Candid conversations with industry veterans, compliance experts, and MSP leaders.
Hosted by Charles Weaver
Pitch yourself as a guest on the MSP Zone — we're always looking for MSP leaders and experts with a point of view worth sharing.
There are many mistakes you should avoid when selecting your MSP. To be honest, the most critical mistakes will differ depending on who you are, your organizational needs, the type of MSP you are talking to, and a few other factors. Nevertheless, there are some fundamentals we can generally apply whenever you are discussing the engagement of an MSP. I came across an article the other day (author unknown) and the title was "5 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Managed IT Services". It's a short article
When you are exposed to anything long enough, you will become familiar with that thing. In this case, I'm talking about selling managed services. To say that managed services sales and marketing has been a sticking point for many MSPs globally, would be an understatement. Highlights: Know your customers Sell Through Education Have Defined Products/Services (i.e., Service Catalog) Document the Sales Process Scale Rinse/Repeat
Is inflation having an impact on the MSP market? As undeniable evidence of inflation is being felt, at least in the United States, it was only a matter of time before someone asked the question: is inflation having an impact on MSPs? Highlights: Inflation evidence in the general market Inflationary impact on MSPs; how would it manifest itself? Should MSPs raise prices? Do MSPs need to raise prices? Please fill out this survey for MSPAlliance:
Data processing is an important element of any managed services agreement. The handling of data belonging to clients has never been more critical to the relationship between customer and MSP. Data processing is no longer just a service delivery issue, it is now a contractual one as well. Join the discussion as MSP Zone explores the various ways in which data processing occurs within a managed services relationship, how you can protect your MSP practice from risk associated with data proce
Not a month goes by without some analyst firm or consulting agency producing a managed services spending report. You would think, with all these reports forecasting future managed services spending and growth, that there would be an abundance of data for MSPs and consumers. You would be wrong. The existence of these "managed services analyst reports" provide little to no value whatsoever to the average MSP, much less to consumers of managed services. Highlights: Historical review of analyst cove
MSPs spend a lot of time "in the channel", that is to say, learning from and interacting with both other providers and technology vendors. Yes, MSPs also spend a great deal of time with their clients. But, what I'm talking about today is how non-managed services entities and individuals view the MSP profession. As with many things "managed services related", there are a lot of misconceptions about MSPs and what they do. It seems we can add cybersecurity "experts" to that list. High
In a follow up to our episode titled "Who are Hackers Really Targeting?", we have further evidence that it is not MSPs who are vulnerable to attack, but instead, the non-MSP organization has a higher likelihood of being successfully breached in a cyberattack compared to an MSP. This is not to say MSPs do not get targeted or breached. This does mean, however, that successful cyberattacks are more likely to occur in a non-MSP organization than a fully matured managed services entity. Highlights: R
MSPs have agreements with everyone; customers, vendors, partners. The managed services agreement with customers, perhaps, is the most important. Regardless of the type of MSP you are, the types of services, or your customers, the contracts you use will likely be negotiated. Warranties and indemnification clauses are common boilerplate in modern managed services agreements. But, not all such clauses ought to be accepted without review and consideration. Highlights: What are limitation o
Fact: Ransomware "gangs" are actively trying to attack organizations of all sizes. The attacks have had some success and will likely continue for the foreseeable future. But, are the attack vectors really targeting MSPs, or is there another target that exists? Highlights: Who are the real targets of these ransomware attacks? Why are these tactics being used? Can anything be done to stop them? Is the MSP the real attack vector? MSP Zone Reading Material Solarwinds hackers targeting global IT supp
Pandemic related supply chain disruptions are happening on a global basis. Since the beginning of the pandemic, everyday items have become subject to distribution disruption. These supply chain disruptions are also having an impact on value added resellers. Could supply chain problems signal a business shift for VARs towards managed services? Highlights: VAR supply chain disruption Impact on VAR business model Impact on managed services MSP Zone Reading Material: The Value Of VARs Is Diminishing
It seems there is never a shortage of M&A related chatter within the IT channel and we appear to be in the middle of one such rumor mill once again. In fairness, this may be part rumor and part misconception (probably more the latter). Is there an M&A consolidation frenzy taking place in the MSP profession? We will examine that question. MSP Zone Show Notes: Private equity is ready to take MSP consolidation to the next level | TechCrunch
MSPs have agreements with everyone; customers, vendors, partners. The managed services agreement with customers, perhaps, is the most important. Regardless of the type of MSP you are, the types of services, or your customers, the contracts you use will likely be negotiated. The terms you negotiate with customers matter, and sometimes there are ways you can arrive at terms which are mutual beneficial to both MSP and customer. Highlights: Term & Renewal Termination Termination for Co
Too often we think only of technology as that which will save us from cyber security threats. Yet, there is an even more powerful resource in the fight against cybercrime…people. The human element is where the majority of email borne attacks are being focused. Are we doing enough to help those users fight what is aimed at them? Highlights: Cybersecurity attacks have become more prevalent and more sophisticated, and organizations of all sizes and industries are being targeted. Phishing ema
A few episodes ago we discussed the challenges cyber insurance carriers are having identifying and categorizing risk. This has been evidenced in difficulties MSPs (and their customers) have been experiencing in obtaining and renewing cyber coverage. A recent article in Crain's lends further evidence of this issue. But, is it a lack of cybersecurity standard we face, or is it lack of enforcement and adoption of a standard? Highlights: Current Cyber Standards MSP vs End-User Standards Enfor
Insurance is one of those topics often misunderstood by many, and yet has an undeniable impact on many industries. The common belief is that MSPs have been the more risky bets for cyber insurance carriers but that may not be true. In fact, the problem of cyber insurance coverage, best practices, and underwriting, may be far more serious that we realize. Highlights: What is the cyber insurance problem we face? Which industries are impacted? Are MSPs the cause or the solution? MSP Zone Reading Mat
MSPs looking to acquire other MSPs are everywhere. MSP buyers have always existed and will always exist. Having seen what works and what doesn't, I thought it would be helpful to discuss a few commonly employed buyer tactics I believe a) don't work, and b) actually may work contrary to your organization's best interests. Highlights: What are MSP buyers looking for? Buyer outreach tactics currently used Randomized outreach No personalization Commodity approach to M&A Advice for how to reach M
The Information Technology industry has long suffered from nearly constant changing of names and the introduction of new names to replace old ones. Whether this is a successful rebranding technique developed by analyst and marketing firms, I'll leave that for another time. What is clear to me, however, is that repeatedly changing terms and definitions can have a detrimental effect on a profession. Is Cybersecurity as a Service a new gimmick, or merely an old service being wrapped in new packagin
It has been several years since GDPR went into effect and it has had an impact on MSPs and clients alike. Today, many more laws are being and have been enacted that aim to copy what GDPR has accomplished, in large part, to combat the rise in ransomware attacks. Highlights: Impact of GDPR on MSPs Differences between GDPR and MSP supply chain vendor policies Which approach protects the MSP and the client most? MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
It was going to happen eventually after the UK left the European Union. The UK is deliberating on whether GDPR will remain as a central theme in data privacy and security for UK citizens. This decision asks the larger question of what could replace GDPR as a privacy and security framework for the country. Highlights: What does it mean if the UK does abandon the principles of GDPR? What would the UK use instead? Suggestions for the UK policy makers UK To Consult On Weakening Data Protection Laws
For 25 years MSPs have been attempting to communicate why they are necessary to their clients. For existing managed services customers, this value makes sense since they already know what they are receiving. However, in the age of cybersecurity threats and ransomware, the value of the MSP (or MSSP) should be even more simple and powerful to identify. If this is the case, why do articles like this exist? Highlights: Outsourcing vs Managed Services, Again MSP vs MSSP Failing to Address Internal Cl
Ransomware is a problem for everyone. MSPs fight every day to keep their clients safe from ransomware , and yet, we must plan for the worst case scenario. MSPs need to address ransomware with their clients, and one of the best places to do this is through the managed services agreement. This episode will help MSPs understand the best practices for including ransomware clauses within their agreements, as well as how to do this fairly so it protects both the client and the MSP. Highlights: What me
CISA published their advisory bulletin addressing risk considerations for organizations thinking about using managed service providers. This is a great advisory, but it has some areas of potential misinterpretation in it, chiefly because CISA has departed from a security group and expanded into territory in which it has little experience. Highlights: What if organizations stopped using MSPs? Yes, all customers ought to be responsible and consider risks of outsourcing. But, risks of not managing
It is a question we used to get often during the early days of managed services. Particularly, when organizations did not fully understand the requirements of owning IT infrastructure. To be sure, cyber threats, the complexities of managing IT, and the overall reliance on IT for business operations was must different back then compared to today. Today, however, it may seem odd to ask the question "do we need managed services?" Perhaps a different question would be more appropriate "can you survi
There has been a lot of discussion concerning the MSP regulation our profession should have. Standards for MSPs, cyber practices to reduce the number of cyberattacks, etc. Instead, I’d like to turn the conversation into the type of legislation MSPs actually need. There are laws that would make the job of the MSP (and the benefits they provide to clients), more accessible. Those are the laws that should be enacted, not laws that make being an MSP more difficult. Highlights Pass laws that make bei
How should your managed services catalog change, if at all, when delivering your offerings in the cloud? How can you use your updated services catalog to improve your sales and service delivery process, along with reduce your overall MSP risk? Highlights What is a service catalog? Does the catalog change with cloud service offerings? How does the service catalog interact with the service agreement? MSP Zone Special Guest: Rob Scott
Every MSP needs to have an important conversation with their clients about cyberattacks and ransomware . These conversations don't have to be difficult, but they have to happen. Here are my thoughts about how you should approach this discussion and how you can use it to change the relationship you have with your customers. Who knows, they may even thank you for it. Highlights: There is no right time to have it, just make it happen Don't avoid the news Talk about your expectations for their cyber
In the aftermath of recent ransomware attacks on software companies used by MSPs, the question of how do we respond as a community is, and should, be asked. Some believe that more legislation is the answer. Maybe they are right. But, it would be a grave mistake for any legislation directly involving MSPs to be undertaken without first understanding what measures already exist to protect MSP and clients alike. MSPs are responding to the ransomware epidemic. Here's how. Highlights: MSP Verify Lead
"Secretive" cloud providers have a problem. So do the MSPs who use these cloud providers. Fixing the issue of cloud computing secrecy and lack of transparency is important to the non-IT world and we must address it now. Highlights: Cloud vs MSP Transparency SaaS & Vendor Transparency Applying Existing Standards Bank of England to crack down on 'secretive' cloud computing services | Reuters
In this episode, we explore the key differences between internal IT departments and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Understanding these distinctions can significantly enhance the way both entities interact and collaborate. Highlights: Diverse Set of Users, Ecosystems, and Threats : MSPs are exposed to a broader range of users, ecosystems, and threats compared to internal IT departments. This diversity equips MSPs with a wealth of knowledge and experience, making them more adept at ha
What's an MSP? What is an MSSP ? What is a SOCaaS? These terms are common throughout the managed services community but often have overlap and can cause confusion. We will explore these terms and examine how they often present themselves in everyday business scenarios. Highlights: Defining MSP, MSSP, and SOC (including SOCaaS) Business characteristics of each Common overlaps
To all of you bloggers out there with aspirations of becoming an "expert" in managed services and providing MSPs with advice on how to respond to the Kaseya ransomware attack, this podcast is for you!
An interview with Rob Scott about the legal, political, and business impact of the Kaseya ransomware attack. Highlights: Breach requirements for MSPs Role of insurance The sequence of steps taken by MSPs post-breach Dealing with vendor contract limitations Is this a gross negligence situation? MSP Zone guest: Rob Scott
My random thoughts on the Kaseya breach and how the managed services profession will ultimately respond. Highlights: Don't Panic! How will this impact the managed services profession? MSPs Customers Vendors Legislators There will be an industry response This event will change the nature of how we look at the roles and responsibilities within the managed services profession. It will also influence change in how we contract and insure the several parties within the managed services ecosystem
MSPs face many realities when it comes to the management of customer IT environments. Shadow IT is a reality amongst many corporate organizations and very little is known about it or how pervasive it really is. But, there are steps MSPs can take to bring shadow IT under control and manage it more effectively, on behalf of their managed services customers. Highlights: The biggest problems caused by Shadow IT Securing your client’s environment when the perimeter no longer exists SaaS management op
Louisiana may have been the first State to pass an MSP law, but it certainly won't be the last. Four other states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New York, and Texas, all have bills that deal with ransomware payments, and even some specifically mentioning MSPs. Highlights: NY Law - NY State Senate Bill S6806A (nysenate.gov) NC Law - House Bill 813 (2021-2022 Session) - North Carolina General Assembly (ncleg.gov) TX Law - TX HB3892 | 2021-2022 | 87th Legislature | LegiScan PA Law - Bill
Whether they are called SLAs or service guarantees, the concept of outcome-based terms within a contract is not new for MSPs. Whether MSPs should still continue to use guarantees within their service agreements today, that is a different question. Highlights: What are SLAs ? Defining outcome-based agreements Historical origins of SLAs Should MSPs today use SLAs? MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Will cybersecurity resellers have an impact on managed service providers? Like the value-added resellers of yesterday, these upgraded VARs are making a splash by capitalizing on cybersecurity. But, what is it they are really offering? Are they delivering any services themselves? Highlights: Traditional VARs vs. Cybersecurity Resellers Are these cybersecurity resellers offering any managed services? What can MSPs do to differentiate themselves?
Besides the obvious answers to this question, such as profit margin, ability to scale, efficiency, and higher customer satisfaction, one of the biggest differentiators between MSPs ( proactive ) and reactive or break/fix providers, is their view of data privacy and security. Summary Data breach requirements Monitoring & Management Cybersecurity controls
Pricing your managed services offerings has been a longstanding debate within the MSP community. When certain types of customers present more lucrative targeting from cybercriminals, perhaps it is time to revisit pricing techniques for MSPs and their more high-profile clients. Summary: Risk-Based Pricing Review MSP internal risk assessments ; should they involve clients? Insurance , best practices, and legal agreements all impact your pricing and risk
There are many reasons why you should have a managed services portfolio. Some call it a service catalog, others a service offering. Whatever you call it, the importance of having it within our managed services practice is crucial and can have many long-term impacts throughout your business. Summary: Why is a service catalog important? Managed Services are not consulting services Precise service offerings are easier to communicate in a service agreement MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Documentation has many benefits within a managed services practice. But, it also can be incredibly important for compliance. Here are some best practices MSPs of all sizes can adopt and implement. Summary: Why is documentation important for MSPs? Process improvement Remove silos of information Easily onboard users Enforcement of MSP practices and policies Documentation Requirements Impacting Compliance MSP Verify SOC 2 ISO 27001 NIST CMMC GDPR
The decision to change from a break/fix or reactive IT company into a proactive or managed services company is not an easy one, nor should it be undertaken lightly. Being an MSP is a commitment to your clients, and doing things in a very different way. Here are some considerations to help you in your decision-making process. Summary: Why do you want to be an MSP? Do clients have anything to do with this change? Do you understand what is required of you? It's more than just buying the r
Insurance for your MSP practice has never been more important. What types of MSP insurance should you get? What insurance will protect you versus your client? Highlights: What is general liability insurance? Does a remote worker MSP need general liability? What is professional liability insurance? What is E&O or errors and omissions? What is cyber liability insurance? Relationship between insurance and service agreements MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott
Is there a race to the bottom within the managed services profession? Commodity pressures, competition, these elements have always been with us but they do not mean that we are throwing away our services at rock bottom prices because the race to the bottom is inevitable. Show notes:
Many MSPs are so tightly fused with their clients' business and technology needs that it can difficult to separate the two. This is understandable given the high level of trust clients place in their MSPs. But, there is a difference between relying on your MSP to assist you with your compliance needs and transferring your compliance obligations to your MSP. Summary: MSP vs Client Compliance Some things you can't transfer Consulting vs involvement
Much has been made of the "single pane of glass" functionality of the major MSP platform companies. A single place from which the MSP can perform much of their work. And yet, as MSPs continue to have more options when it comes to MSP tools, is the single pane of glass concept ending? Highlights: Big Vendors Have More Risk of "non-performance" from their security tools MSPs are Starting to Hold MSP Platforms Accountable for their Security Performance MSPs are taking a more "best of breed" approac
MSPs often outsource SOC, SIEM, and other security-related services to their vendors, including some of the larger MSP platform companies. But, what happens when those vendors miss something? Does the MSP have any liability to the client? What can the MSP do to protect themselves? Highlights: Do MSPs need security SLAs from their vendors? What do MSP platform company contracts say? Public Policy issues with limitation of liability clausesMSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott LLP
Most of our attention has been on the big 4 MSP platforms . But, are we ignoring the growing army of MSP RMM, ticketing, and point solution tools being developed on a regular basis? The big 4 might want to pay attention to this. Highlights: Status update on big 4 MSP platforms MSP grumblings on the big 4 Cloud-based MSP platform companies are on the rise Show Notes:
MSPs don't get a lot of attention, don't have many articles written about them, and yet perform a critical role in our global economy that cannot be overlooked. It's time we pay attention to the small MSP! Highlights: A world without small MSPs Small MSP clients have no IT departments Support your small MSP and you support cybersecurity
For 21 years, I've been anticipating a day when MSPs are recognized as the indispensable guardians of data privacy and security that they are. With that recognition comes responsibility, and responsibility will continue to arrive in the form of government regulation of MSPs in a particular way. Highlights: MSP regulation will be indirect Not all MSP regulation will say "MSP" in it MSPs (as proxies for their clients) will be impacted by regulation, but also benefit from it MSP regulation will acc
Can a managed services customer impact your ability to be compliant ? An interesting question, and one that is on the minds of many MSPs. The question can be expanded also to include whether clients can add risk to the MSP. Highlights: Compliance relationship between MSP and client Risk relationship between MSP and client Downstream risk mitigation and compliance
Cyber insurance claims are becoming a part of everyday life, both for MSPs and customers. There are, however, some best practices you can adopt to make your managed services practice a little easier when it comes to understanding cybersecurity insurance policies, how they work, and what do to when you may have a claim. Highlights: Attorney/MSP privilege in forensic investigations Timely filing of insurance claims Understanding what happened and who is responsible What should the MSP do when the
Virtual desktops are not a new concept for MSPs, but it may be time to revisit this technology as a model for managing current challenges. Highlights: Security issues around BYOD Enabling business continuity now and in the future Enabling mobility for the new hybrid workforce Ease and speed of deployment (vs common solutions in this space) MSP Zone Special Guest: Dennis Colar, Parallels
The DOJ is stepping up its fight against ransomware . How will this impact your MSP practice? Highlights: More emphasis on combating ransomware inevitably will involve whether payments are made MSPs will be policy advocates (on behalf of the DOJ) in helping clients stop making ransomware payments Prepare your clients to change their behavior! Program Notes:
MSPs are at risk of losing their cyber liability insurance coverage. Insurance companies want greater assurance from MSPs are starting to demand more accountability and transparency from MSPs receiving cyber liability coverage. Key Points: MSPs need to prove what they are doing, not just claim they do it What are cyber insurance carriers really looking for from MSPs? How to lower your cyber rates for your MSP practice
MSPs are going through interesting times, particularly when it comes to their relationship with vendors . If you are an MSP (new or old) and need some advice on how to negotiate with your vendors, you've come to the right place. Highlights: Can you negotiate a fair and equitable risk term with your vendor? Some vendors don’t understand the MSP market . Could this impact their understanding of risk allocation? Reseller risk vs MSP risk What options does your client have for recourse to the vendor
Do we put too much trust in MSPs? Where else will you put your trust? These are important questions to ask, but the answers must be arrived at deliberately and with accurate information. Episode Highlights: Is there a disconnect between MSP and client cybersecurity preparedness? What can MSPs do to help clients improve their cybersecurity posture? Are clients outpacing their MSPs when it comes to security? Show Notes:
In the wake of recent US Federal government data breaches , there is a rumor of an executive order that could have a huge impact on the MSP sector. We will examine what these new proposed rules could mean for your MSP practice in today's MSP Zone. Program Highlights: Status of global data breach notification requirements Executive orders vs legislative action Impact of an executive order on MSPs with US Federal clients Show Notes:
Private labeling (or white labeling) solutions as an MSP is not a new concept. It has been in practice for many years. And yet, with all the changes in privacy and security disclosures in recent years, it begs the question of whether white labeling is still something MSPs ought to do. Program Highlights: Is white labeling still relevant today? Ability to disclaim white labeled products/services How to fully disclose the use of third-party solutions? MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott,
What are the key areas of security focus for remote workers ? We will discuss 4 key attack vectors MSPs should be considering when developing a managed security offering. What's at Stake? Ransomware attacks, such as phishing and malware have surged by 148% since the start of COVID-19 . Cybercrime reports in the FBI’s Crime Complaint Center, (IC3), have quadrupled. Cyber Defense Magazine reports that 43% of cyberattacks are targeted at small businesses. Episode Highlights: Home/Public WIFI BYOD /
More companies are entering the Cybersecurity insurance business and realizing how important MSPs are to that model. What does this mean for MSPs? We’ll discuss on today’s MSPZone. Episode Highlights: Cybersecurity carriers have taken some hits in the last few years Traditional carriers do not have a good understanding of their risk exposure, especially when it comes to MSPs. Why? New brokers and underwriters are entering the market. Obviously, they see an opportunity! MSP Verify is leading the
Is the professional managed services market contracting? We will address this question on today’s MSP Zone. Episode Highlights: There is no consolidation in the MSP market. But, there is incredible pressure to sell. Companies (many of them MSPs) have growth pressure and see M&A as a solution Contraction is happening, but not with MSPs
SolarWinds MSP changes name to N-able. What does this mean for the MSP community? We’ll discuss on today’s MSP Zone. Episode Highlights: History of N-able Reasons for leaving the SolarWinds MSP brand What's next for the N-able community? Show Notes: www.n-able.com
If you are an MSP in the European Union you are probably familiar with the term DPO, or data protection officer. DPOs are required under GDPR and are responsible for the protection of consumer data while in the custody of the company. Episode Highlights: Should MSPs start creating DPO roles? When is the right time to hire a DPO? What are the responsibilities of a DPO? Show Notes:
Cybersecurity has become a big business. And, it's getting bigger every day. Much has been made about the transition from MSP to MSSP, and cybersecurity consulting firms are cashing in on this business shift. Here are some random thoughts about cybersecurity consulting firms, what value they really are providing, and how MSPs ought to be viewing them in order to deliver the best possible managed services offerings to their customers.
Recent cyberattacks involving vendor technologies could be creating more risk for managed services customers. Are these attacks setting clients on a collision course with technology vendors (not MSPs)? We will discuss on today's MSP Zone. MSPs need to disclaim liability (in their customer contracts ) for downstream vendors All systems are vulnerable. MSPs can’t indemnify them against all risks Make customers deal directly with vendors, allowing MSP to avoid taking on risk from the vendor SPLA vs
Chip manufacturer Intel has been serving the IT channel for decades. Today, Intel is heading in a new direction and it could have significant implications for the MSP and their customers. Episode Highlights Post-Pandemic Work Environment What are the best tools for communication & collaboration? What is Intel Unite? Role of the MSP in managing these tools MSP Zone Guest: Brian Cockrell, Intel
MSPs are facing increased pressure by some vendors who are requiring minimum recurring revenue levels in order to add new services, such as security . What will this mean for your MSP practice? Will this mean the end of pay-as-you-go contracts ? We will discuss on today’s episode. Episode Highlights Is pay as you go dead? How will this impact growing MSP practices? Where is this new shift coming from? Will this encourage new competition in the MSP platform space? Will MSPs need to go back to ann
MSPs serving the healthcare sector have played a unique and important role in the last year. Frontline medical staff have helped lead the charge against a global pandemic . What challenges have MSPs serving this sector experienced? How have they overcome those challenges? We talk with an MSP who shares their stories around managing IT for healthcare clients and what it takes to be successful in that vertical market. Episode Highlights: What are the threats that healthcare systems have been facin
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) often embark on maturity journeys, evolving from highly manual and reactive operations to achieving greater efficiency, automation , and profitability. This progression is mirrored in their approach to compliance. Regardless of their current stage, MSPs need a well-defined path towards compliance. If you're unsure of your position, consider yourself at the beginning. Let's initiate your compliance journey. Episode Highlights: What are your compliance needs? : Und
MSP platform company Kaseya , just announced that it has acquired RocketCyber, an MSP that provides Security Operations Center (SOC) services to MSPs. Episode Highlights: Deal Analysis What does this mean for MSPs? Channel Implications?
People used to ask (they still do) what is an MSP. Typically, they'd follow up with another question, how do you define managed services ? These questions are still relevant today but for slightly different reasons. For the compliance professional, how we define managed services can make a big difference. Episode Highlights: Defining MSPs Defining Managed Services How compliance professionals view these 2 questions and why you may need to update your working definitions of both questions This Ep
What obligations do MSPs have when they learn of a data breach within one of their supply chain vendors? Does such a breach automatically mean the MSP needs to issue a notification? Perhaps not. This episode will discuss this topic and provide MSPs with some valuable analysis and helpful insights. Episode Highlights: First Steps - were you really breached? Communications to clients MSP legal steps Insurance implications for the MSP’s vendors Statutory requirements MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scot
What was the sunburst attack and how can MSPs protect themselves against in the future? That’s what we’ll be discussing in today’s episode. Episode Highlights: What is sunburst? Can it be protected against? Would a SIEM guard against this? What is machine learning in a Cybersecurity system? MSP Zone Guest: Brian Stoner, Stellar Cyber
It's easy to think of MSPs only as providers of an IT service, but what about IT controls ? Should MSPs help their clients in creating and implementing IT controls as part of a managed services relationship? The short answer is yes, probably. Episode Highlights: Missing IT controls Security Client outsources management of controls but maintains ownership MSP internal controls
2021 looks like it will be a lot better than 2020, especially when it comes to IT spending . But, if you are an MSP and want to safeguard your practice against future risks, there are some things you should consider as you begin implementing your 2021 business plan. Episode Highlights: IT spending projections for 2021 Guidance for VARs and MSPs Project revenue advice
Can you save money by moving to the public cloud ? Of course, you can. Well, maybe. The answer really depends. What started as a response to the 2009 global financial crisis should not be generally applied to all scenarios where on-premise infrastructure is placed into the public cloud. There are always exceptions and best practices. Program Highlights: How to approach your cloud strategy? Is the cloud right for everyone? Why do some companies fail in their cloud experiences? How do MSPs help th
Does the MSP business model you are operating under still make sense? Is it still relevant to your clients? Today's program covers some of the more pressing MSP business plan changes you may want to consider to remain relevant and vital in 2021. Program Highlights: When have you last reviewed your MSP business model? MSPs are still relevant. Don’t become irrelevant because of your outdated business model MSPs as educators, not just technicians Security awareness platforms Compliance training MSP
2020 is in the past. But, work from home may be a permanent change left from the global pandemic. How will work from home continue to evolve into 2021 and how should MSPs approach this change? Program Highlights: What’s next for Work from Home? WFH security risks are not a reason to change future plans Hybrid WFH/office environments Security awareness training is necessary for improved managed services satisfaction MSPs must become educators to their clients MSP Zone Guest: Nick Emanuel - Webroo
Bad people know the generally applied practices for IT management. As such, managed services delivery procedures should be consistently reviewed. These best practices can help your MSP practice become more secure and transfer that security to your clients. Program Highlights: RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) Scripting Macros Onboarding Shane Cooper, Webroot , an OpenText company
What is DoH? DNS over HTTPS is here. This episode of MSP Zone will discuss DoH, the threats it is attempting to solve, and how MSPs can use it in their managed services offerings. Program Highlights: What is DoH? When will this change happen? What are the advantages? What is there to worry about? What do my clients need to know? How does DNS Protection work with DoH? MSP Zone Guest: Jonathan Barnett, Product Manager, Webroot , an OpenText Company
Patching isn’t just a process every MSP should be doing. Patching is an essential component to keeping client systems safe and secure, and operational. Program Highlights: Why do we patch? How do MSPs patch without breaking things? Patching by schedule, vs impromptu patching Patching in the cloud vs on-premise. For example, many MSP monitoring/management tools are patched automatically. Will patching ever go away? Shane Cooper, Webroot , an OpenText company.
What is ZTNA? As MSPs face increasing challenges in protecting their clients against global cyber threats , new ways of defense are needed. Could Zero Trust Network Architecture be an effective new tool for MSPs? We will discuss. Program Highlights Applicability to public and private clouds How is it to manage? Best Practices for MSPs MSP Zone Guest: Robert Krug, AVAST
The supply chain in managed services involves numerous technology relationships with external parties . This is a normal practice. There are, however, some easy and necessary steps every MSP ought to take when reviewing their supply chain partners and making decisions that ultimately affect risk and profitability. Episode Highlights: How do MSPs approach securing their supply chain? Supply chains are part of many professions MSPs work at the “direction” of the client What can MSPs (and their cli
Managing any object (as a managed service) requires skill. But, beyond mere expertise, there are several critical characteristics that can really make your private cloud managed services offering take off in 2021. Here are 4 fundamental process changes your MSP practice can implement in 2021 to improve your private cloud offering. Automating the back-office workflow Offering a self-service portal that can be accessed by both end-customers and the internal help desk Automating service fulfillment