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Send us a textBrendan Conlon, Global Director of Supply Chain Defense at BlueVoyant, presented the company’s multifaceted approach to cybersecurity, highlighting the critical importance of supply chain security in an era where organizations increasingly depend on third-party vendors. He noted that many companies struggle to manage these dependencies effectively, often relying on spreadsheets, which can impede their security efforts. He emphasized BlueVoyant’s role in helping organizations develop both strategic and tactical solutions to enhance their security posture and manage third-party risks, particularly in light of potential service disruptions that can significantly impact business operations.He also covered the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, with a focus on critical infrastructure and the implications of software dependencies. Finally, he discussed the importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for regulatory compliance and vulnerability management, and acknowledged the challenges posed by cyber threats, including the need for proactive risk monitoring and the innovative use of AI in cybersecurity practices.

Send us a textSpeaker: Omry Farajun, President, Storage GuardianOmry spoke about the critical cybersecurity strategies for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), emphasizing the necessity of documentation and incident response plans. He highlighted the creation of incident response runbooks aligned with the NIST 2.0 framework to ensure effective incident management. The importance of conducting tabletop exercises was stressed, particularly to identify communication gaps in scenarios involving compromised systems like M365. He also noted that cyber insurance companies now mandate documented incident response plans to prevent policy denials, reinforcing the need for MSPs to prioritize these strategies.Omry also touched on funding opportunities, mentioning the Ontario Innovation Centre’s initiative offering up to $200,000 in grants to enhance cybersecurity awareness among Ontario-based MSPs.

Send us a textSpecial Guest: Rich Dean, Senior Director of Product Management, SyncroRichard highlighted Microsoft’s role in the cybersecurity sector, particularly through their MCP servers that enable small and medium businesses to leverage AI effectively. He emphasized the importance of multi-factor authentication (MFA) in preventing cyber attacks while acknowledging that human behavior remains a significant vulnerability. He also discussed the necessity of continuous employee training to recognize sophisticated phishing attacks and recommended strategies for enhancing security, such as limiting global admin accounts and implementing just-in-time permissions.The conversation further explored the regulation and evolution of AI, with Richard noting the historical throttling of AI development due to energy and economic concerns. Finally, he stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue about AI’s impact across industries and the need for MSPs to adapt to these changes to maintain relevance.

Send us a textPresenters: Evgeniy Kharam, Cybersecurity Architect | Evangelist | Consultant | Advisor | Podcaster | Visionary | Speaker |Nim Nadarajah, C.CISO, Cyber Security, Compliance & Transformation Expert | Executive Board Member | Keynote Speaker Julian Lee, Publisher, Community Builder, Speaker, Channel Ecosystem Developer with a focus on cybersecurity, AI and Digital TransformationAdam Bennett, Co-Founder & CEO at SureStack CEO at Crosshair CyberThe Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem aims to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in becoming more cybersecurity-oriented amidst industry disruptions caused by AI and regulatory changes.The session focused on updates and discussions surrounding cybersecurity events, emphasizing the importance of sharing insights among Cyber Defense members. Evgeniy discussed the practical applications of emerging technologies like AI and the concept of Zero Trust, emphasizing the need for tailored security strategies. He cautioned against blindly following AI trends, noting that while vendors promote these solutions, a more cautious approach is warranted. Nim contributed by discussing the theme of resiliency at the CDO Magazine event, highlighting the cautious adoption of AI due to privacy concerns and the impending impact of quantum computing on security.The conversation also touched on the integration of AI in various sectors, including real estate and marketing, with Adam noting vulnerabilities in large language models that could pose significant data security risks. The group discussed the risks of vendor lock-in and the importance of due diligence when selecting platforms together with the security implications of machine-to-machine communication and the need for robust security measures.Click here to watch previous episodes on Cybersecurity Defense EcosystemTo learn more on Cybersecurity Defense Ecosystem, visit: https://cybersecuritydefenseecosystem.com/

Send us a textGuest: Alain Cormier, CEO, Novipro, a well-established Canadian IT solutions provider, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.Alain provided an overview of the company’s extensive experience in the technology sector, highlighting its role as a solution provider and integrator for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. He introduced a recent IT trends report that reflects the company’s dedication to understanding and adapting to industry developments. The report, which has been produced annually for the past decade, is based on comprehensive surveys conducted in collaboration with Leger Marketing, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on technology’s impact across various sectors.The discussion shifted to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). For the first time, AI is expected to surpass cybersecurity in terms of business investment over the next two years. Alain expressed concerns about the perception of IT departments within organizations, revealing a disconnect between business line respondents and IT decision-makers regarding the strategic role of IT.Alain also addressed the challenges companies face in integrating AI, particularly concerning data privacy and security. He underscored the necessity for businesses to develop comprehensive cybersecurity protocols and business continuity plans, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated.The 2025 IT Trends Report shows that while companies are doubling down on AI to boost productivity and cut costs, many are underinvesting in the cybersecurity required to protect these digital ambitions.