Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

This episode dives deep into the recent DragonForce ransomware attack that targeted an MSP using the SimpleHelp RMM tool, compromising both the provider and its clients. Uncle Marv is joined by Dave Sobel, host of MSP Radio and The Business of Tech podcast, to analyze what went wrong and how MSPs can avoid similar fates. The conversation covers the critical importance of patching known vulnerabilities, the risks of on-premises RMM tools, and the shift toward cloud-based solutions for reducing attack surfaces.Dave Sobel highlights the aggressive tactics of DragonForce, their ransomware-as-a-service business model, and why attackers are increasingly exploiting RMM tools. The episode also explores the concept of zero trust, the need for managed detection and response, and the legal risks MSPs face when failing to meet modern security standards. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on improving cyber hygiene, rethinking persistent remote access, and evolving their security frameworks to keep up with today’s threats.=== Companies, Products, and Books MentionedMSP Radio / The Business of Tech Podcast: https://www.businessof.techSimpleHelp (RMM): https://simple-help.comDatto RMM: https://www.datto.com/products/rmmN-Able (formerly SolarWinds MSP): https://www.n-able.comAnyDesk: https://anydesk.comAtera: https://www.atera.comMeshAgent: https://meshcentral.com/meshagent.htmlNetSupport Manager: https://www.netsupportmanager.comQuickAssist (Microsoft): https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/quick-assistScreenConnect (now ConnectWise Control): https://www.connectwise.com/software/controlSplashtop: https://www.splashtop.comTeamViewer: https://www.teamviewer.comSophos: https://www.sophos.comCrowdStrike: https://www.crowdstrike.comProofpoint: https://www.proofpoint.comMicrosoft: https://www.microsoft.com=== 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 back Lisa Shorr, a leading authority on personal branding and client experience for IT businesses, for a lively and insightful discussion on video meeting etiquette. After breaking down the latest cybersecurity threats, the conversation shifts to the “new normal” of remote and hybrid work, where your camera is your connection to clients and colleagues.Lisa explains why turning your camera on is non-negotiable, how to create a professional (yet authentic) background, and why leaders must model the behaviors they want their teams to follow. She shares coaching tips for helping technical staff shine on screen, discusses the impact of nonverbal cues, and reveals how intentional presence builds trust, loyalty, and long-term business growth.The episode is packed with actionable tips, relatable stories (yes, including pajama pants on Zoom!), and a reminder that every video call is a chance to build—or lose—business. Lisa also previews her book, “Your Brand Unleashed,” and upcoming talks at IT Nation Secure and PAX8 Beyond. The show closes with a classic Florida Man story and a call to action for MSPs to lead by example, on and off camera.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned: Shorr Success – https://shorrsuccess.com/Your Brand Unleashed (Book by Lisa Shorr) – https://amzn.to/43QzIHBSecure Future Tech Solutions – https://www.securefuturetech.com/ConnectWise / IT Nation Secure –https://www.connectwise.com/it-nation/securePAX8 Beyond – https://www.pax8beyond.com/Bitdefender – https://www.bitdefender.com/ThreatLocker – https://www.threatlocker.com/Huntress – https://www.huntress.com/Logitech StreamCam – https://amzn.to/4mxDnBDBlue Yeti Nano Microphone – https://amzn.to/3Z8LyKCFlorida Man and News:Florida Man survives alligator, only to be fatally shot by deputies: https://rb.gy/av6vj9Microsoft Windows Warning - Do Not Install These Apps: https://rb.gy/f0n77xMassive Login and Password Leak: https://rb.gy/0cokhx=== 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

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSQ4kIIBbRQ=== Join Uncle Marv and Rob Rae as they preview Pax8 Beyond 2025, the can’t-miss conference for managed service providers. Rob shares the inside story of how this event has grown into a global phenomenon, with plans for expansion into Europe and Southeast Asia. Listeners get a sneak peek at the conference’s unique approach: tailored education tracks for every MSP persona, a commitment to neutral, value-driven content, and a focus on real-world business growth.Rob also addresses the challenges of scaling a fast-growing company, the importance of transparency, and the need for vendors to “jump in the pit” with their partners during tough times. From the excitement of a sold-out venue to the anticipation of surprise musical guests and high-profile keynotes, this episode captures the energy, honesty, and innovation that set Pax8 Beyond apart.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned: Pax8 – https://www.pax8.comPax8 Beyond – https://www.pax8beyond.comDatto – https://www.datto.comLiongard – https://www.liongard.comScalePad – https://www.scalepad.comGradient MSP – https://www.meetgradient.comEnable – https://www.n-able.comLevel Platforms (historical, now part of AVG) – https://www.avg.comKaseya – https://www.kaseya.comSilverback (acquired by Dell) – https://www.dell.comMicrosoft – https://www.microsoft.com=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/=== 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 Syncro’s CEO Michael George and Chief Product Officer Dee Zepf for an in-depth conversation about the all-new XMM platform. Listeners get an insider’s look at how Syncro is addressing the biggest pain points for MSPs—integrating Microsoft 365 management, automating security baselines, and streamlining workflows within a single pane of glass. Michael and Dee share their journey from Continuum to Syncro, the risks and rewards of betting big on innovation, and how their partner-first approach is reshaping the MSP landscape.Key topics include Syncro’s unique per-technician pricing, the impact of private equity on MSP tools, and the technical challenges of building seamless Microsoft integrations. Dee explains how XMM delivers direct, multi-tenant 365 management, automated secure score monitoring, and CIS-aligned security baselines—all without the hassle of juggling multiple tools. The episode also covers Syncro’s AI-powered features, network discovery, and partnerships with industry leaders like Domotz and Splashtop.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned: Check Out Syncro MSP: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/syncroMicrosoft 365: microsoft.com/microsoft-365Domotz: domotz.comSplashtop: splashtop.comConnectWise: connectwise.comN-able: n-able.comNinjaOne: ninjaone.comHaloPSA: halopsa.com=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/=== 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 Nancy Henriquez, CEO of Sibyl Consulting Group and a force for change in the MSP community. Nancy shares her journey from launching a break-fix shop at 22, building and selling her own MSP, working with SuperOps, and finally founding Sibyl Consulting. She explains the origin of her company’s name, rooted in Greek mythology, and how her consulting approach is anything but conventional.Nancy discusses why she rejects cookie-cutter strategies, focusing instead on helping MSPs align their business models with personal values and ideal clients. She shares examples of how personal growth unlocks business growth and details her process for helping clients transition from break-fix to managed services. The conversation covers the importance of self-assessment, redefining success, and why “best practices” are just guidelines—not laws. Nancy also opens up about her own evolution, ongoing training, and her mission to create lasting impact for MSPs and small businesses.Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned:Sibyl Consulting Group — https://sibylconsultinggroup.com/Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program — https://www.goldmansachs.com/citizenship/10000-small-businesses/Gary Pica’s Program (TruMethods) — https://www.trumethods.com/MSP 501 List — https://www.channelfutures.com/msp-501=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ === 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-CSR3UET Author 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 Nick Shevelyov, former CIO of Silicon Valley Bank and CEO of VCSO.AI, for a masterclass in cybersecurity storytelling and risk management. Nick shares how his unique journey—defending the innovation economy, banking tech giants, and advising boards—led him to write “Cyber War and Peace,” a book that uses analogies from history to make cyber risk relatable and actionable.Topics Discussed:The value of historical analogies in explaining cybersecurityBoard-level communication: Making cyber risk understandable and actionableManaging technical debt and legacy systems in fast-moving environmentsBuilding observability and setting baselines for network healthThe balance of security and privacy in compliance and operationsNick’s favorite exercises and templates for risk managementHow to avoid survivor bias and think holistically about defenseUpcoming book on cognitive biases and behavioral economics in cyber riskKey Resources & Links:VCSO.AI: https://vcso.aiCyber War and Peace: https://amzn.to/3ZsrPFANACD Technology Risk Guidance: https://www.nacdonline.orgDiligent Board Platform: https://diligent.comCISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalogFIRST EPSS: https://www.first.org/epss=== 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

Industry News: Chrome & Windows 10: Chrome’s password manager gets a major upgrade, offering one-click fixes for weak or compromised passwords, while Microsoft issues a crucial Windows 10 patch to fix a bug locking users out. Marv and Dawn break down what these updates mean for MSPs and their clients.MSP Differentiation & Business Models: Dawn discusses the commoditization of IT services and urges MSPs to identify their unique strengths, lean into what sets them apart, and avoid the trap of following “one right way” to run an MSP.Mental Health & Burnout in IT: The pressures of the MSP world are real, from client expectations to cyber threats. Dawn and Marv get honest about mental health, burnout, and the importance of self-care and peer support.Peer Groups & Community: Peer relationships are a lifeline for troubleshooting, advice, and sanity checks. The hosts share stories of how quick calls and informal networks have saved the day.Vendor Relationships & Etiquette: What makes a good vendor-MSP relationship? Dawn and Marv share pet peeves, best practices, and a few rants about vendor overload and CRM mismanagement.Real-World Troubleshooting with Domotz: Dawn recounts a recent network issue solved with Domotz and Marv shares how the right monitoring tools can turn a tech headache into a win.Florida Man Stories & Lighthearted Moments: No episode is complete without a wild Florida Man story and some laughs about “not my pants” and bigamy in the Sunshine State.LinksFlorida Man named Innocent not so innocent: https://em8k.short.gy/dRw42eFlorida Man marries three women at same time: https://em8k.short.gy/8QM9zCMSP Etiquette Survey (for vendors): https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/vendor-survey/Vendor Etiquette Survey (for MSPs): https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/p/msp-survey/Companies, Products, and Books MentionedThird Element Consulting — https://www.3rdelementconsulting.com/IT Nation Secure (Conference) — https://itnation.connectwise.com/securePAX 8 Beyond (Conference) — https://www.pax8beyond.com/N-Able (Backup Vendor) — https://www.n-able.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

Uncle Marv welcomes back Paco Lebron for an episode packed with honest MSP talk, laughs, and a fresh take on community events. Hear why TechCon Unplugged is hitting the road this year, moving away from the big annual gathering to a more intimate, city-based tour designed to spark real connections and practical conversations. Paco pulls back the curtain on the challenges of standardizing IT stacks-swapping Araknis for Unify, wrestling with BYOD headaches, and the never-ending quest to make operations smoother for both clients and techs.They don’t shy away from the tough stuff: burnout, the grind of podcasting, and the flood of industry events that can leave even the most seasoned MSPs overwhelmed. Marv and Paco trade stories about Microsoft’s nonprofit licensing shake-up, the art of recurring revenue, and why sometimes you just have to make the hard call on legacy clients and products. Personal moments shine through, from family health updates to the latest Florida Man gator encounter, reminding us that behind every business is a real human story.Alligator with Lawn Chair Knocks on Doors: https://youtu.be/PHJgVDm4EKA?si=etrGplY60mqhYN7XCompanies, Products, and Books Mentioned ProdigyTeks – https://prodigyteks.comMSP Unplugged – https://mspunplugged.comTechCon Unplugged – https://mspunplugged.com/techcon-unpluggedAppRiver – https://appriver.comMicrosoft – https://microsoft.comHuntress – https://huntress.comSnap One (Araknis) – https://www.snapone.com/shop/en/snap/araknisUnify (Ubiquiti) – https://ui.comEnGenius – https://www.engeniustech.comSonicWall – https://www.sonicwall.comFortinet – https://www.fortinet.comPalo Alto Networks – https://www.paloaltonetworks.comCisco – https://www.cisco.comTruGrid – https://trugrid.comAzure Virtual Desktop (Microsoft) –https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/virtual-desktop/Auvik – https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/auvik/Domotz – https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/domotz/MSP Camp – https://msp-camp.comScaleCon – https://scalecon.comiTech Solutions – https://itech-solutions.com/ProductsMicrosoft Defender – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/threat-protection/microsoft-defenderUnify U6 Pro Access Points – https://amzn.to/4371Gx6WattBox – https://www.snapone.com/shop/en/snap/wattboxLinkRunner AT 4000 (NetAlly) – https://amzn.to/3SIwI9LFluke LinkIQ – https://amzn.to/4mhasS7EtherScope (NetAlly) – https://amzn.to/45ajCtqBooks & PodcastsSchool of Podcasting (Dave Jackson) – https://schoolofpodcasting.comHealth of IT Podcast (Diana Giles) – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/for-the-health-of-i-t/id1748637556Uncle Marv’s Unhealthy Podcast – https://www.unhealthypodcast.com/=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Others: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/sponsors/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense 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

In this lively episode of Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast, Marvin Bee sits down with Dustin Puryear, CEO and founder of Giant Rocketship, for a candid, insightful, and often hilarious conversation about the real-world challenges of automating helpdesk operations. Dustin, a former MSP owner himself, shares how Giant Rocketship is changing the game for IT service providers by using AI to optimize ticket flow, rebalance workloads, and keep both techs and clients happy-without losing the human touch that sets great MSPs apart.Why Listen?Get actionable strategies for automating your MSP’s helpdesk without losing the human touch.Learn how to prioritize VIP clients and optimize tech workloads using AI.Hear real-world stories and honest advice from someone who’s been in the MSP trenches.Find out what’s coming next in MSP automation-and how to stay ahead of the curve.Companies, Products, and Books MentionedGiant Rocketship – https://giantrocketship.comConnectWise – https://connectwise.comAutotask – https://datto.com/products/autotask-psaDattoCon – https://dattocon.comMSP GeekCon – https://mspgeekcon.com=== SPONSORSPremier Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/=== MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense 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

Main Theme & Key TakeawaysThis episode centers on resilience-how IT professionals juggle demanding projects, unexpected technical hurdles, and personal upheaval, all while staying ahead of industry changes. Marv’s firsthand stories and practical advice make this episode a masterclass in adaptability, resourcefulness, and the importance of community in tech.Three Most Intriguing MomentsMarv’s behind-the-scenes account of completing a massive, months-long Office 365 migration-what went wrong, what he’d never do again, and the surprising “gotchas” every IT pro should hear.A suspenseful network troubleshooting saga: how a 95% successful client office move was nearly derailed by mysterious VPN dropouts and duplicate IP conflicts, with a cliffhanger to be resolved in future episodes.The personal side of IT: Marv’s candid update on managing critical client work while both his mother and father-in-law faced serious hospitalizations, highlighting the human side of tech.NewsMicrosoft Confirms Windows 11 24H2 Update Cannot Be Canceled: https://tinyurl.com/2jtyn3h9SonicWall debuts new firewalls and managed cybersecurity service: https://tinyurl.com/4pas3c98D&H and SonicWall Partner to Offer Comprehensive MXDR Solutions: https://tinyurl.com/ycdcvtyfCompanies, Products, and Books MentionedSonicWall: https://www.sonicwall.com/Solutions Granted: https://solutionsgranted.com/D&H Distributing: www.dandh.comTechCon Unplugged: https://mspunplugged.com/techcon-unplugged/Florida Man StoriesFlorida Man: Pipe Bombs and Cardboard License Plate: https://tinyurl.com/89av2w82Florida Woman: Alligator Attack While Canoeing: https://tinyurl.com/mryhu6fpKangaroo on the loose in Centra Florida: https://tinyurl.com/mtzdwe4t=== 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 CERTIFICATEItem Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETItem ID: CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireLicensee: Marvin BeeRegistered Project Name: IT Business PodcastLicense 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