aim to leverage AI for enhanced security and communication within MSP operations.
• Customizable Branding: The platform is fully brandable, allowing MSPs to maintain their identity while using the tool.
• Pricing Model: The platform is priced based on the number of technicians, with a minimum of five licenses required for concurrent use.

=== Sponsors and Partners

This episode is sponsored by Thread

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this engaging episode, Uncle Marv and MacKenzie Brown explore the critical role of threat intelligence in modern cybersecurity. MacKenzie explains the dual nature of her role at Blackpoint Cyber, balancing threat research with enabling their SOC team to respond effectively to cyber threats. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both academic and real-world threat intelligence and how MSPs can leverage this knowledge to protect their clients better. 

MacKenzie introduces the concept of the democratization of threat intelligence, advocating for making threat intelligence more accessible and actionable for MSPs. She highlights the challenges MSPs face, such as limited resources and the need to educate clients on the importance of cybersecurity. The conversation also touches on the necessity of having strong, supportive vendor partnerships that provide actionable intelligence and not just tools. MacKenzie shares her personal experiences and insights from her career, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of IT and cybersecurity. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. Dual Role at Blackpoint Cyber: MacKenzie balances threat research and enabling SOC operations.
2. Democratization of Threat Intelligence: Making threat intelligence accessible and actionable for MSPs.
3. Academic vs. Real-World Threat Intelligence: Understanding the difference and its applicability.
4. Challenges for MSPs: Limited resources and the need for client education.
5. Vendor Partnerships: Importance of having supportive vendors that provide actionable intelligence.
6. Proactive vs. Reactive Security: Shifting focus from reactive to proactive security measures.
7. Importance of Basic Security Practices: Emphasizing fundamental security controls.
8. Cybersecurity Misconceptions: Addressing the misconception that MSPs don't understand security.
9. Cost of Cybersecurity: Discussing the financial challenges and the need for affordable solutions.
10. Future of Cybersecurity: Insights into the evolving landscape and the role of MSPs.

Links:

Florida Mom Accused of Screwing Nail into Daughter's Buttocks: https://tinyurl.com/muh7chhj

Vuori Clothing (MacKenzie's Favorite Leggings): https://vuoriclothing.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Rob Rae, known as the "godfather of the channel," shares insights from his extensive experience in the MSP industry. He discusses the significance of building relationships and fostering community within the IT sector, emphasizing how these factors contribute to long-term business success. Rae reflects on his early experiences with ASCII events and how they shaped his understanding of the MSP community. 

The conversation explores the changing nature of technology consumption, influenced by the pandemic and the preferences of younger generations. Rae highlights the shift towards marketplace models and the importance of adapting to new buying behaviors. He also touches on Pax8's recent and upcoming events, including Beyond 2023 in Denver and the upcoming Beyond Berlin, showcasing the company's growth and international expansion. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Community building is crucial in the MSP industry
• The pandemic and younger generations are driving changes in technology consumption
• Marketplaces are becoming increasingly important in the IT sector
• Face-to-face relationships still hold value in the MSP world
• The lifetime value of contracts through MSPs is significantly higher than direct vendor sales
• The MSP industry is experiencing substantial growth, with predictions of billion-dollar MSPs in the near future
• Balancing professionalism with approachability is important in business interactions
• International expansion is a key focus for major players in the MSP space

Links:

ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.com/

Pax8: https://www.pax8.com/en-us/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

In this episode, Ted and Woody explain the functionality of Uncompromized, which provides identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, and internet privacy for individuals. They detail how the service allows MSPs to invite clients to subscribe easily, offering them immediate monitoring and protection against identity theft. The discussion also touches on the significance of scrubbing personal information from data broker sites, a feature that sets Uncompromized apart from traditional identity protection services. Ted and Woody share insights on the user-friendly nature of the service, its cost-effectiveness, and how it can help MSPs expand their service offerings while enhancing their clients' security posture. 

Key takeaways from the episode include the ease of onboarding for clients, the importance of protecting employees' personal data, and the potential for MSPs to generate revenue through this service. The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the need for MSPs to adapt and provide comprehensive solutions that address the challenges posed by remote work and increased digital threats.

Key Takeaways

• Uncompromized offers identity theft protection, dark web monitoring, and internet privacy for individuals.
• The service is easy to deploy and requires no complex installations.
• MSPs can invite clients to subscribe, providing immediate monitoring and protection.
• The product helps scrub personal information from data broker sites.
• MSPs can earn revenue as employees pay for the service over time.
• Uncompromized is designed to enhance security for remote workers and their families.

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv sits down with Dori Spade, who has over 17 years of experience in the MSP industry, having worked with MSPs ranging from $8 million to over $100 million in value. Dori discusses her transition from managing MSPs to founding Call to Action, a consulting firm that helps MSPs navigate common challenges such as role clarity and scaling. She emphasizes that regardless of the size of the MSP, the foundational principles of customer service and technical support remain constant. 

Dori also highlights the importance of Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) in maintaining strategic oversight of clients, a practice she refined over her career. She shares insights into the common pitfalls MSPs face, including the lack of clear roles and responsibilities and the challenges of scaling. Dori's current focus is on helping MSPs increase their wins in new business sales by breaking down silos between sales and service teams. She concludes by expressing her admiration for the ASCII organization and her plans to engage more deeply with its community.

Key Takeaways

• Dori Spade has extensive experience in the MSP industry, having worked with both small and large MSPs.
• She founded Call to Action to help MSPs overcome common challenges and achieve success.
• Clear roles and responsibilities are crucial for the efficient operation of MSPs.
• Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) are essential for strategic client management.
• Scaling is a challenge for MSPs of all sizes, requiring tailored strategies for growth.
• Bridging the gap between sales and service teams can lead to increased success in new business sales.
• Dori plans to engage more with the ASCII community and attend future events.

Links:

• Call to Action Website: https://calltoactionllc.com/
• ASCII Edge - The MSP Conference: https://events.ascii.com/

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv welcomes Corey Tapper, a new ASCII member and owner of Techevolution, to the IT Business Podcast. Corey shares his experience attending ASCII events over the years before finally becoming a member, citing the emotional impact of seeing Frank Abagnale speak and the valuable networking opportunities. 

Techevolution, Corey's company, has been in business for 25 years. It started as a break-fix operation and transitioned to an MSP model about 8-10 years ago. What sets Tech Evolution apart is their ownership of a data center, allowing them to offer full-service technology solutions to their customers. Corey explains that his journey into data center ownership began with a bet to host email and websites on a dial-up connection. Recognizing the potential for recurring revenue, he gradually built out a server room and eventually a full-fledged data center. This unique approach allowed Techevolution to offer services like shared Exchange hosting before it was widely available. 

The company serves clients primarily in the New England area for MSP services but has hosting customers worldwide. Corey describes their data center setup, emphasizing their $3 million investment in equipment and infrastructure. They also offer co-location services to other MSPs and companies. Corey highlights the benefits of ASCII membership, particularly the peer groups and the supportive community. He values the ability to seek advice from fellow members and the spirit of collaboration, even among competitors. 

Key Takeaways:

• ASCII events provide valuable networking and learning opportunities
• Transitioning from break-fix to MSP model can enhance business stability
• Owning a data center can provide unique service offerings and revenue streams
• Peer support and community are crucial benefits of ASCII membership
• Collaboration among MSPs can lead to mutual growth and success

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.

Uncle Marv begins by interviewing Eric Pinto from SocSoter, who discusses their new reporting platform designed to help MSPs prepare for audits and compliance checks. Pinto emphasizes the importance of providing evidence for services offered to customers, especially in the context of 24/7 coverage. 

Next, the host speaks with Dave Cava, partner at Encore Strategic and co-author of "The Pumpkin Plan for Managed Services." Cava shares insights on helping MSPs understand pricing and customer approach strategies. He mentions positive feedback from his presentation, particularly regarding a case study on a $200,000 MSP. 

The interview with Nick Wolf from Cork reveals a new partnership with DataStream, a cyber insurance broker. This collaboration allows MSPs to receive instant cyber insurance quotes through the Cork dashboard. Wolf also mentions Cork's participation in upcoming ASCII events and their first presentation at the current event. 

Joel Zaidspiner of Channel Pro discusses the publication's role in supporting MSPs and their upcoming events. He highlights the Channel Pro Defend event focusing on cybersecurity, scheduled for August 7th and 8th in New Jersey. Zaidspiner also outlines future events in Charlotte, Dallas, and Los Angeles, each with specific themes such as AI and cybersecurity.

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.