Identity management solutions, such as those provided by SailPoint and IDM Works, are essential for organizations to address access timeliness and removal issues effectively. In a podcast episode, Paul Bedi, the CEO of IDMWorks, discussed common organizational pain points, including managing numerous usernames and passwords, delays in access provisioning, and difficulties in adding or removing employee access. These challenges can result in compliance and security risks, especially when access i...
Jun 09, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1326
In this episode of the Business of Tech Lounge, host Dave Sobel delves into the world of cybersecurity, questioning the effectiveness of the industry's focus on selling expensive solutions over practical ones. He highlights the growing global spending on security and risk management, projected to reach $215 billion, and discusses the need for cybersecurity measures in the face of rising cyber threats and attacks. Sobel engages in a conversation with Paul Bedi and Dave Schwartz about tying securi...
Jun 08, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1334
In the podcast episode, Dave Sobel discusses the current state of AI adoption among managed services providers (MSPs). According to Barracuda's global MSP report, MSPs are feeling the pressure to enhance their knowledge and application of AI products and services to meet customer demands. The report also highlights the increasing focus on security-related services, with MSPs anticipating a rise in revenue from recurring managed services in 2024. The episode delves into the impact of AI on the la...
Jun 07, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1335
On this episode of the podcast, Dave Sobel discusses three key topics. Firstly, he highlights a study by Amazon Web Services that shows small businesses who are highly data-driven tend to outperform their peers financially and operationally. The report reveals that these data-driven companies have a more mature data strategy and are more likely to adopt AI technologies, leading to significant improvements in various business outcomes. Moving on, Sobel addresses the challenges faced by managed se...
Jun 06, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1333
In the podcast episode, Dave Sobel discusses the latest developments in AI and automation within the tech industry. ConnectWise has launched ConnectWise Security 360, an AI-powered cybersecurity solution that helps managed services providers consolidate security data from various tools to enhance threat detection and streamline response efforts. Additionally, ConnectWise has introduced Sidekick for Security, an AI-powered digital assistant that assists MSP owners and technicians in improving cyb...
Jun 05, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1332
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has taken steps to accelerate the processing of software and hardware vulnerabilities in the National Vulnerability Database by awarding a new contract to an outside vendor. This move aims to clear the backlog of unanalyzed vulnerabilities by the end of the fiscal year, demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity. However, amidst this positive development, the closure of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) poses a threat to internet...
Jun 04, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1331
In the podcast episode, Dave Sobel discusses three key topics: consumer behavior and inflation trends, US and Eurozone inflation data, and corporate pricing pressures. He highlights the slight deceleration in US inflation in April but notes that core inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's target. In the Eurozone, inflation unexpectedly rose in May, posing a dilemma for the European Central Bank. The trend of companies struggling to raise prices without affecting demand is evident, with co...
Jun 03, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1330
Employers have a variety of ways to engage with colleges and universities to find student talent, as discussed in the podcast episode. One traditional method is through career fairs, where employers can interact with students and showcase their opportunities. Information sessions provide a platform for employers to talk about their organization, available positions, and how students can apply. Mock interviews and resume critiques offer valuable hands-on experience for students, helping them prep...
Jun 02, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1308
Google recently issued an apology for inaccuracies in their AI overviews, attributing the errors to data voids and people asking unusual questions. This apology came after the company faced criticism for the rollout of AI overviews, which has been a PR blunder for Google as it competes against other AI search startups like OpenAI. Google is taking steps to address the issue by limiting AI overviews for nonsensical queries and satire. This move indicates Google's commitment to improving the accur...
May 31, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1329
Cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for sophisticated attacks and fraud, as discussed in the podcast episode. One notable application of AI by cybercriminals is in phishing attacks, where generative AI tools like ChatGPT are being integrated into spam-generating services. This enables cybercriminals to craft more convincing and personalized phishing emails, heightening the success rate of their attacks. Moreover, AI is being harnessed in deepfake audio scams, a...
May 30, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1325
According to the Q1 2024 Channel Futures Market Outlook Survey, 90% of partners are optimistic about growth in 2024, indicating a positive outlook for the channel economy. Managed service providers (MSPs) are particularly optimistic, with 79% of respondents believing that the channel economy is good or excellent, contrasting with the overall US economy where only 44% share a positive view. The survey also shows that most MSPs reported slight increases in total revenue, recurring revenue, and pro...
May 29, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1324
Responsible exploit disclosure is crucial for safeguarding organizations from potential threats. In a podcast episode, MacKenzie Brown, the Vice President of Security at Blackpoint Cyber, emphasized the importance of controlled research practices and responsible disclosure of exploits. She highlighted the negative impact of rapid exploit disclosure, stating that it can do more harm than good. Brown pointed out that the cybersecurity landscape is inundated with marketing, tooling, and technology,...
May 28, 2024•21 min•Ep. 1317
In his commencement address for the Computer Science Department at the College of William & Mary, Dave Sobel, a proud graduate of thedepartment, shares his personal journey and insights with the class of 2024. He reflects on the importance of advocating for oneself, investing in relationships, and embracing change in order to navigate through successes and failures. Dave discusses his experiences from his time at college, where he learned the value of self-advocacy and building deep relationship...
May 27, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1321
In this podcast episode, Michael George, the CEO of Syncro, discusses the evolving landscape of the MSP market. He emphasizes the importance of automation and AI in addressing the skills gap prevalent in the industry. George notes that the digital transformation of first-world economies has become increasingly complex, with a shift towards cloud-based applications and a distributed workforce. This complexity poses a challenge for MSPs responsible for managing and supporting these intricate digit...
May 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1309
Consolidation in the cybersecurity industry is a significant trend currently taking place, as highlighted in the podcast episode. The slowdown in cybersecurity investment is leading to the consolidation of vendors in the market, indicating an oversaturation of products and solutions in the cybersecurity space. The transcript mentions that investors are recognizing the abundance of products and solutions available and engaging in consolidation activities in response. The episode emphasizes the im...
May 25, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1322
The European Union's approval of landmark AI regulations marks a significant milestone in the governance of artificial intelligence. These regulations represent the first comprehensive framework for AI governance, aiming to make AI more human-centric and placing restrictions on high-risk AI systems. The regulations include measures such as banning certain AI applications and requiring labels for others. The AI Act is expected to become law in May, with full regulations in effect by mid-2026. Vio...
May 24, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1323
Microsoft's Build event showcased several key announcements, including the introduction of AI-powered CoPilot Plus PCs, enhanced security measures, and new AI tools. The CoPilot Plus PCs featured AI-powered ARM-based Snapdragon X Elite and Plus processors, offering advanced capabilities for automation, collaboration, and productivity. These devices were designed to streamline IT tasks, boost collaboration, and enhance overall productivity for users. In terms of security, Microsoft unveiled a maj...
May 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 1320
The Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recently adopted changes to Regulation S-P, which now requires financial institutions to disclose security breaches within 30 days of learning about them. These amendments also expand safeguards and disposal rules, mandate written compliance records, and extend the rules to transfer agents. The primary goal of these new requirements is to protect the privacy of customers' financial data and ensure prompt notification in case of a breach. The EPA has...
May 22, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1319
The Biden administration has introduced voluntary AI principles for worker interaction and data use, focusing on responsible data use, upskilling support, and transparency in AI deployment. The goal is to ensure ethical and responsible use of AI technologies in the workplace. Companies like Microsoft and Indeed have already agreed to these principles, demonstrating a commitment to creating a safe and fair environment for workers interacting with AI technologies. These principles align with the i...
May 21, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1318
Small businesses have demonstrated job gains, particularly in the South and leisure industries, as highlighted in the podcast episode. According to the April ADP National Employment Report, small businesses added 38,000 jobs nationwide, with the majority of job growth occurring in the South. The leisure and hospitality sectors saw a notable increase of 56,000 jobs during this period. Conversely, the information sector experienced a decline of 4,000 jobs, potentially due to a skills gap and the i...
May 20, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1316
AI presents a significant opportunity for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to enhance their services by replacing legacy tools with AI-enabled solutions. In a podcast episode featuring Niraj Tolia, the CEO of Alcion, the discussion highlights how AI can empower MSPs to focus on delivering value-added services to their end customers. By utilizing AI tools, MSPs can streamline operations, reduce operational burdens, and improve the overall customer experience. This shift enables MSPs to prioritize...
May 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1301
AI is increasingly being utilized across various industries to boost efficiency and cut costs, with a strong emphasis on data management. The podcast episode provided several examples showcasing how AI is enhancing operations in different sectors. For instance, Sam's Club is using AI technology to tackle shoplifting by analyzing photos of customers' carts and cross-referencing them with receipts as they leave the store. This solution has not only sped up the exit process for customers but has al...
May 18, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1314
Security systems are increasingly vulnerable to a variety of threats, as discussed in the podcast episode. Issues such as DNS tunneling, Wi-Fi vulnerabilities like the SSID Confusion attack, and weaknesses in voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant highlight the critical need for robust security measures. DNS tunneling, as seen in campaigns like TrickCDN and SexShow, allows threat actors to encode data in DNS queries, evade network firewalls, and execute command-and-control operations. T...
May 17, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1315
The Biden administration's push for a liability framework for insecure software represents a significant shift in cybersecurity policy. The objective is to transfer the security responsibility from technology users to software companies, encouraging sustained investment in cybersecurity and resilience. This initiative seeks to hold software developers responsible for the security of their products, stressing the importance of creating secure and reliable software from the outset. The proposed in...
May 16, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1313
Google made significant announcements at the 2024 Google I.O. conference, showcasing major AI initiatives that highlight the company's dedication to advancing artificial intelligence technology. A key announcement was Project Astra, an enhanced version of Google Assistant demonstrating real-time computer vision capabilities. This project aims to develop intelligent agents capable of reasoning and acting on behalf of users, emphasizing the potential of AI to enhance user experiences in the future...
May 15, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1312
OpenAI's launch of GPT-4 Omni represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence. This cutting-edge AI model features real-time voice interaction capabilities, allowing users to engage in verbal conversations with a human-like AI chatbot. GPT-4 Omni showcases impressive voice capabilities, including emotional expression and the ability to identify emotions and tones in users' speech. Moreover, it can process text, vision, and audio simultaneously, making it faster and more versatile...
May 14, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1311
One of the key insights from the podcast episode is the projection that the global IT services market is expected to reach $2 trillion by 2028. This growth is primarily attributed to cloud modernization, with hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google Cloud leading the way. These hyperscalers are driving the growth in the market, particularly in the area of infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), where spending is expected to double in the next five years. The rise in the value of GPU sales, as me...
May 13, 2024•11 min•Ep. 1310
Understanding your superpower as a partner and aligning it with Microsoft is crucial for success. In this podcast episode, Rob Fegan stresses the importance of partners recognizing their strengths and value proposition when collaborating with Microsoft. He emphasizes the significance of partners identifying their areas of expertise and target market to effectively align themselves with Microsoft's objectives and customer needs. Fegan suggests that partners should begin by pinpointing their speci...
May 12, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1294
One key takeaway from the podcast episode is the importance of involving law enforcement in cybersecurity incidents. Companies that engage law enforcement in their breaches tend to achieve better results and success in handling cybersecurity incidents. The episode specifically mentions the Kaseya hack on July 4th, which resulted in full convictions due to early law enforcement involvement. This example underscores the significance of collaborating with law enforcement agencies to effectively add...
May 11, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1307
AI applications are revolutionizing various industries. A notable example is the introduction of AlphaFold3 by Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs. This AI model accurately predicts the structures and interactions of molecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and ligands. The potential applications of AlphaFold3 are vast, spanning sectors like virus treatments, biorenewables, disease-resistant crops, and genomics research. This showcases how AI is transforming scientific research and driving advancem...
May 10, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1306
