Identity First Security For MSPs (EP 990)

Mike Wise runs Clockwork Networks as a one-man MSP, and he’s doing it intentionally. This wasn’t about staying small because he had to—it’s about building a business around efficiency, standardization, and control. We talked through how he niched into tax professionals and compliance-heavy clients, and how that decision simplified everything from tooling to service delivery. We also got into security, specifically identity-first approaches and passkeys. Mike shared how leaning into Microsoft Entra ID and eliminating passwords has helped prevent real-world attacks. This is one of those conversations that challenges the idea that growth always means hiring more people. Sometimes growth means doing less, better. Chapters:  00:00 Opening, conference recap, and swag winner 07:07 ThreatLocker, sponsors, and event takeaways 13:31 Introducing Mike Wise and Clockwork Networks 20:27 Solo MSP by choice and staying intentionally small 25:09 Finding a profitable niche with tax pros and compliance-heavy clients 30:36 Compliance realities, WISPs, and non‑negotiables for clients 36:10 Pricing, “all‑in” services, backups, and where MSPs leave money on the table 39:23 Standardizing tools, Entra ID, and identity‑first security 43:16 Passkeys, Evil Jinx, and stopping modern phishing attacks 49:15 Building and running the “Nerd Cave” MSP peer group 55:47 Final security mindset takeaways and closing remarks Guests: Mike Wise, Clockwork Networks Website: https://clockworknetworks.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatmikewise/ Florida Man Stories Naked Florida man robs meat market wearing only a face covering: https://linkly.link/2gcOQ Florida Man hides in tanning bed after trying to set gym on fire: https://linkly.link/2gcOR Birthday Suite Bandie - Naked man arrested trying to break into house: https://linkly.link/2gcOS N-Able Empower 26 News https://www.n-able.com/press/press-releases/n-able-makes-uem-ai-native-with-mcp-server-launch https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414320263/en/N-able-Accelerates-Recovery-Time-After-Critical-Events-with-Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service Shout-outs Mary Katherine Revels, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-katherine-revels-9913b3119/ Kim Ceccini, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cecchini/ Tiffany Bova, Salesforce / Author: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanibova/ Vikram Ramesh, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramesh/ Marcus Hutchins, Security Researcher: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malwaretech/ Mike DePalma, OpenText: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldepalma1/ Jason Miller, Unbound Digital: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32a03530/ Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned OpenText: https://www.opentext.com Unbound Digital: https://unbounddigital.com Microsoft (Entra ID / Microsoft 365 / OneDrive / SharePoint): https://www.microsoft.com Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com Gartner: https://www.gartner.com Business Wire: https://www.businesswire.com Simply Wall St: https://simplywall.st === SPONSORS:  Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/ Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready === SHOW MUSIC:  Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo  Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET Author Username: AlexanderRufire  Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML === Connect with Uncle Marv🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/🎙 Host: Marvin Bee🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcastIf you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.