EChannelNews Podcast

Send us a text Presenters: Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Evgeniy Kharam, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker | Adam Bennett, Co-Founder & CEO at SureStack CEO at Crosshair Cyber The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes. The discussion centered on the evolving landscape of customer attitudes towards AI and cybersecurity, highlighting a shift from viewing AI as a magical solution to demanding tangible proof of its effectiveness and security. Many organizations are reactive rather than proactive in their cybersecurity measures, emphasizing the need for health checks and diagnostics. They must implement collaborative strategies to enhance proactive assessments, and they should explore various methods beyond traditional penetration testing to bolster their security posture. The conversation also addressed the persistent threat of bad actors within major companies and the necessity of adapting security measures to the rapidly changing threat landscape. There are different approaches to penetration testing, with a combination of continuous testing and human assessments to address emerging vulnerabilities. It is important to leverage existing tools effectively, while acknowledging the limitations of monitoring systems compared to penetration tests. The discussion also covered the challenges of evaluating third-party applications, particularly SaaS products, and the need for organizations to maintain transparency with vendors regarding security practices. Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Dont miss our Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit on Nov. 26th in Toronto, aimed at fostering collaboration among managed service providers, chief information security officers, and other stakeholders. The event will feature a unique “Shark Tank” format for vendor presentations and expert-led discussions on various topics. To learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

Send us a text Guest: Pat Larkin, President, Ekco, a Dublin-based “security-first managed cloud provider” that has grown rapidly through both organic expansion and a series of strategic acquisitions across Europe. Pat outlined Ekco’s evolution from a backup service provider to a security-first cloud provider, driven by numerous mergers and acquisitions since 2017. The conversation also touched on the evolving cybersecurity landscape, particularly the dual role of AI as both a facilitator and a challenge, with Pat noting that fundamental cybersecurity issues persist despite technological advancements. Pat also talked about the increasing risks associated with AI in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for guardrails to mitigate these risks. He expressed concerns about the underskilling and lack of diversity in the cybersecurity workforce, advocating for stronger partnerships between industry and educational institutions to prepare future professionals.

Send us a text Manuj Aggarwal, Founder of TetraNoodle Technologies, talked about the integration of AI within Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and the opportunities it presents for enhancing customer engagement and productivity. He emphasized the necessity for MSPs to deepen their understanding of AI to better serve their clients. He also highlighted that while MSPs are currently in a co-pilot phase, there is a significant opportunity to develop personalized AI solutions that yield positive returns on investment, thus the importance of collaboration and expert partnerships to navigate the complexities of AI implementation. He outlined a systematic approach to diagnosing business issues, likening it to a medical examination where identifying root causes is crucial. He noted that a significant portion of revenue often comes from a small percentage of activities, urging businesses to analyze their clients’ time and resource investments. By addressing repetitive tasks and customer complaints, even minor adjustments can lead to substantial returns. See other interviews with TetraNoodle here

Send us a text Julian sat down with an ECN regular, Eric Herzog, CMO of Infinidat, a data storage company that provides high-performance, enterprise-class data storage solutions The discussion centered on the advancements in Infinidat’s G4 platform, particularly the integration of an S3 object store that simplifies storage management for channel partners and end users. Eric highlighted the platform’s capacity to support up to 33 petabytes of memory in a single rack, allowing for flexible configurations of block, file, and object storage. The enhancements not only streamline installation processes but also address pricing concerns, resulting in a 29% reduction in entry price for end users. Performance improvements include bandwidth capabilities that are up to two times faster and overall metrics showing at least a 32% enhancement, making Infinidat’s offerings more competitive in the high-end storage market. Eric also acknowledged the IT skills gap, emphasizing the need for solutions that simplify operations. Additionally, the G4 platform’s power efficiency improvements, which can reach up to 690%, were presented as a means to reduce costs or increase capacity for AI workloads. For more information, check out Infinidat’s press release: https://www.infinidat.com/en/news/press-releases/infinidat-enhances-infinibox-g4-family-make-high-end-enterprise-storage To learn more about the business value of Infinidat’s enterprise storage solutions, check out Eric’s blog: https://www.infinidat.com/en/blog/finding-common-ground-cfo-enterprise-storage

Send us a text Presenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker | Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation Adam Bennett, Co-Founder & CEO at SureStack CEO at Crosshair Cyber The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes. In this discussion, we focused on the challenges posed by shadow IT and shadow AI within organizations. Evgeniy shared insights on how employees often resort to unauthorized applications due to strict IT policies, indicating a disconnect between user needs and IT support. Nim emphasized the importance of IT leaders understanding these needs rather than simply denying requests, while Adam highlighted the necessity of identifying user goals and exploring secure alternatives. The group recognized the critical need for improved communication between IT departments and employees to effectively address these challenges. The discussion also delved into the risks associated with AI usage among employees, with Julian noting that many companies lack clear AI policies, leading to unregulated use of various applications. Evgeniy suggested that organizations should focus on classifying and securing sensitive information while allowing knowledge workers to leverage AI for efficiency. Adam emphasized the importance of aligning AI strategies with business goals and reviewing the privacy policies of AI platforms. The group acknowledged the challenges of building secure AI environments and the associated costs, recognizing that not all companies may find this feasible. Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Dont miss our Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit on Nov. 26th in Toronto, aimed at fostering collaboration among managed service providers, chief information security officers, and other stakeholders. The event will feature a unique “Shark Tank” format for vendor presentations and expert-led discussions on various topics. To learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

Send us a text Speaker: Omry Farajun, President, Storage Guardian Omry and Julian delved into the significance of incident response planning in cybersecurity. Omry stressed the necessity of a structured incident response plan that includes alternative communication methods during breaches, while underscoring the importance of preparedness and collaboration among stakeholders. See more from Storage Guardian here.

Send us a text Special Guest: Kristen Costagliola, CTO, Syncro Kristen talked about the company’s initiatives to support managed service providers (MSPs), while emphasizing the importance of effective patch management for SOC 2 compliance. She highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing complexity of SaaS solutions and the necessity for MSPs to maintain visibility into endpoint compliance. She also addressed the issue of tool sprawl, as the proliferation of specialized tools complicates workflows and can lead to inefficiencies and mental stress for technicians. Kristen provided insights into how Syncro’s solutions have improved operational efficiency, citing a nearly 40% reduction in ticket response times, which allows technicians to focus on critical tasks and enhance customer engagement. She also touched on the need for MSPs to automate processes to alleviate pressure on technicians and improve service quality. Kristen encouraged MSPs to evaluate their current processes and tool stacks, particularly in light of the rapid advancements in AI technology, which can enhance security and operational efficiency. Click here for previous interviews with Syncro.

Send us a text Presenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker | Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes. In this discussion, Evgeniy shared insights from the recent Black Hat event, highlighting the event’s focus on vulnerability research, contrasting it with the leadership-oriented discussions at RSA. The group acknowledged the need for strategic planning to maximize networking opportunities and the value of face-to-face interactions, despite the rise of remote communication. The focus of the discussion was on the dangers of AI poisoning, with Nim warning about the sophistication of cyber threats and the potential for silent viruses to infiltrate systems undetected. Evgeniy added that new AI developments could introduce vulnerabilities, referencing a recent exploit that allowed manipulation of AI tools. The group discussed the implications of AI systems communicating autonomously and the importance of asset management for proprietary AI models. They also noted the lack of regulatory frameworks in Canada regarding ethical AI use, emphasizing the responsibility of organizations to ensure the integrity of their AI systems. Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Dont miss our Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem Summit on Nov. 26th in Toronto, aimed at fostering collaboration among managed service providers, chief information security officers, and other stakeholders. The event will feature a unique “Shark Tank” format for vendor presentations and expert-led discussions on various topics. To learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

Send us a text Chris Savio, Senior Director, Product Marketing at GoTo (fka LogMeIn), talked about GoTo’s suite of solutions, particularly the Resolve product, which provides a unified endpoint management system designed to assist managed service providers (MSPs) in transitioning from legacy systems. Chris highlighted the product’s features, including remote monitoring, mobile device management, and integrated ticketing, emphasizing its potential to enhance service offerings and revenue streams for MSPs. He also touched on the importance of secure communication channels in the context of cybersecurity, with a focus on the zero trust architecture implemented in Resolve to mitigate risks associated with supply chain attacks. Innovations in remote support were also a key topic, including the introduction of a camera share support feature that allows users to visually demonstrate device issues, thereby improving communication during remote assistance. He also described the benefits of consolidating tools for MSPs, which can lead to significant cost savings and increased productivity through automation. Finally, Chris addressed the complexities of patch management, emphasizing the need for customized policies and proactive monitoring to enhance security and performance.

Send us a text Doug Houghton, Director of Channels at Alkira (means “happy place” or “bright and sunny” in Australian Aboriginal), talked about his company’s offerings as a network infrastructure as a service provider. He emphasized the advantages of Alkira’s cloud exchange point, which simplifies cross-border connectivity, which can significantly lower total costs and operational complexity compared to traditional networking methods. The conversation also addressed the competitive landscape among cloud providers, highlighting the operational challenges of securing communications across different cloud environments and the importance of decoupled control and data planes for maintaining service continuity.

Send us a text Brendan Conlon, Global Director of Supply Chain Defense at BlueVoyant, presented the company’s multifaceted approach to cybersecurity, highlighting the critical importance of supply chain security in an era where organizations increasingly depend on third-party vendors. He noted that many companies struggle to manage these dependencies effectively, often relying on spreadsheets, which can impede their security efforts. He emphasized BlueVoyant’s role in helping organizations develop both strategic and tactical solutions to enhance their security posture and manage third-party risks, particularly in light of potential service disruptions that can significantly impact business operations. He also covered the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, with a focus on critical infrastructure and the implications of software dependencies. Finally, he discussed the importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for regulatory compliance and vulnerability management, and acknowledged the challenges posed by cyber threats, including the need for proactive risk monitoring and the innovative use of AI in cybersecurity practices.

Send us a text Speaker: Omry Farajun, President, Storage Guardian Omry spoke about the critical cybersecurity strategies for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), emphasizing the necessity of documentation and incident response plans. He highlighted the creation of incident response runbooks aligned with the NIST 2.0 framework to ensure effective incident management. The importance of conducting tabletop exercises was stressed, particularly to identify communication gaps in scenarios involving compromised systems like M365. He also noted that cyber insurance companies now mandate documented incident response plans to prevent policy denials, reinforcing the need for MSPs to prioritize these strategies. Omry also touched on funding opportunities, mentioning the Ontario Innovation Centre’s initiative offering up to $200,000 in grants to enhance cybersecurity awareness among Ontario-based MSPs.

Send us a text Special Guest: Rich Dean, Senior Director of Product Management, Syncro Richard highlighted Microsoft’s role in the cybersecurity sector, particularly through their MCP servers that enable small and medium businesses to leverage AI effectively. He emphasized the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in preventing cyber attacks while acknowledging that human behavior remains a significant vulnerability. He also discussed the necessity of continuous employee training to recognize sophisticated phishing attacks and recommended strategies for enhancing security, such as limiting global admin accounts and implementing just-in-time permissions. The conversation further explored the regulation and evolution of AI, with Richard noting the historical throttling of AI development due to energy and economic concerns. Finally, he stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue about AI’s impact across industries and the need for MSPs to adapt to these changes to maintain relevance.

Send us a text Presenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker | Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation Adam Bennett, Co-Founder & CEO at SureStack CEO at Crosshair Cyber The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes. The session focused on updates and discussions surrounding cybersecurity events, emphasizing the importance of sharing insights among Cyber Defense members. Evgeniy discussed the practical applications of emerging technologies like AI and the concept of Zero Trust, emphasizing the need for tailored security strategies. He cautioned against blindly following AI trends, noting that while vendors promote these solutions, a more cautious approach is warranted. Nim contributed by discussing the theme of resiliency at the CDO Magazine event, highlighting the cautious adoption of AI due to privacy concerns and the impending impact of quantum computing on security. The conversation also touched on the integration of AI in various sectors, including real estate and marketing, with Adam noting vulnerabilities in large language models that could pose significant data security risks. The group discussed the risks of vendor lock-in and the importance of due diligence when selecting platforms together with the security implications of machine-to-machine communication and the need for robust security measures. Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem To learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

Send us a text Guest: Alain Cormier, CEO, Novipro, a well-established Canadian IT solutions provider, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Alain provided an overview of the company’s extensive experience in the technology sector, highlighting its role as a solution provider and integrator for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. He introduced a recent IT trends report that reflects the company’s dedication to understanding and adapting to industry developments. The report, which has been produced annually for the past decade, is based on comprehensive surveys conducted in collaboration with Leger Marketing, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on technology’s impact across various sectors. The discussion shifted to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). For the first time, AI is expected to surpass cybersecurity in terms of business investment over the next two years. Alain expressed concerns about the perception of IT departments within organizations, revealing a disconnect between business line respondents and IT decision-makers regarding the strategic role of IT. Alain also addressed the challenges companies face in integrating AI, particularly concerning data privacy and security. He underscored the necessity for businesses to develop comprehensive cybersecurity protocols and business continuity plans, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated. The 2025 IT Trends Report shows that while companies are doubling down on AI to boost productivity and cut costs, many are underinvesting in the cybersecurity required to protect these digital ambitions.

Send us a text Sase Janki, CEO of J-SAS, talked about the challenges organizations face regarding cybersecurity protection and compliance. He identified three major pain points: the fragmentation caused by multiple tools complicating compliance efforts, audit hesitancy stemming from uncertainty about compliance status, and the complexity and cost of traditional Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools that deter smaller organizations from pursuing compliance initiatives. He cautioned against a checkbox mentality and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes ongoing monitoring and automated evidence collection. Sase also underscored the critical role of compliance for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), asserting that it is essential for demonstrating security capabilities and creating new revenue streams. He proposed a strategy for MSPs to conduct compliance assessments, which could reveal security gaps and lead to additional service offerings. Compliance should be viewed as a structured approach to managing security needs rather than an overwhelming task. See more from J-SAS by clicking here.

Send us a text Speaker: Omry Farajun, President, Storage Guardian Omry spoke about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the importance of personal relationships in the managed service provider (MSP) sector. He highlighted the need for MSPs to pivot from traditional backup and disaster recovery services to cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing the significance of integrating platforms and maintaining effective communication during incidents. He also introduced Storage Guardian’s incident response planner, which aims to assist MSPs in managing cybersecurity incidents, while also stressing the necessity of alternative communication methods as outlined by the NIST 2.0 framework. Stay tuned for much more from Storage Guardian in the coming months.

Send us a text Fraud fatigue sets in even as Canadians face more personalized scams. Geoff Morton, Senior Director, Fraud Strategy at RBC, discussed new poll data about the rise in targeted scams and how Canadians are feeling about the steps they must take to help protect themselves against fraud. Geoff highlighted a shift in fraud strategies, where criminals are increasingly targeting clients directly rather than banks, prompting RBC to enhance its fraud detection capabilities through real-time technology. Despite a decrease in certain types of attacks, he emphasized the ongoing need for investment in security measures and the importance of user responsibility in safeguarding personal information. Geoff elaborated on the collaborative effort required to combat fraud, involving banks, telecommunication companies, and social media platforms. He pointed out the rise of crypto investment scams, which exploit the public’s limited understanding of cryptocurrency and often use deceptive tactics, such as deep fakes, to lure victims. The conversation also touched on the emotional impact of scams, particularly romance scams that transition into crypto fraud, highlighting the psychological vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. A survey indicated that a large majority of Canadians feel that fraud attempts have increased, leading to a sense of “fraud fatigue.” While seniors are often viewed as the most vulnerable demographic, Geoff pointed out that fraud affects all age groups, necessitating robust fraud controls. The discussion underscored the importance of distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent communications in the digital age.

Send us a text Guest: Marty Sprinzen, Founder and CEO of Vantiq Julian and Marty explored current trends in AI, particularly generative AI, and its potential to automate processes in real-time. Marty emphasized Vantiq’s mission to enhance disaster response by merging data from diverse sources, which can provide actionable recommendations to first responders during emergencies. The dialogue highlighted the critical role of technology in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters. The conversation also touched on the dual nature of AI. Marty acknowledged the potential for AI to enhance productivity while cautioning against overhype. He talked about the implications of AI on the workforce, suggesting that while some jobs may diminish, new roles requiring creativity and adaptability will emerge. The need for proper guidelines in AI implementation was emphasized, particularly regarding cybersecurity risks associated with employees using AI without oversight.

Send us a text Presenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker | Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital Transformation Adam Bennett, Co-Founder & CEO at SureStack CEO at Crosshair Cyber The Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes. The discussion focused on insights from the RSA conference, noting the necessity for strategic planning to navigate the multitude of vendors and sessions effectively. All acknowledged the value of networking opportunities and the importance of pre-planning to maximize engagement. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of lead generation at conferences, with Nim sharing an anecdote about unrealistic expectations for leads. The group discussed the challenges of forming meaningful connections in crowded environments. The conversation shifted to the significance of identity in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for organizations to secure both human and non-human identities and to establish clear policies governing AI usage. Evgeniy highlighted the importance of training employees on data sharing implications to enhance security awareness. Julian shared insights on productivity improvements achieved through basic AI applications, while Nim emphasized the challenges of training AI systems. Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem