Demystifying Microsoft

FIDO2 and passkeys are redefining identity security by moving beyond vulnerable shared secrets. In this episode, Nathan Taylor of Sourcepass MCOE and Dom Kirby of Pax8 explain why traditional MFA methods like SMS and TOTP are failing against modern adversary-in-the-middle attacks. They touch upon hardware-backed cryptography and provide a roadmap for IT leaders to deploy phishing-resistant authentication across their organizations without overwhelming users.

Microsoft Entra Suite provides a comprehensive Zero Trust identity solution, including Entra ID Governance, Protection, Private Access, and Internet Access. Nathan Taylor details the evolution of identity security within the Microsoft ecosystem. This episode breaks down the five core pillars of the Entra Suite and explains how these tools unify access control across users and devices. Discover how to move beyond legacy VPNs while preparing your infrastructure for the rise of AI agents. It is a technical look at hardening your enterprise against modern credential-based threats.

As Microsoft moves away from legacy Open License programs toward the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) model, IT leaders must understand how to optimize their spend. This episode talks about the transition to subscription-based licensing, the financial impact of Azure Hybrid Use Benefit, and how tools like Azure Arc and Azure Local provide flexibility for on-premises and hybrid environments. Join hosts Nathan Taylor and Lindsay Cowan from Sourcepass MCOE as they untangle the complexities of Windows Server and SQL Server licensing.

Learn why most organizations underestimate the complexity of Microsoft tenant-to-tenant migrations, where the real risks lie beyond email and data, and how better planning across identity, devices, and licensing can ensure a smoother, more secure M&A integration.

Nathan Taylor and Tracy Harper examine the rising tide of sophisticated phishing attacks, including the "direct send" exploit currently targeting tenants. They break down the Defender ecosystem from Endpoint to Office 365, explaining how Business Premium serves as a foundation for identity protection. This conversation provides a pragmatic roadmap for moving beyond basic MFA to a fully hardened and assessed environment.

A fast, practical breakdown of Microsoft’s latest changes across AI, security, and licensing. This episode focuses on how new announcements like E7, Copilot advancements, and licensing changes will impact cost, control, and day-to-day operations and where you need to pay attention right now.

Nathan Taylor and Austin Kelly examine the transition from free grace periods to Microsoft’s new Extended Service Terms (EST), which introduce a 23% premium on expired subscriptions, turning a previously free window into a prorated paid extension. The conversation covers critical enforcement dates, the financial impact on CSP and MCA customers, and strategic moves across SKUs such as Office 365 E3 and Business Premium. They provide a framework for using EST as a deliberate tool rather than an accidental expense.

Mike Hughes joins host Nathan Taylor to examine the strategy behind Microsoft’s E7 license and why it is designed for organizations operating at enterprise scale with growing AI demands. As many IT leaders are already evaluating, the rise of AI consumption and agentic AI systems is beginning to reshape licensing models, infrastructure planning, and workforce dynamics. The conversation explores what this shift means for cost optimization, governance, security, and the operational realities of integrating AI agents into modern enterprise environments where they increasingly function as digital teammates rather than standalone tools.

Join hosts Nathan Taylor and Austin Kelly from Sourcepass MCOE as they dive into the critical decisions behind Microsoft licensing. They’ll uncover why default licensing choices might not be the best fit, share strategies to optimize costs without compromising security, and break down how to choose between Business Premium, E3, and E5 based on your unique business needs.

Business email compromise is one of the biggest threats to Microsoft 365 tenants—and most environments are more exposed than they think. Nathan Taylor unpacks how these attacks work, where the real gaps are, and how to fix them fast. From MFA to email and identity protection, get a 7 step approach to locking down your tenant.

Nathan Taylor and Lindsay Cowan from Sourcepass Center of Excellence for Microsoft examine Microsoft’s E7 announcement and what it means for organizations already navigating AI adoption. As many IT leaders are experiencing, the challenge is shifting from capability to control. The conversation focuses on what’s included in E7, how it builds on existing licensing, and why governance is becoming critical as AI agents take on more responsibility across enterprise environments.

Compromised Microsoft 365 accounts are increasing, and many organizations don’t clearly understand how or why. Nathan Taylor breaks down what’s actually happening, from phishing and token theft to gaps in identity controls. He explains how business email compromise works, why it’s accelerating, and what follows once access is gained, including the financial and operational impact most teams underestimate.

Microsoft releases hundreds of updates every year. Demystifying Microsoft is a podcast for IT leaders who want clarity, not complexity, around what matters most. No jargon. No fluff. No vendor spin.