SmarterMSP Podcast

[https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455.jpg]In our previous episode [https://smartermsp.com/podcast-how-msps-can-protect-against-ransomware-attacks-episode-8/] of the SmarterMSP Podcast, Fleming Shi [https://smartermsp.com/author/flemingshi/], Chief Technology Officer at Barracuda Networks, shared his insights on the best cybersecurity defense against ransomware attacks. In this latest episode, we continued the conversation with Jimmy Hatzell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hatzell], discussing the value of a SOC in detecting cyberattacks and how a SOC-as-a-Service can save MSPs and their customers from having to clean up any potential damage that a successful cyberattack might do. Jimmy [https://smartermsp.com/author/jimmy-hatzell/] also laid out the incident response process of Barracuda Managed XDR and SOC, as well as what he would recommend MSPs look for when adding a SOC-as-a-Service. SOC-AS-A-SERVICE DETECTS CYBERTHREATS BEFORE DETONATION During the podcast, Jimmy gives an in-depth description on how the SOC goes about detecting and identifying threats before they have a chance to detonate within a client’s network. He stresses that the amount of time between when the cyberattack breaches a network and when it detonates is crucial to an organization’s chances of avoiding being victimized by the cyberattack. A Security Operations Center (SOC) provides much value in its ability to detect cyberattacks and save #MSPs and their customers from having to clean up any damage that a successful cyberattack might do. #SOC Click To Tweet [http://ctt.ec/wl1vQ] Many cyberattacks vary in how long they hibernate before launching the attack after infiltrating the targeted environment. The SOC-as-a-Service allows MSPs to catch these attacks at the earliest opportunity and report back to their clients about the disaster that they were able to avoid, which wouldn’t have been possible without the SOC. STRENGTHENED INCIDENT RESPONSE Another positive attribute is the incident response capabilities of XDR and SOC services. These threat remediation efforts provide the next step of a strong cybersecurity defense, following the initial detection of a cyberattack. Without the use of XDR and SOC, MSPs risk a cyberattack detonating and then being able to ‘island hop’ from one connected device or account to another, eventually spreading throughout the entire client network and beyond. Through their XDR and SOC solutions, MSPs can avoid this nightmare scenario and will instead now be able to improve upon their previous response times and its effectiveness. The amount of time that passes between a cyberattack’s landing and detonation is crucial to a client’s survival, and these services make the best use of that time. Apple Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartermsp-podcast/id1553093422]Google Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Google-Podcasts.png]Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFydGVybXNwLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv]Subscribe to our platforms on the following platforms above! [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SKOUT-XDR-WP-CTA.png] [https://barracudamsp.com/product-details/extended-detection-and-response-xdr/?setc=_kk&mrm=Blog&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20211101-SMSP&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20211101-SMSP&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20211101-SMSP]

[https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455.jpg][https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455-300x113.jpg]In the newest episode of the SmarterMSP Podcast, our hosts sat down with Fleming Shi [https://smartermsp.com/author/flemingshi/], Chief Technology Officer at Barracuda Networks, to advise how MSPs can best establish a cybersecurity defense against ransomware attacks. You might remember that in our previous episode [https://smartermsp.com/podcast-colonial-pipeline-hack-and-the-executive-order-episode-7/], Chris Crellin, Senior Director of Product Management for Barracuda MSP, joined to discuss a recent executive order by the U.S. government that establishes a new baseline of cybersecurity best practices to protect organizations from ransomware attacks and other cyberthreats, as such cyberattacks have successfully infiltrated traditional defenses in several recent high-profile incidents. In Episode 8, we continued building on that conversation to get a better understanding of how MSPs can protect themselves and their customers from these pervasive ransomware attacks. HOW HACKERS ARE UTILIZING RANSOMWARE ATTACKS During the podcast, Fleming illustrated how cybercriminals have become more sophisticated and aggressive with their ransomware attacks, both in how they are more effective in bypassing traditional security gateways and in the amount of ransom each successful attack earns hackers. Fleming also explores how the recent increase in remote workforces has grown the size of attack surfaces available for these hackers, that MSPs must now defend. In this @SmarterMSP Podcast episode, Fleming Shi of @barracuda shared his observations on the increasing popularity of #ransomware attacks and how #MSPs can best establish a #cybersecurity defense against them. #podcast Click To Tweet [http://ctt.ec/P15Sc] Cybercriminals are using information and data gathered from previous attacks to help compromise new accounts that they can use to launch their next attack. Recently, they have been weaponizing the infrastructure and supply chain of reputable brands, who they know have the resources to pay their ransom quickly. These cybercriminals recognize that many organizations will opt to pay a fee they know they can afford if it means they can keep network downtime and damage to their reputation to a minimum. HOW SHOULD MSPS RESPOND? In the podcast, Fleming advises MSPs employ a layered approach to cybersecurity. Fleming identifies a variety of solutions and services that can stack on top of each other to offer the strongest defense possible against ransomware attacks. Specifically, Fleming recommends utilizing cybersecurity technologies that constantly monitor for inbound threats, assess the strength of an organization’s security posture, and are capable of alerting MSPs to threats that have breached a network or compromised an account, as well as remediating attacks on their own. Effectively communicating the importance of these cybersecurity solutions to clients is also a vital factor for MSPs, as a strong partnership is often required to best avoid cyberthreats like ransomware. To close out the episode, Fleming shared his predictions for what ransomware will look like in the years to come and what industries will become popular targets next. To hear Fleming’s insights in full detail, listen to the SmarterMSP Podcast episode and subscribe to us for more episodes in the future! Apple Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartermsp-podcast/id1553093422]Google Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Google-Podcasts.png]Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFydGVybXNwLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv]Subscribe to our platforms on the following platforms above! [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SMSP-Subscribe-CTA.png] [https://lp.barracudamsp.com/MSP-GLBL-BLG-Subscribe-to-SMSP-Blog.html?creative=SmarterMSP-CTA]

[https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455.jpg][https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455-300x113.jpg]In the previous episode of the SmarterMSP Podcast [https://smartermsp.com/podcast-celebrating-global-msp-day-2021-episode-6/], Jason Howells of Barracuda MSP summarized the insights from Global MSP Day, which took place in May 2021. Jason detailed many interesting trends within the “Evolving Landscape of the MSP Business Report 2021 [https://barracudamsp.com/msp-resources/ebooks-whitepapers/evolving-landscape-of-msp-2021/?setc=_kk&mrm=Social_Media&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP]” that was published following Global MSP Day. In the seventh episode of the SmarterMSP Podcast, Chris Crellin, Senior Director of Product Management for Barracuda MSP, stopped by to discuss the recent Colonial Pipeline hack and the Executive Order issued by the United States government in response to the ransomware attack. Chris discussed the goals of the executive order in preventing similar attacks from being successful in the future and what the cybersecurity guidelines and recommendations in the order mean for managed service providers (MSPs) moving forward. IMPACT OF THE COLONIAL PIPELINE HACK The executive order from the U.S. government focuses on five key areas of cybersecurity that need to be strengthened in the aftermath of the Colonial Pipeline hack. Chris dove into each of the areas and also detailed the specific focus of the executive order on zero-trust architecture. Beyond the government’s reaction to the Colonial Pipeline hack and their resulting interest in implementing zero-trust network access (ZTNA), Chris outlined how other industries will react to the event and noted their similar need for better cybersecurity. Chris also predicted that these other verticals will likely be enticed by the executive order to follow the government’s example and look to implement a cyber-defense that utilizes ZTNA. In this SmarterMSP Podcast episode, Chris Crellin of @BarracudaMSP discussed the recent #ColonialPipeline hack and the Executive Order regarding #cybersecurity and #ZTNA issued by the US government in response. #ransomware #podcast Click To Tweet [http://ctt.ec/4rKZe] Chris provides further insight on why ZTNA is the preferred method of bolstering cybersecurity for frequently targeted verticals, such as government and municipal organizations. ZTNA offers these organizations a level of control and security over there data that is not offered by traditional cybersecurity defenses, which best protects them from popular cyberattacks like the ransomware used in the Colonial Pipeline hack. Listen to the podcast to hear the advice and insights from Chris himself and learn how MSPs can follow the executive order and implement ZTNA to prevent clients from falling victim to cyberattacks like the one that hit the Colonial Pipeline. You can listen to the podcast on SmarterMSP.com or one of the podcast sites listed below. Apple Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartermsp-podcast/id1553093422]Google Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Google-Podcasts.png]Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFydGVybXNwLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv]Subscribe to our platforms on the following platforms above! [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Webinar-Replay-CTA.png] [https://share.vidyard.com/watch/QKuEjN4YWLkVxvsSNhNzjc]

[https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455.jpg]In our most recent episode [https://smartermsp.com/podcast-securing-a-remote-workforce-with-rmm-episode-5/], the SmarterMSP Podcast hosted experienced MSP manager Paul Rainey and Mark Whiffen of Barracuda MSP, as they shared their insights on the significant cybersecurity protection monitoring and management (RMM) tool can provide vital cybersecurity protection for an MSP and its customers. In the sixth episode of the SmarterMSP Podcast, Barracuda MSP’s VP of International Sales, Jason Howells, joined us to give a recap of the events from the 2021 edition of Global MSP Day. Jason also noted a number of interesting trends within the “Evolving Landscape of the MSP Business Report 2021 [https://barracudamsp.com/msp-resources/ebooks-whitepapers/evolving-landscape-of-msp-2021/?setc=_kk&mrm=Social_Media&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP]” that was published following Global MSP Day. MAJOR TAKEAWAYS FROM GLOBAL MSP DAY 2021 Jason emphasized that with SMBs identifying cybersecurity needs and concerns as their main motivation for partnering with an MSP for their IT services, there’s growing importance and value for MSPs to offer full cybersecurity protection to their clients moving forward. The dramatic rise in hybrid and remote work environments also created a lucrative opportunity for MSPs in a variety of vertical markets. While remote workforces come with their own specific and delicate cybersecurity requirements that MSPs are well-positioned to fulfill, they also have general technology challenges that most organizations are ill-equipped to handle for significant periods of time on their own. Listen to the podcast to get the highlights of Global MSP Day 2021, as well as the trends that MSPs can profit from moving forward by downloading the “Evolving Landscape of the MSP Business Report 2021 [https://barracudamsp.com/msp-resources/ebooks-whitepapers/evolving-landscape-of-msp-2021/?setc=_kk&mrm=Social_Media&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-CON-20210629-SMSP].” You can listen to the podcast on SmarterMSP.com or one of the podcast sites listed below. Apple Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartermsp-podcast/id1553093422]Google Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Google-Podcasts.png]Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFydGVybXNwLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv]Subscribe to our platforms on the following platforms above! [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Twitter-MSP-Day-Cuda-Conversations.png] [https://barracudamsp.com/msp-resources/ebooks-whitepapers/evolving-landscape-of-msp-2021/?setc=_kk&mrm=Blog&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210629-SMSP&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210629-SMSP&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210629-SMSP]

[https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_1850285455.jpg]In our previous episode [https://smartermsp.com/podcast-adding-ztna-to-your-msps-security-stack-episode-4/], we turned our focus to managed security services, including zero-trust network access (ZTNA), which is quickly becoming a layer of protection used to bolster a security services offering. In the fifth episode of the SmarterMSP Podcast, our hosts were joined by PaulRainey from Range, and Mark Whiffen from Barracuda MSP to discuss how the right remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool can provide vital cybersecurity protection for an MSP and its customers. Paul is the MSP Manager at Range, a Montana based exchangecarrier providing telecommunication services to southeasternMontana and northeastern Wyoming.Mark Whiffen is the Senior Product Manager at Barracuda MSP.Mark oversees the product direction, development and deliveryof Barracuda RMM and Barracuda’s partner services. THE VALUE OF RMM IN A SECURITY SERVICES OFFERING Mark and Paul both discussed the trends that they have noticed and adapted to over the course of the past year. Paul spoke on how the experiences of his MSP business in dealing with a spread out, remote base of clients put their services to the test. Specifically, Paul shared how many of his clients in the rural areas of Montana and Wyoming did not readily have the technology capabilities to operate securely in a remote setting, a challenge not typically experienced when everyone has been used to gathering in one mass setting. Paul also detailed how his use of Barracuda RMM enabled clients to operate to their best of their abilities while remaining secure despite an evolving cyberthreat landscape. Mark dove into particular examples of challenges that he has been told by other MSPs over the past year, and how specific features of Barracuda RMM enabled those MSP businesses to meet their clients needs. Both Paul and Mark shared what they anticipate the near future will bring for MSP businesses, both from a hybrid workforce and cybersecurity standpoint, and how the right RMM tool can best position MSPs for success. To hear the full insights and perspectives from both of our guests, listen to the podcast episode here on SmarterMSP.com or at one of the podcast sites listed below. Apple Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Apple-Podcasts.svg]Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/smartermsp-podcast/id1553093422]Google Podcasts [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/plugins/podcast-subscribe-buttons/assets/img/icons/Google-Podcasts.png]Google Podcasts [https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9zbWFydGVybXNwLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qv]Subscribe to our platforms on the following platforms above! [https://smartermsp.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/RMM_CTA.png] [https://barracudamsp.com/msp-resources/ebooks-whitepapers/msp-guide-to-rmm-tool/?setc=_kk&mrm=Blog&mrmd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210614-CTA&mrlsd=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210614-SMSPblog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=MSP-GLBL-BLG-20210614-SMSPblog]