Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights

Cybersecurity Milestones and Market Shifts, Microsoft's Price Hike and the Push for Windows 11

Jan 22, 2025

Explore the Biden administration's strides in cybersecurity compliance for critical infrastructure like pipelines and airports. The arrest of an Army specialist connected to a significant phone record theft raises alarms in the telecom sector. Discover AvePoint's strategic acquisition to bolster its MSP platform in the booming cybersecurity market. On the tech front, Microsoft announces its first price hike in 12 years for the Microsoft 365 bundle, while pushing for Windows 11 upgrades amid ongoing challenges with AI adoption and product performance.

13:20

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Biden administration's establishment of baseline cybersecurity requirements has resulted in substantial compliance within critical infrastructure sectors, but challenges persist in telecommunications security.

Microsoft's first price hike in 12 years for its Microsoft 365 bundle pushes users towards Windows 11 while raising concerns over the adoption of its new AI features.

Deep dives

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Intro

5min

Strategic Acquisitions and Market Shifts in Cybersecurity

3min

Transitioning to Windows 11: Microsoft's Support Changes and AI Security Challenges

2min

Microsoft's Security Updates and the Push for AI Adoption

3min

Evaluating Certification Directories and Upcoming Events

4min

The episode highlights the achievements of the Biden administration in establishing baseline cybersecurity requirements for critical infrastructure, with notable compliance rates among U.S. pipelines, railways, and airports. Sobel also covers the arrest of Army Communications Specialist Cameron J. Wagnius, linked to a massive theft of phone records from AT&T and Verizon, which has raised concerns about the security of sensitive data in the telecommunications sector.

The episode further delves into AvePoint's strategic acquisition of Yedentic, a software-as-a-service company, aimed at enhancing its MSP platform amid a booming $80 billion cybersecurity market. This move underscores the growing importance of centralized management tools for managed service providers (MSPs) and positions AvePoint to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the cybersecurity landscape. Sobel emphasizes the need for seamless integration and differentiation in the MSP platform space, as competition intensifies.

In addition to these developments, Sobel discusses Microsoft's recent price increase for its consumer Microsoft 365 bundle, marking the first hike in 12 years. The changes, which include a push for users to upgrade to Windows 11, come amid concerns about the adoption of Microsoft's CoPilot AI features. Sobel questions the low adoption rates and explores potential reasons, including product performance and user training, while highlighting Microsoft's strategy to drive AI adoption and migration to newer operating systems.

Lastly, the episode introduces the MSP Collective's launch of a validated directory for service providers certified under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). This initiative aims to assist organizations in finding reliable service providers to meet their security requirements. Sobel expresses skepticism about the necessity of creating a new organization for this purpose, suggesting that such efforts might have been better served by existing trade associations. The episode concludes with Sobel's invitation to listeners to engage with the show and participate in upcoming live events.

Four things to know today

00:00 Cybersecurity Milestones Amid Crisis: U.S. Critical Infrastructure Secured While Cybercrime Surges

04:00 AvePoint Expands MSP Platform Amid $80 Billion Cybersecurity Market Surge with Ydentic Deal

05:32 Upgrade or Else: Microsoft Raises Prices and Pushes Users Toward Windows 11 and Copilot AI

09:19 Who Is the MSP Collective? They’re Building a Trusted Directory for Critical Infrastructure Security

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