In this bonus interview, Richard speaks to Mostyn Thomas, the Senior Director of Security at Pax8 and an expert in cybersecurity. The conversation was recorded live at the Cloud and Cybersecurity Expo in London in March 2024.
Mostyn is responsible for overseeing the company’s channel security operations, empowering Pax8 partners to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and ultimately grow their business.
An Interview With Mostyn Thomas
The Surprising Cybersecurity Lesson from a Deadly Fire
Mostyn gave a talk at the Expo, and used an analogy to illustrate the idea that we need to quickly adapt in a rapidly-changing cybersecurity environment. The story he shared was about the Mann Gulch wildfire in 1949.
Essentially, the lead firefighter told his crew to get behind the fire and drive it away. However, high winds caused the fire to blaze up more rapidly than expected, killing 13 men. In part, this was due to confusion over the instructions from the leader.
And the lesson? Mostyn says: “We need to use our strengths, but learn from lessons of the past about how things can move quickly. So, how can we adapt and look at things know using our knowledge that we’ve gained over many years ourselves, rather than just following the crowd?”
Watch a Video on the Mann Gulch Wildfire
How Attitudes Towards Cybersecurity are Changing Amongst SMB Owners
While many SMB owners still think that cybercriminals aren’t interested in them, the MSPs that Mostyn speaks to say that their clients are starting to see that that’s no longer the case. “They may not be interested in you.
“But they want your data and your credentials,” says Mostyn. “They know it’s not an issue yet, but they want to be prepared. So we’re supporting our partners to educate the end users and find ways to protect them now.”
Why Education is Key to Making MSP Clients Cybersecurity Aware
In the IT space, we all know that cybersecurity is important, but our customers have so many other things to think about that it’s hard to get them to take it seriously. That’s why Mostyn says that education is key.
“Say to them: ‘We know someone in your sector who got attacked. And we don’t want the same to happen to you, so let us help you to protect yourself. In many cases, security can be an enabler as well.
“It can make you more efficient and help to reduce risk. And you can even help clients to save money on their insurance. Offering a security service also gives you an edge in the market. So it’s essential that you help your clients understand its importance.”
How to Deal with Objections From Rural Businesses
Sometimes an MSP will say that their smaller clients in rural areas really don’t see the point in cybersecurity, believing it only impacts companies in towns and cities. Mostyn previously ran an MSP in a quiet community, and has some advice:
“It’s a slightly different mindset you need, but we’re all facing the same threats, and as the MSP in a rural location, you also have an opportunity. So if your clients push back, find stories that they can connect with.
“The police-run cyber resilience centre in your area can help with examples of rural cybercrime. You could also think about giving a talk at the local chamber of commerce or Farmer’s Union. You know that market and the local challenges, so there are real advantages for you.”
How to Connect With Mostyn Thomas
- Pax8
- Connect with Mostyn on LinkedIn
- Email Mostyn
- Follow Pax8 on Twitter
- Like Pax8 on Facebook
- Follow Pax8 on LinkedIn
How to Connect With Me
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Mentioned in This Episode
- The Cloud and Cybersecurity Expo
- Richard’s first podcast interview with Mostyn
- The Pax8 cybersecurity masterclass
You Might Also be Interested in
- Podcast: The Best Cybersecurity Resources for MSPs You Need to be Aware of
- Championing the Right of Boom and the MSP Revolution
- Podcast: AI, the Future of Managed Services and Pax8 for MSPs: What You Need to Know
Richard Tubb is one of the best-known experts within the global IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) community. He launched and sold his own MSP business before creating a leading MSP media and consultancy practice. Richard helps IT business owner’s take back control by freeing up their time and building a business that can run without them. He’s the author of the book “The IT Business Owner’s Survival Guide” and writer of the award-winning blog www.tubblog.co.uk
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