MSPs vs Ransomware: Lessons from Check Point (EP 887)

I sit down with cybersecurity thought leader David Meister, who leads global MSP efforts at Check Point Software, to talk big trends and smart strategies for MSPs in 2025. We dissect Checkpoint’s new ransomware report, the rise of AI-powered phishing emails, and why attackers are shifting focus to extortion. David gets candid about the challenges of moving from MSP to vendor, how Check Point is building a unified, user-friendly platform, and why humility must be part of your security playbook. We round it out with practical advice, real stories, and resources you won’t want to miss. Why Listen? (Takeaways List)Understand how ransomware tactics are evolving in 2025Learn how AI is changing the cybercriminal landscapeHear expert advice on securing cloud-based emailDiscover the risks of overconfidence in cybersecurityMost important security misconfigurations—and how to fix themHow MSPs can adapt to the commoditization of cybercrimeInsights into Checkpoint’s new MSP platform and resourcesReal-world stories from both MSP and vendor perspectivesDavid Meister is the Global Head of MSP at Check Point Software Technologies. Originally from Australia and now based in Utah, David brings years of hands-on experience in managed service leadership, sales, and cybersecurity. He’s dedicated to helping MSPs succeed against today’s toughest threats.Website: https://www.checkpoint.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davemeister1/Companies, Products, and Books Mentioned (with URLs)Avanan: https://www.checkpoint.com/products/email-security/Perimeter81: https://www.perimeter81.comCyberint: https://cyberint.comPax8: https://www.pax8.comMicrosoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365CryptoLocker (reference): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CryptoLockerChatGPT: https://chat.openai.comPerplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/Grok (xAI): https://grok.x.ai/Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/Verizon Breach Report: https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/SPONSORS:Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlockerLegacy Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/Internet Provider, Rythmz: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/rythmzProduction Gear Partner, Liongard: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/liongardTravel Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoipTravel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugridDigital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerreadySHOW MUSIC: Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock LogoItem URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UETAuthor Username: AlexanderRufireItem 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.