Thu Sep-21-2023: Bullseye on MSPs, Double Edges of Cloud Computing, HoloLens, Alexa, Azure and more

In this episode of "The Business of Tech," host Dave Sobel discusses the growing threat to MSPs and IT service organizations as ransomware gangs target small businesses through their IT providers. He highlights the LockBit ransomware group using remote monitoring and management software to spread their ransomware and compromise downstream customers. Dave emphasizes the importance of securing systems and shedding complacency for SMBs who often believe they are not a target.Dave also explores the double-edged sword of affordable cloud computing, citing a report commissioned by AWS and conducted by Accenture that reveals the widespread adoption of cloud services by businesses, unlocking significant productivity gains. However, he warns SMBs about the need for cost management and understanding the true costs and benefits of cloud computing.In a product segment, Dave highlights notable updates, including Microsoft's advanced mixed-reality goggles for combat situations, Azure Update Manager's general availability for managing software updates, Amazon's updates for its voice assistant Alexa, and Google's BARD AI chatbot's ability to search and summarize information from Gmail, Docs, and Drive.Three things to know today:00:00 The Bullseye on MSPs: How Ransomware Gangs are Targeting Small Businesses Through Their IT Providers03:54 The Double-Edged Sword of Affordable Cloud Computing05:55 Products That Could Transform Work, War, and Everyday LifeAdvertiser: https://twingate.com/podcast/Looking for a link from the stories? The entire script of the show, with links to articles, are posted in each story on https://businessof.tech/Do you want the show on your podcast app or the written versions of the stories? Subscribe to the Business of Tech: https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe/Support the show on Patreon: https://patreon.com/mspradio/Want our stuff? Cool Merch? Wear “Why Do We Care?” - Visit https://mspradio.myspreadshop.comFollow us on:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews/Twitter: https://twitter.com/mspradionews/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079/  💼 All Our SponsorsSupport the vendors who support the show:👉 https://businessof.tech/sponsors/ 🚀 Join Business of Tech PlusGet exclusive access to investigative reports, vendor analysis, leadership briefings, and more.👉 https://businessof.tech/plus 🎧 Subscribe to the Business of TechWant the show on your favorite podcast app or prefer the written versions of each story?📲 https://www.businessof.tech/subscribe 📰 Story Links & SourcesLooking for the links from today’s stories?Every episode script — with full source links — is posted at:🌐 https://www.businessof.tech 🎙 Want to Be a Guest?Pitch your story or appear on Business of Tech: Daily 10-Minute IT Services Insights:💬 https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/businessoftech 🔗 Follow Business of Tech LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28908079YouTube: https://youtube.com/mspradioBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/businessof.techInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mspradioTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoftechFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mspradionews Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.