Uncle Marv's IT Business Podcast

• DragonForce Ransomware: MSPs Under Attack! (EP 831)

  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

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• Look the Part: Video Appearance Tips for IT Pros (EP 830)

  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

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• Why Pax8 Beyond is a Must-Attend for MSPs (EP 829)

  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

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• Syncro XMM: MSP’s Secret Weapon (EP 828)

  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

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• Obliterating the Box with Nancy Henriquez (EP 827)

  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

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