MSPs don't get a lot of attention, don't have many articles written about that, and yet perform a critical role in our global economy that cannot be overlooked. It's time we pay attention to the small MSP!
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.
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.
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.
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.
The DOJ is stepping up its fight against ransomware. How will this impact your MSP practice?
MSPs are at risk of losing their cyber liability insurance coverage. Insurance companies want greater assurance from MSPsKey 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Is the professional managed services market contracting? We will address this question on today’s MSP Zone.
There are 3 steps MSPs can take to help clients reduce their risk of ransomware. Put slightly differently, here are 3 things you can do to avoid bailing your customer out of a ransomware situation that was not your fault! Episode Highlights: Cyber liability insurance (for both your MSP practice AND your client) Revised Managed Services Agreements Updated managed services offerings and internal practices
SolarWinds MSP changes name to N-able. What does this mean for the MSP community? We’ll discuss on today’s MSP Zone. 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? https://edps.europa.eu/data-protection/data-protection/reference-library/data-protection-officer-dpo_en
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 ...
Datto releases 2020 financial results, and could this be the end of manual help desk practices? We will review these news stories and provide our commentary on today's episode.
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? 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? We will discuss on today’s episode.
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. MSP Zone Guest: Bryan Fuller, Contigo Technology
MSPs have maturity journeys they take, often starting as highly manual, reactive companies, but moving towards greater efficiency, automation, and profitability. The same is true with compliance. MSPs need to have a charted path towards compliance, regardless of where they are on the path. If you don't know where you are, you're at the beginning. Let's get you started down your compliance journey.
MSP platform company Kaseya, just announced that it has acquired RocketCyber, an MSP that provides Security Operations Center (SOC) services to MSPs.
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. This Episode sponsored by Avast
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. MSP Zone Guest: Rob Scott, Scott & Scott, LLP
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. 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.
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.
