Get ready to uncover the mind behind the shield Edna Jonsson shows how curiosity, community, and Capture the Flag shape a cyber career. Edna Jonsson, a veteran cyber‑defender, shares her journey from sock analysis to mentoring bright minds. We dive into Capture the Flag competitions, the latest emerging threats, and why privacy and social engineering are hotter topics than ever. Mikey Pruitt pulls back the curtain on how community support and hands‑on learning turn novices into experts plus a peek into her secret tricks for staying balanced and mentally healthy. - Community is the engine that keeps you motivated and safe in cyberspace. - Curiosity turns every mystery into a learning moment. - Capture the Flag contests make learning fun and realistic. - Hands‑on practice is the fastest way to join the cyber world. - Mentoring solidifies your knowledge and expands the field. If you found this episode inspiring, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share with a friend.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Edna Jonsson and Cybersecurity Journey02:47 Challenges and Triumphs in Capture the Flag Competitions05:24 Getting Started with CTFs and Learning Pathways07:56 The Role of Community in Cybersecurity10:37 Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity13:22 Social Engineering and Its Impact16:03 Innovative Approaches to Training and Challenges18:42 Community Engagement and Networking21:12 Privacy Concerns and Practical Tips23:50 AI in Cybersecurity and Future Trends26:36 Managing Burnout and Finding Balance
Uncover the shocking truths that most cybersecurity experts don’t want you to know and how hiring might be sabotaging your security from the start. Mikey Pruitt sits down with Joshua Copeland to dissect the real problems in cybersecurity hiring, the power of people over tech, and how leaders can read business risk like a fortune teller. They peel back the hype around zero trust and AI, showing why culture and clear communication are the real game‑changers. Listeners will walk away with practical advice to build stronger teams, spot overlooked vulnerabilities, and prepare for the AI shifts that are coming. Key takeaways - Hiring practices are misaligned; job ads rarely match what teams really need. - People and processes trump flashy tech in protecting an organization. - Cyber leaders must grasp business risks, not just technical ones. - Zero trust is overplayed; real focus should be on patching and culture. - Knowing your team’s motivations & communication skills is essential. Think you’ve got your cyber defenses in order? Hit subscribe, share your thoughts in the comments, and join the conversation!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Unpopular Opinions in Cybersecurity02:08 The Flaws in Cybersecurity Hiring Practices07:40 Understanding the People and Process in Cybersecurity11:28 The Role of Cybersecurity Leaders in Business15:04 Overhyped and Underhyped Trends in Cybersecurity22:34 The Importance of Cybersecurity Culture28:13 Leadership Development in Cybersecurity33:54 Future Threats and the Impact of AI
Ready to smash the wall of cyber insurance?
Discover how MSPs can turn their fears into a competitive edge. In episode 37 of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt sits down with Will Brooks to talk about Ukon’s mission to make cyber insurance simpler and more accessible.
The conversation covers the tough journey from Fifth Wall to Ukon, the gaps MSPs face when navigating insurance marketplaces, and why strong cybersecurity frameworks matter. Will shares practical tips on client education, building trust, and the power of local community networking. If you’re an MSP or a cyber security consultant looking for real‑world strategies, this chat is a gold mine.
- Ukon redefines the cyber insurance process for businesses and agents alike.
- MFA and solid frameworks boost insurance eligibility like a power‑up.
- MSPs that network locally become trusted advisors, not just tech support. - Educating clients on cyber insurance removes guesswork and lowers risk.
- Collaboration between MSPs and agents is the next frontier for a safer digital world.
Smash that subscribe button, share the knowledge, and drop a comment below if you’re ready to build stronger cyber defenses!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scaling the Wall Podcast
02:38 Transition from Fifth Wall to Ukon
05:37 Understanding the Ukon Product
08:17 Creating a Cyber Insurance Marketplace
11:23 The Role of MSPs in Cyber Insurance
14:14 Consulting vs. Insurance Matching
16:48 The Importance of Cybersecurity Frameworks
19:40 Challenges in Cyber Insurance Industry
22:48 MSPs and Cyber Insurance Best Practices
25:30 Easy Wins for MSPs in Cyber Insurance
28:20 Common Missteps by MSPs
31:08 The Importance of Client Education
34:09 Building Relationships with Clients
36:44 Networking and Community Engagement
39:50 Addressing MSPs' Fears and Anxieties
42:28 The Future of Cyber Insurance and MSPs
45:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Think AI’s just for tech giants? Think again it's about to revolutionize MSPs. In episode 36 of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt sits down with Jennifer Bleam, the cybersecurity sherpa, to explore how AI is reshaping managed service providers. They dig into the journey of AI adoption, the lingering skepticism, and why proactive client talks are the key to success. If you run or work for an MSP, you’ll walk away with concrete ways to build AI solutions that boost business growth, streamline operations, and keep you ahead in today’s fast‑moving technology marketplace. Takeaways: • AI is a real‑world tool that MSPs can use today to win new clients and revenue. • Break the doubt by talking openly with customers about the AI benefits they need. • Build AI solutions tailored to each client, not a one‑size‑fits‑all model. • Stay curious the AI marketplace is evolving, so keep learning and keep your tools sharp. Got thoughts on AI and MSPs? Drop a comment, hit like, and subscribe for more insights!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Goals00:57 The Journey of AI in MSPs04:38 Overcoming Skepticism in AI Adoption09:36 The Importance of Client Conversations14:18 AI as a Tool for Optimization18:53 Building an AI Strategy for MSPs23:48 Branding and Marketing in the AI Era28:25 Real-World Applications of AI in Business30:44 Leveraging AI for Revenue Growth34:26 Implementing Chatbots for Client Engagement37:23 Navigating the AI Landscape40:50 Building an AI Provider Marketplace45:13 Bridging the Gap Between MSPs and AI Builders49:04 The Future of SaaS and Custom Software51:23 Measuring Success in AI Integration53:29 The Evolving Role of MSPs in an AI-Driven World
In this conversation, Matthew Fox from Lawrence Systems and Mikey Pruitt explore various themes related to networking protocols, content creation, home lab setups, and the MSP landscape.They discuss the importance of community engagement, the role of AI in local computing, and the significance of education in technology. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, insights into the challenges faced by MSPs, and reflections on the future of open source in IT.Chapters00:00 Content Creation and IT Education00:06 Matthew's Journey in the MSP Space02:49 Home Lab and Hardware Discussions05:52 Naming Conventions for Machines08:11 YouTube Channel Growth and Community Engagement10:56 Leveraging AI and LLMs for Content Creation13:46 Storage Solutions and Drive Quality16:24 Home Lab Setup and Video Encoding18:53 Quality Hardware and User Experience22:19 Open Source Software in IT25:20 Building an Open Source IT Department29:49 Securing Home Servers and Learning Opportunities34:00 Empowering Young Minds with Technology36:31 The Journey of Learning and Innovation38:40 Teaching Through Technology: Lessons for the Next Generation41:12 Exploring the MSP Landscape44:59 The Unique Dynamics of the MSP Community50:15 The Impact of Community and Education in Technology
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, host Mikey Pruitt and guest Abigail Hendren discuss the importance of on-camera presence, authenticity in marketing, and the nuances of effective communication for today's landscape.They explore how to engage audiences through video messaging, the significance of understanding different platforms, and the balance between aesthetics and message in design.The conversation also touches on personal branding, the role of AI in creative processes, and the importance of transparency in crisis management. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for marketers to be genuine and relatable to build trust with their audience.Chapters00:00 Introduction to dnsUNFILTERED00:57 The Importance of Being On Camera04:58 Building Camera Presence and Skills08:48 Authenticity in Marketing12:52 Designing Effective Marketing Materials16:45 Social Media Strategy and Engagement20:54 Avoiding Jargon in Technical Marketing23:06 Understanding Audience Engagement25:52 The Importance of Personal Branding27:56 Leveraging Authenticity for Business Growth32:53 Crisis Management and Transparency36:02 Innovating Podcast Content38:45 Expanding Guest Perspectives42:57 Debunking Cybersecurity Myths
Mikey Pruitt interviews Michael Stattelman about the development and impact of AI models, particularly in the realm of NSFW content detection.
They discuss the origins of Stattelman's work at Falcons.ai, the importance of contextual awareness in AI, and the ethical implications of deploying AI solutions. Stattelman emphasizes the need for accountability in AI development and the potential for AI to address real-world problems, while also acknowledging the challenges and responsibilities that come with such technology.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to AI and NSFW Content Moderation
02:37 The Rise of AI in Content Moderation
05:35 Contextual Awareness in AI Models
08:19 AI for Good: Addressing Real-World Problems
11:18 Fear-Mongering Detection and Its Implications
14:00 Innovative AI Solutions and Their Origins
16:52 Chaos Engineering and Cybersecurity Challenges
25:20 Understanding Chaos Engineering and Vulnerabilities
26:49 The Success of Falcon's AI and Its Impact
28:39 The Future of AI: Point Solutions vs. All-in-One
31:02 Emerging Threats and Language Patterns in AI
35:30 Curricular Drift and Historical Accuracy in AI
36:51 Training AI Models: From Small Projects to Large Scale
40:22 The Importance of Accountability in AI Development
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey speaks with Kate Trojanowski, the Director of Product Management at DNSFilter about the Zorus transition, the integration of technologies between the two companies, and the importance of understanding the MSP ecosystem.They discuss the significance of customer engagement through quarterly business reviews, the recognition of Kate as CRN's Woman of the Channel, and the future roadmap for both platforms.The conversation also highlights the critical role of DNS filtering in cybersecurity and the collaborative efforts across departments to enhance user experience and product development. Kate shares valuable advice for aspiring product managers, emphasizing the need for curiosity and open-mindedness in the role.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Transition to DNSFilter02:32 Integrating Technologies: DNSFilter and Zorus05:08 Understanding the MSP Ecosystem08:42 Quarterly Business Reviews and Customer Engagement13:47 Recognition and Career Trajectory16:07 Future Roadmap for DNSFilter and Zorus19:58 Security Layers and Threat Intelligence26:15 The Importance of DNS filtering31:09 Collaboration Across Departments38:19 Advice for Aspiring Product Managers
In this conversation, Mikey Pruitt and James Shuler from Centre Technologies discuss the evolution and current state of Managed Service Providers (MSPs), focusing on redefining success metrics, the importance of cybersecurity, and the integration of AI in IT operations.
They explore how Centre Technologies positions itself uniquely in the MSP landscape, emphasizing a strategic approach to project work and managed services. The discussion also highlights the challenges and opportunities in the cybersecurity realm, particularly in light of recent breaches and the growing demand for robust security measures.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Centre Technologies and MSPs
02:16 Redefining MSP Success Metrics
05:23 Understanding IT and Its Evolution
08:23 Positioning Centre Technologies in the MSP Landscape
11:11 The Importance of Cohesion in IT
14:16 Cybersecurity: The New Priority for MSPs
17:30 The Evolution of Cybersecurity and Its Impact
20:14 Current Trends in Cybersecurity Services
22:01 The Urgency of Cybersecurity
23:26 Adapting to Remote Work and Cybersecurity Standards
24:51 The Importance of a Tailored Technology Stack
27:40 AI in Business: Current Trends and Future Directions
30:22 The Role of AI in IT Operations
32:56 Navigating IT Solutions for Different Business Sizes
35:32 Strategic Growth and Project Work in MSPs
39:41 Building Relationships Through Project Work
41:40 AI Tools: Opportunities and Challenges
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt interviews Brett Cheloff, the new Chief Product Officer at DNSFilter.
They discuss Brett's journey from Zorus to DNSFilter, the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, and the importance of endpoint security in a work-from-home environment. The conversation highlights the synergy between DNSFilter and Zorus, the significance of automation for managed service providers (MSPs), and the innovative CyberSight technology that enhances security and business intelligence.
Brett shares insights on the future of product development, partnerships with MSPs, and the importance of customer success stories in shaping the direction of the company.
Takeaways
Brett Cheloff is the new Chief Product Officer at DNSFilter.
The vision of Zorus evolved to focus on endpoint security.
The shift to remote work changed the security landscape.
Synergy between DNSFilter and Zorus benefits customers.
MSPs need to focus on client relationships for success.
Automation is crucial for MSPs to improve efficiency.
CyberSight provides valuable insights for MSPs.
Metrics can help MSPs optimize software usage.
Hybrid work environments can enhance productivity.
Brett's transition allows him to focus on product development.
Chapters
00:00 Brett's Background and Transition to DNSFilter
02:37 Market Changes and the Shift to Endpoint Security
05:31 Synergy Between DNSFilter and Zorus
08:29 Future of Products and Managed Service Providers
11:16 Automation in the MSP Space
14:10 CyberSight and Business Intelligence Metrics
20:43 Optimizing Software Usage and Productivity
27:00 The Hybrid Work Environment
30:55 Transitioning Roles: From CEO to Chief Product Officer
34:08 Building Partnerships and Integrations
38:04 Future Innovations and Customer Success Stories
TakeawaysTitlesSound BitesChapters
In this episode, Mikey interviews Ian Blake, founder and CEO of Square Dot, a B2B marketing firm specializing in MSPs.
They discuss the unique challenges faced by MSPs in marketing, the importance of differentiation in a crowded market, and how AI can be leveraged to enhance marketing strategies. Ian shares insights on identifying unique selling propositions, creating effective marketing content, and practical tips for MSPs with limited budgets.
The conversation emphasizes the need for MSPs to understand their market, differentiate themselves, and effectively communicate their value to potential clients.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Conversation
00:12 Ian Blake's Background and Experience
03:08 Understanding MSPs and Market Differences
08:08 The Sea of Sameness in MSP Marketing
13:00 Differentiation Strategies for MSPs
17:57 The Role of AI in Marketing Strategy
21:46 Harnessing AI as a Tool for Business
24:00 Uncovering Unique Market Insights
27:23 Transforming Insights into Brand Positioning
30:54 Creating Value through Educational Content
36:05 The Importance of Segmentation and Targeting
40:25 Practical Strategies for Budget-Constrained MSPs
43:56 Building a Differentiated Brand Presence
In this episode, Mikey Pruitt interviews Ben Gillenwater, known as the Family IT Guy, who shares his expertise on keeping children safe online.
Ben discusses his background in technology and how he transitioned to focus on family IT security. He outlines three key pillars for parents:
- blocking harmful content
- limiting screen time
- avoiding contact with strangers
The conversation dives into the challenges of modern parenting in a digital age, including the risks associated with online gaming and social media. Ben emphasizes the importance of leading by example and maintaining open communication with children about online safety. He also provides practical tips for implementing technical solutions like DNS filtering and parental controls to create a safer online environment for kids.
Chapters
00:00 The Role of DNS Filtering in Family IT
02:02 Ben Gillenwater: The Family IT Guy
05:01 Three Pillars of Family IT Security
08:09 Preventing Stranger Contact Online
11:11 User-Generated Content and Its Risks
14:03 Navigating Online Gaming Safely
22:11 Understanding Screen Time and Addiction
26:53 The Challenges of YouTube for Kids
30:07 Blocking Harmful Content Effectively
37:56 Implementing Family Tech Solutions
Jonathan Singer from GuidePoint Security discusses the intricacies of the cybersecurity channel, emphasizing the importance of relationships, trust, and strategic partnerships. He shares insights on how the sales landscape has evolved, the role of vendors and resellers, and the emerging trends in cybersecurity, particularly the impact of AI and the significance of the CVE database.Chapters00:00 Understanding the Channel in Sales04:16 Evolving Cybersecurity Sales Strategies08:19 Navigating Vendor Relationships10:28 The Role of Trust in Channel Partnerships13:41 Who Buys Through the Channel?16:10 The Matchmaker Role of Resellers18:47 Scaling Through Relationships20:53 Common Missteps in Channel Sales23:21 The Human Element in Cybersecurity Sales26:21 Building Trust and Authenticity in Sales28:45 The Importance of Technical Knowledge in Sales31:55 Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity41:16 The Critical Role of the CVE Database45:52 Future of Cybersecurity News and Insights
What does it take to build a cybersecurity company that actually competes with OpenDNS?
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey sits down with Ken Carnesi, CEO and co-founder of DNSFilter, for an unfiltered conversation on entrepreneurship, DNS filtering, company culture, competition, and what it means to protect real people from real threats.
From solving sketchy hotel Wi-Fi problems with DNS to acquiring threat intelligence tools like Webshrinker, Ken shares how DNSFilter went from startup to one of the fastest-growing players in cybersecurity.
🔥 Sound bites:
"I want everybody to like our product."
"You have to work really, really hard."
"Timing is definitely important."
Whether you're an MSP, tech founder, or just want to hear how a remote-first company takes on the giants—this one's for you.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
02:14 – Ken's Journey
05:30 – Competing with Giants
08:20 – Starting DNSFilter
11:21 – Acquisitions + Innovation
17:20 – Why Threat Identification Matters
30:37 – How Customer Feedback Drives Product
36:36 – Remote Culture Done Right
41:17 – Advice for Entrepreneurs
49:03 – The Future of Cybersecurity
👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment. Got questions for Ken? We’re watching the replies.
#DNSFilter #KenCarnesi #Cybersecurity #DNSFiltering #Entrepreneurship #ThreatIntelligence #CompanyCulture #TechPodcast #AIinCybersecurity
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt interviews Tom Sweet, CIO of Industrial Refrigeration Pros. They discuss the complexities of managing technology in a rapidly growing company, the importance of cultural change management, and the future of AI in the industrial refrigeration sector.
Tom shares insights on cybersecurity challenges, vendor selection, and the significance of building a cross-functional IT team. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring IT professionals, emphasizing the need for passion and networking in the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Industrial Refrigeration Pros
02:57 Navigating Organizational Change Management
06:56 Cultural Shifts in Technology Adoption
10:08 The Role of AI in Industrial Refrigeration
17:12 Cybersecurity Challenges in a Growing Company
20:12 Evaluating Cybersecurity Tools
22:18 Community Engagement and Feedback
23:30 Building a Remote IT Team
26:16 The Value of Generalists in IT
27:40 Leveraging AI in IT Operations
36:09 Career Advice for Aspiring IT Professionals
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, cybersecurity expert Chip Harris shares his extensive background in IT and OT security, detailing his transition from military contracting to cybersecurity.
He discusses the critical differences between IT and OT security, the importance of disaster recovery, and practical tips for businesses to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Chip also speaks on the role of AI in cybersecurity, the challenges of password security, and the necessity of delivering hard truths in the industry. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of safety in cybersecurity and the need for robust infrastructure resilience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Background
00:15 Understanding OT vs IT in Cybersecurity
03:25 The Evolution of Cybersecurity Roles
06:19 Threats in Operational Technology
09:28 The Importance of Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure
12:19 Practical Cybersecurity Tips for Businesses
15:21 Real-World Cybersecurity Challenges and Solutions
26:11 Building a Strong Team in Cybersecurity
28:11 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity
36:35 The Limitations of Passwords and New Security Measures
42:13 Delivering the Hard Truths in Cybersecurity
48:09 The Importance of Infrastructure in Cybersecurity
54:59 The Future of Cybersecurity and Financial Commitment
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt interviews Dustin Bolander, the CIO of Clear Guidance Partners and founder of Beltex, a cyber insurance company.
They discuss the unique challenges MSPs face when working with law firms, the importance of specialization in the MSP industry, and the evolving landscape of cyber insurance.
Dustin shares insights on how MSPs can navigate the complexities of insurance, the differences between cyber warranties and traditional insurance policies, and the future trends in the MSP space, including the increasing involvement of insurance companies in the MSP market.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Cyber Insurance for MSPs
00:14 The Unique Challenges of Serving Lawyers
03:31 The Evolution of MSPs in a Competitive Landscape
08:45 Finding Your Niche as an MSP
10:59 Innovative Approaches to Cyber Insurance
16:34 The Reality of Cyber Breaches and MSPs' Role
17:12 Understanding Cyber Insurance Claims
19:29 The Role of Managed Service Providers (MSPs)
22:21 Evaluating MSPs for Cyber Insurance
26:06 Encouraging Best Practices in Cybersecurity
28:08 Standalone Cyber Insurance vs. Warranties
33:29 When Should MSPs Consider Cyber Insurance?
41:20 Future Trends in the MSP Space
In this episode of dnsUNFILTERED, Mikey Pruitt interviews Jeffrey Newton, founder of Cyft.ai, an AI startup focused on enhancing the Connectwise operations of MSPs. Jeffrey shares his journey from working in various MSPs to becoming a vendor, highlighting the importance of understanding the MSP landscape.
The conversation dives into the role of AI in streamlining processes, the challenges MSPs face in sales, and the need for a mindset shift to foster growth. Jeffrey emphasizes the significance of building trust and vulnerability in sales, as well as the necessity of creating authentic connections with clients to differentiate in a commoditized market.Chapters00:00 The Journey into AV and MSPs02:06 Understanding SIFT and Its Purpose08:13 Sales Challenges for MSPs14:13 Breaking Down the Sales Process20:49 Commitment to Results26:14 Reverse Engineering Success31:51 Understanding Your Ideal Customer Profile37:46 Building Trust Through Vulnerability48:13 Enhancing Client Experience in Sales
In this episode, Mikey Pruitt speaks with Tony Black from Huntress about the importance of SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) in cybersecurity. They discuss the features of Huntress' new SIEM platform, the significance of DNS queries in security investigations, and how small businesses can benefit from enterprise-grade security solutions. The conversation also touches on the future of SIEM technology, including the role of AI and user behavior analytics in enhancing security operations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Conversation00:49 Overview of Huntress and its SIEM Platform03:51 Understanding SIEM: Definition and Importance08:52 The Evolution of SIEM Solutions13:56 Huntress SIEM: Unique Features and Benefits18:50 The Role of DNS Filtering in SIEM24:01 Reducing Barriers for Small Businesses and MSPs29:16 Understanding Penetration Testing and Its Challenges30:49 The Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses31:30 Healthcare Cybersecurity: Risks and Responsibilities35:43 The Role of Cybersecurity in Patient Care37:02 Real-World Cybersecurity Incidents and Lessons Learned44:52 The Future of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
In this conversation, Mikey Pruitt and Stephan Schmidt explore the concept of radical simplicity in software development and business management. They discuss the challenges CTOs face, the importance of balancing technical and management skills, and the implications of technical debt. The conversation also delves into the future of coding in the age of AI, emphasizing the need for simplicity across all business domains to enhance adaptability and efficiency.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Radical Simplicity
02:42 The Ethos of Radical Simplicity
05:30 Radical Simplicity in Business Management
08:49 Microservices and Complexity
11:42 The Amazing CTO and Leadership Skills
14:34 Technical Debt and Its Implications
17:30 The Future of Coding with AI
23:28 Simplicity Across Business Functions