Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

Brad Gross joins Uncle Marv to recap the PAX8 Beyond show in Denver, sharing first-hand insights as both an exhibitor and industry legal expert. They discuss the exhaustion and excitement of booth life, the launch of the MSP Terms cloud platform, and the critical new FTC rules on auto-renewals affecting MSPs and vendors. The episode covers legal pitfalls, vendor agreements, client lawsuits, and the importance of clear contracts and expectation management for MSPs.Why ListenGet expert legal advice on the new FTC auto-renewal rules impacting MSPs and vendors.Learn practical strategies for managing contracts and client expectations.Discover how MSP Terms can streamline your contract process and boost compliance.Hear real-world stories from the PAX8 Beyond show, including lessons from the exhibitor floor.Understand the risks of vendor agreements and how to avoid common traps.Find out how to protect your MSP from client lawsuits and liability.Companies, Products & Books Mentioned MSP Terms: https://www.mspterms.comPAX8: https://www.pax8.com=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Join Uncle Marv and special guest Ryan Miller, CISO and vCISO at RootPoint, for a no-nonsense look at the new CMMC 2.0 rules shaking up the IT and MSP world. Ryan reveals why the Department of Defense’s phased rollout is set to cause chaos, why most MSPs are in for a rude awakening, and what it really takes to get compliant. Learn the differences between FCI and CUI, the truth about audit timelines, and why prime contractors might force you to Level 2—even if you think you’re safe at Level 1. Ryan also shares his personal strategies for mastering CMMC’s complexities and points listeners to top resources like GRC Academy and Summit 7 for further guidance.Why Listen? Get the unfiltered truth about CMMC 2.0’s impact on your business and clients.Learn how to avoid the most common and costly compliance mistakes.Hear firsthand advice from a CISO who’s helped dozens of MSPs navigate the CMMC maze.Access must-know resources and real-world strategies to prepare for the coming compliance storm.Companies, Products, and Books MentionedRootPoint: https://www.rootpoint.comSummit 7: https://www.summit7.usGRC Academy: https://grcacademy.ioKaseya: https://www.kaseya.comHoneywell: https://www.honeywell.comLockheed Martin: https://www.lockheedmartin.comAdobe: https://www.adobe.comKoffee Kult: https://www.koffeekult.com=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Mike Wieger, a passionate home labber and attorney, shares his journey from QNAP to custom-built NAS solutions, highlighting the importance of support, hardware flexibility, and the right fit for business versus home use. Learn how to choose the best NAS for your clients and when to consider virtualization.Why ListenExpert Insights: Hear from a home lab enthusiast and IT professional who has tested all major NAS solutions.Practical Advice: Learn how to choose the right NAS for your business or home lab, including hardware, support, and ecosystem considerations.Real-World Experiences: Gain valuable tips on network upgrades, virtualization, and self-hosting from someone who’s been there.Stay Informed: Understand the latest controversies and trends in the NAS world, including Synology’s recent changes.Inspiration: Discover how passion for technology can lead to innovative solutions, even outside of a traditional IT career.Companies, Products, and Books MentionedSynology – https://www.synology.comUnraid – https://unraid.netProxmox – https://www.proxmox.comTrueNAS – https://www.truenas.comQNAP – https://www.qnap.comNextcloud – https://nextcloud.comDocker – https://www.docker.comHome Assistant – https://www.home-assistant.ioPlex – https://www.plex.tvUbuntu – https://ubuntu.comWindows – https://www.microsoft.com/windowsJim Collison’s Home Gadget Geeks (podcast) – https://theaverageguy.tv/category/tagpodcasts/htpodcast/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Why Listen?This episode offers MSPs and IT professionals a rare look at a new, laser-focused security vendor shaking up the channel. Nathan Ostrowski shares insider insights on how machine learning can dramatically improve detection of business email compromise—a threat that’s growing by 300% year over year. Main HighlightsMarv welcomes Nathan Ostrowski, co-founder of Petra Security, to the show at IT Nation Secure in Orlando. They start with a lighthearted chat about Duke basketball and the unique culture of Cameron Indoor Stadium, including the legendary “tenting” tradition for game tickets. The conversation quickly turns to the serious business of cybersecurity, as Nathan explains how Petra Security uses machine learning to detect Microsoft 365 account compromises faster and more accurately than traditional solutions. By analyzing data from Exchange, SharePoint, and Teams, Petra Security can catch attacks in minutes, not hours, and provides MSPs with clear, actionable reports. Nathan highlights the company’s rapid growth, their offer to analyze past incidents for free, and their upcoming presence at industry events. The episode is packed with practical advice, engaging stories, and a glimpse into the future of MSP security.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned: Petra Security: https://petrasecurity.comMicrosoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365BlackPoint: https://www.blackpointcyber.com=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv and Danny Jenkins reconnect at IT Nation Secure in Orlando, reminiscing about Danny’s unforgettable Iron Man suit appearance at Zero Trust World—a suit that ended up being raffled off for charity, with a twist. The conversation quickly turns to ThreatLocker’s latest product updates: the user store for MSPs, which empowers users with approved app alternatives, and a powerful new web filtering tool that integrates real-time approval workflows. Danny details how ThreatLocker’s EDR capabilities have evolved, now featuring data exfiltration detection, automated policy responses, and integration with Windows Defender for even more granular control. He also shares how ThreatLocker’s single agent approach keeps systems secure without overwhelming resources, and how new optimizations are slashing CPU overhead by up to 80%.The episode explores ThreatLocker’s journey through FedRAMP compliance, the importance of vendor compliance for MSPs, and the upcoming launch of a new feature to help businesses stay compliant with CMMC, HIPAA, NIST, and ISO standards. Danny gives a sneak peek at ThreatLocker’s 100 Days in Office webinar series, which offers practical, weekly steps for MSPs to improve security. The conversation wraps up with insights into ThreatLocker’s global expansion, 24/7 support, and the value of hands-on learning at Zero Trust World. === Companies, Products, and Books MentionedThreatLocker – https://www.threatlocker.com/Foxit (PDF software) – https://www.foxit.com/QPDF (PDF software) – https://qpdf.sourceforge.io/Zero Trust World (event) – https://www.zerotrustworld.com/IT Nation Secure (event) – https://www.itnation.com/secure/Super Ops (sponsor, mentioned in previous episode) – https://www.superops.ai/=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv sits down with Mike DePalma, Vice President of Business Development at OpenText, at IT Nation Secure in Orlando. Mike shares his unique journey from Datto and Kaseya to OpenText, highlighting the company’s recent acquisitions and their impact on the MSP channel. He explains how OpenText’s cybersecurity stack—including Webroot, Zix, Carbonite, and Pillar—offers MSPs a single pane of glass for security and Microsoft licensing.Mike emphasizes OpenText’s commitment to flexible contracts, premium support, and the ability to offer free trials for every client. He discusses the importance of business efficiency and unique value propositions for MSPs, and how OpenText’s new EDR offering is changing the game. The conversation also covers the challenges of portal utilization, the benefits of vertical-specific bundles, and the evolving MSP landscape under private equity influence.=== Companies, Products, and Books MentionedOpenText – https://www.opentext.com/Datto – https://www.datto.com/Kaseya – https://www.kaseya.com/AppRiver – https://cybersecurity.opentext.com/legacy/appriver/Webroot – https://www.webroot.com/us/enZix – zix.comCarbonite – carbonite.comConnectWise – https://www.connectwise.com/Ninja – ninjarmm.comPAX8 – https://www.pax8.com/en-us/=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv welcomes John Helms, Director of Product Management for Cybersecurity at ConnectWise, to discuss the latest in MSP security at IT Nation Connect. They cover ConnectWise’s new SIEM—available in Essentials and Pro versions—tailored for MSPs who need either basic monitoring or full-scale integration. John explains how ConnectWise leverages Elastic Security for a seamless, scalable solution, keeping all security tools in one place for MSPs.John’s career journey is a highlight, tracing his path from early ISP technician to leading product management at ConnectWise. He shares stories about the evolution of IT, the challenges of product management, and the importance of direct feedback from MSPs and engineers. The conversation also touches on the impact of remote work on security, the creative solutions MSPs are building, and the value of keeping everything in a single console. === Companies, Products, and Books MentionedConnectWise – connectwise.comMicrosoft – microsoft.comPax8 – pax8.comElastic Security – elastic.co/securityASIO Platform (ConnectWise ASIO) – connectwise.com/platforms/asio=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML  === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Ever feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle to keep your clients—and your MSP—safe from cyber threats? In this episode, Uncle Marv sits down with MacKenzie Brown from Blackpoint Cyber to talk about the real-world challenges and opportunities facing MSPs today.MacKenzie shares how Blackpoint’s Compass One platform is changing the game, giving MSPs a unified view of their security posture and helping them justify investments to clients. She also introduces MDR Essentials, a new, affordable option for MSPs who want to get started with advanced protection.“Compass One is really the unified platform to fix more proactive left of boom, asset management, vulnerability scanning, but also in this multi-tenancy hybrid ecosystem world that MSPs are working with.”The conversation turns to the latest threats—fake CAPTCHA, SSL VPN compromise, and malicious ScreenConnect installs—and how Blackpoint’s threat intelligence team is working to keep MSPs ahead of attackers. MacKenzie and Uncle Marv discuss the growing risk of liability for MSPs who fail to secure client environments, and why it’s more important than ever to have tough conversations with clients about security.They also explore the trend toward vendor agnosticism and the need for MSPs to standardize their tool stacks. Whether you’re a small MSP or a large one, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice to help you protect your business and your clients.=== Companies, Products, and Books MentionedBlackpoint Cyber – https://blackpointcyber.com/Pax8 – pax8.comThreatLocker – https://www.threatlocker.com/Huntress – https://www.huntress.com/CrowdStrike – https://www.crowdstrike.com/en-us/SentinelOne – https://www.sentinelone.com/SonicWall – sonicwall.comFortinet – https://www.fortinet.com/Palo Alto Networks – https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/Veeam – https://www.veeam.com/=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Uncle Marv sits down with Liam Downward, co-founder and chief product officer of Cyrisma, at IT Nation Connect in Orlando. Liam shares his candid journey from MSP owner to cybersecurity innovator, revealing the pain points that inspired Cyrisma’s creation: tool overload, shrinking margins, and the need for affordable, accessible security. The discussion dives into how Cyrisma consolidates vulnerability management, data classification, dark web monitoring, and compliance into a single platform—helping MSPs increase efficiency and profitability.Key topics include strategies for increasing revenue without raising prices, the importance of defensibility in contracts, and how to turn risk visibility into a selling point. Liam also shares his thoughts on American sports, the business of soccer, and why Florida’s heat is a beast of its own. Whether you’re an MSP owner or IT professional, you’ll find actionable insights and a fresh perspective on thriving in a competitive market.=== Companies, Products, and Books MentionedCyrisma- https://cyrisma.comRapidFire ToolsProduct- https://www.rapidfiretools.comAcronis- https://www.acronis.comInter Miami CF- https://www.intermiamicf.comLA Galaxy- https://www.lagalaxy.comCISA- https://www.cisa.gov=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

Lynn Williams of ASCII joins Uncle Marv live from IT Nation Secure 2025 for her first-ever podcast appearance, sharing stories from the heart of the IT community. Hear about the latest ConnectWise innovations, the impact of ASCII’s Taste of Success events, and why building relationships is the secret weapon for MSPs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of IT.IT Nation Secure 2025 Highlights: Uncle Marv recaps the conference’s biggest announcements, including ConnectWise’s new endpoint management and security solution, SIEM updates, and the launch of PSA powered by ASIO.ASCII Group & Community Building: Lynn Williams shares the ASCII Group’s mission, the impact of Taste of Success and Edge events, and the value of building community among MSPs and IT leaders.ConnectWise, Microsoft, and Pax8 Partnership: A new turnkey solution for MSPs is unveiled, integrating Microsoft 365, ConnectWise RMM Pro, and more, streamlining security and operations for small business clients.Leadership & Industry Recognition: Shout-outs to ASCII’s leadership, including Alan Weinberger, and recognition of key partners and event sponsors. === Conference NewsConnectwise Launches Next Evolution of SIEM: https://rebrand.ly/ldflga1ConnectWise, Microsoft, and Pax8 Launch Cybersecurity and Endpoint Management: https://rebrand.ly/i9zlio8ConnectWise Launches PSA Powered by Asio and ConnectWise Pro: https://rebrand.ly/q93ue6a=== Companies, Products, and Books MentionedConnectWise – connectwise.comPax8 – pax8.comASCII Group – ascii.comBrad Gross (Speaker, Taste of Success) – bradgross.comChannel Hunters – channelhunters.comConnectWise RMM Pro – https://www.connectwise.com/platform/proConnectWise PSA – connectwise.com/platform/psa=== SPONSORSProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATELicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicense Date: January 1st, 2024Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Show InformationWebsite: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/Host: Marvin BeeUncle Marv’s Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZBecome a monthly supporter: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast