Beyond the Horizon: Future-Focused MSP Insights

• Inside the Ransomware Economy: Why SMBs Are in the Crosshairs

  Explore how ransomware became big business, why SMBs are most at risk, and practical steps to boost cyber resilience in this expert-led deep dive.In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, host Pete Roythorne sits down with Kevin O’Connor, Director of Threat Research at N-able, to explore the shifting landscape of ransomware. What began as opportunistic attacks has evolved into a sophisticated business model, and SMBs are now the most attractive targets. Kevin shares insights from years in cybersecurity – including stints at the NSA and CrowdStrike – on why attackers are scaling down to smaller businesses, how ransomware-as-a-service has lowered the barrier to entry, and why misconceptions about risk still persist.The conversation covers the economics driving ransomware, the rise of AI-powered social engineering, and the tactics attackers use to stay under the radar. Kevin also offers practical advice for SMBs: from employee training and policy enforcement to planning for worst-case scenarios. Finally, we look ahead at what could disrupt the ransomware economy and restore the balance in favour of defenders.Topics CoveredEvolution of ransomware from random attacks to organised crimeWhy SMBs are prime targetsRansomware-as-a-service and the crime supply chainDeclining ransom payments—what’s behind the trend?AI-driven social engineering and phishingCommon SMB security mistakesEffective defences and resilience strategiesThe role of law enforcement and global policyFuture outlook: quantum cryptography and beyondDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• AI vs Cybercrime: How Generative Tech is Changing the Cybersecurity Landscape

  In this episode, we dive deep into the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with two industry veterans: Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished Product Leader and AI strategist, and Will Ledesma Director of N-able’s MDR team. Together, they explore how generative AI is transforming phishing attacks, why trust remains the ultimate defence, and what organisations can do to stay ahead of increasingly sophisticated threats. From nostalgic tales of Nigerian Prince scams to today’s AI-generated phishing emails, this conversation uncovers the alarming ease with which attackers exploit automation and social engineering. We discuss the rise of deepfake audio and video, the vulnerabilities of multi-factor authentication, and why defence-in-depth strategies are critical for SMBs and enterprises alike. Packed with real-world anecdotes, practical tips, and eye-opening statistics – including the staggering $16.6 billion lost to cybercrime last year – this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about digital security in an AI-driven world.Click here to download the N-able 2025 Annual Threat Report – SMBs in the Cross HairsTopics Covered:How generative AI is reshaping phishing tacticsThe psychology of trust and social engineeringDeepfake audio/video and national security risksMFA bypass techniques and adversary-in-the-middle attacksWhy SMBs are prime targets for AI-powered scamsDefence-in-depth and practical security layersThe future of AI in cybersecurity—opportunities and threatsDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Cloud Security Realities MSPs Can’t Ignore

  In this episode of Beyond the Horizon, N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla sits down with Lewis Pope, Head Security and Compliance Nerd, to unpack the evolving landscape of cloud security for MSPs. As MSPs shift from physical environments to cloud-first operations, Lewis shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to secure cloud workloads, manage identity, and navigate the growing complexity of cloud infrastructure.From practical best practices to the business realities of outsourcing, this episode is a must-listen for MSPs looking to stay competitive, secure, and scalable in a post-COVID world. Lewis doesn’t just talk theory—he dives into the gritty details of what MSPs need to know, do, and avoid when managing cloud environments.Whether you're a one-person shop or scaling toward enterprise-level service delivery, this episode will challenge your assumptions and offer actionable advice to strengthen your cloud security posture.Key TakeawaysCloud Security Is Not Optional: Identity management, breach detection, and posture management are now baseline requirements for MSPs.Outsourcing Is Strategic, Not Shameful: Mature MSPs are outsourcing MDR, cloud infrastructure, and automation to scale efficiently and profitably.Know Your Limits: MSPs must recognise when internal capabilities fall short and seek partnerships or MSSPs to fill the gaps.Best Practices for Cloud Security: Start fresh if needed—don’t be afraid to rebuild cloud environments securely. Apply least privilege principles across users, services, and APIs.Implement layered security: endpoint protection, segmentation, encryption, and WAFs.Practice business continuity and disaster recovery plans regularly.24/7 Monitoring Is Table Stakes: Threats move fast—MSPs must adopt continuous monitoring and automated response tools.Peer Learning Is Power: Engage with peer groups and events like N-able Empower to learn from others who’ve already solved these challenges.AI Is Widening the Gap: The rise of AI-driven security tools means MSPs must evolve quickly or risk falling behind.Regulatory Pressure Is Coming: Data sovereignty and compliance will soon force cloud security conversations—MSPs must lead, not lag.Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Cove Up Your Stack – One Platform to Rule MSP Backup

  In this episode, Head Nerd Stefanie Hammond sits down with N-able Growth Strategist David Tapiero to unpack the real-world challenges MSPs face today—from tool sprawl and outdated backup strategies to rising costs and low margins. You’ll discover how adopting a cloud-first solution like Cove can help MSPs streamline operations, boost profitability, and build cyber resilience.Key Topics Covered:Tool Sprawl & Standardisation: Why too many tools are hurting MSP efficiency—and how Cove simplifies the stack.Outdated Backup Strategies: The risks of legacy systems in today’s threat landscape.Cove’s Unified Platform: Backup for servers, workstations, Microsoft 365—and soon Google Workspace—from a single console.Cyber Resilience by Design: Immutable cloud storage, rapid recovery, and automated testing.Growth Barriers: Tackling time constraints, rising costs, and margin pressure.Practical Growth Strategies:Transitioning to SaaS-based pricing Reviewing customer costing Automating low-value tasks Monetising existing infrastructureMindset Shift: Repurposing on-prem hardware for DRaaS and internal ops.Security Evolution: Moving from breach prevention to rapid recovery and continuity.Whether you're an MSP looking to scale or a Channel Reseller aiming to improve service delivery, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you rethink your growth strategy and future-proof your business.For even more, register for the upcoming webinar:  Rethink Backup or Get Left Behind (live on 10 September with an encore performance on 11 November). Register here Disclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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• Unlocking the Real MSP Value in Microsoft 365

  In this insightful episode, we dive deep into the real-world challenges and opportunities facing MSPs working with Microsoft 365 and related Microsoft technologies. N-able Head Nerd Joe Ferla is joined by Ben Lee, the latest to the Head Nerd team who is a seasoned Microsoft consultant with decades of experience in unified communications, Teams, Intune, and Microsoft Co-pilot. During the conversation Joe and Ben discuss the challenges  MSPs and SMEs face when implement Microsoft’s powerful but often complex ecosystem.They tackle everything from the lack of guidance around tool usage, to common pitfalls like “just turning it on” without user education, and how MSPs can differentiate by focusing on enablement, training, and policy standardization. The conversation also explores Microsoft's scalability gaps, third-party tool integration, and the game-changing implications of Co-pilot and AI for productivity.This is a must-listen for MSPs, IT leaders, and tech consultants looking to enhance their Microsoft 365 strategies and drive better client outcomes.Key Topics CoveredThe MSP opportunity: Beyond just licensing and activationMicrosoft 365 productivity confusion (Tasks, Loop, OneNote, etc.)Teams as an underutilized collaboration hubCopilot: Microsoft’s AI gamechanger and its adoption challengesScaling management with Intune, Entra, Azure Arc, and third-party toolsBalancing security with end-user usabilityPersona-based user policy deploymentFuture of M365 Business Premium and data protectionThe importance of adoption strategies and ongoing educationDisclaimer: This podcast provides educational information about issues that may be relevant to information technology service providers. Nothing in the podcast should be construed as any recommendation or endorsement by N-able, or as legal or any other advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by N-able employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of N-able or its officers and directors. The podcast may also contain forward-looking statements regarding future product plans, functionality, or development efforts that should not be interpreted as a commitment from N-able related to any deliverables or timeframe. All content is based on information available at the time of recording, and N-able has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. https://www.n-able.com

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