Okay digital defenders, I have a special post with fresh insights straight from IT Nation and ConnectWise’s latest event.
Our VP, Josh Marenger, just got back from this exciting conference, and he’s brimming with new knowledge about the tools and trends that will help us protect our clients better than ever.
Let’s dive into the highlights and see what’s new in the world of cybersecurity.
Why Should You Care About Cybersecurity?
As more and more data is online and as we rely on that data more and more, cybersecurity is more critical than ever.
With threats evolving and becoming more sophisticated, staying ahead of the curve is essential.
Whether you’re a business owner, an IT professional, or just someone interested in tech, understanding these trends can help you protect your data and your peace of mind.
The Conference Experience
Josh attended the IT Nation Secure event hosted by ConnectWise in Orlando, Florida.
Despite the scorching 95-degree heat and 100% humidity, the conference was held at the beautiful Gaylord Palms Resort.
This event wasn’t just about ConnectWise pushing their products; it featured around 40-50 other vendors showcasing their latest innovations in cybersecurity.
Building Strong Relationships
One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of building strong relationships with vendors, just as we do with our clients.
Cybersecurity is a journey, and having reliable partners on both sides is crucial for success.
This was Josh’s third time attending the event, allowing him to catch up with many familiar faces, both professionally and personally.
Keynote Highlights: Insights from the Former White House CIO
One of the standout moments was a keynote from the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the White House, who served under President George W. Bush.
She shared fascinating stories, like the time President Bush signed a budget on a tablet for the first time.
This story underscored the high stakes and pressures faced by IT and cybersecurity professionals, where one mistake could lead to significant consequences.
The Importance of Diligence
Her message reinforced the need for continuous diligence in cybersecurity.
As professionals, we might get things right 999 times out of a thousand, but it’s that one time things go wrong that people remember.
Staying vigilant and proactive is key.
Emerging Tools: ConnectWise 360 Security Dashboard
From the ConnectWise perspective, a significant announcement was the upcoming release of their new security dashboard, ConnectWise 360.
This tool, expected to launch in mid to late July, will provide a comprehensive security score by integrating various tools, including non-ConnectWise products like backup reports.
This dashboard will prioritize security tasks, helping us to methodically enhance our clients’ security.
More Than Just Tools
We already do many of these tasks, but having a unified tool like ConnectWise 360 will streamline our efforts, making us even more effective in securing our clients’ environments.
Trending Threats: The Role of AI
A major theme at the conference was the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. AI is a double-edged sword, used by both defenders and attackers.
Vendors showcased numerous AI tools designed to improve security effectiveness.
However, AI is also being exploited by cybercriminals to impersonate voices, create fake images, and conduct sophisticated scams.
Navigating the AI Landscape
The former White House CIO highlighted that while AI offers powerful tools for good, it also poses significant threats.
The rapid adoption of AI technologies, spurred by breakthroughs like ChatGPT, has transformed the cybersecurity landscape, making it imperative to stay informed and adaptive.
Practical Takeaways: Implementing New Tools and Strategies
Josh emphasized the importance of due diligence before adopting new tools.
While the ConnectWise 360 dashboard will be integrated soon, other tools require thorough testing within our environment to ensure they deliver real value and efficiency without redundancy.
Continuous Improvement
One of the exciting pre-conference events, Automation Nation, focused on using AI and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) to enhance business processes.
By automating repetitive tasks, we can improve efficiency, respond faster to alerts, and better manage cybersecurity incidents.
Networking: Learning and Sharing with Peers
Networking was another valuable aspect of the conference.
Josh had the chance to connect with peers from other Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and discuss shared challenges and solutions.
This collaborative spirit, even among competitors, highlights the collective goal of securing small and medium businesses against cyber threats.
The Power of Community
By sharing insights and best practices, we can all improve and better serve our clients.
As Josh mentioned, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
Conclusion: Cybersecurity is a Continuous Journey
Attending IT Nation Secure reinforced that cybersecurity is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
There are always new threats, tools, and procedures to learn about and implement.
We’re committed to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our clients are as secure as possible.
Ready to enhance your cybersecurity?
Sign up for a free security assessment here.
The Galactic Scan is still free, so make sure you get it to understand your current security posture and see how we can help.
Stay secure, stay informed, and keep pushing forward.
You’ve got this!
Watch the whole interview with Josh here: https://youtube.com/live/7-LRqxen7Rc
