Why Off-Channel Messaging Is a Compliance Risk for MSPs and Their Clients
Today’s businesses thrive on speed and connectivity, but the rising use of unauthorized messaging and collaboration tools — known as off-channel communications or Shadow IT — poses a growing compliance and security risk. As enforcement actions accelerate, managed service providers (MSPs) must recognize these dangers not just for their clients, but also for their own operations and […]
Say Goodbye to CSVs: Why Legacy Audit Reporting Holds MSPs Back
For years, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have leaned heavily on CSV exports to meet audit and compliance demands. Run a PowerShell script, wrangle the output, download a log, manually parse permissions — repeat for every client, every month. It’s how things have always been done. (No wonder so many MSPs still believe that compliance is […]
Blacksmith InfoSec and Liongard Announce Strategic Integration
At Blacksmith InfoSec, we’ve always believed that real security outcomes should drive compliance. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our latest integration with Liongard, a move that transforms how Managed Service Providers (MSPs) approach compliance audits. This integration empowers MSPs to automate user-centric security audits across Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and any system connected via Liongard […]
Demystifying CMMC for MSPs
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) has become a central compliance requirement for organizations in the U.S. defense supply chain. For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), understanding CMMC is essential — not only to support clients but also to ensure their own operations align with evolving Department of Defense (DoD) expectations. This article breaks down what […]
Operationalizing Compliance: 2025 Guide for MSPs and Enterprises
By this point, we’re all aware that compliance isn’t something you can shove into a filing cabinet and forget about until audits roll around. If you’re still treating it like a box-checking exercise or scrambling to get your act together before regulatory deadlines, you’re doing it wrong — and it’s going to cost you. If […]
EOS Principles and Operationalizing MSP Security Programs
Many MSPs have embraced the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to organize and grow their businesses. EOS is lauded for its structured approach to goal setting, team roles, and operational discipline — qualities that have helped countless MSPs reach new levels of performance. But what if you could apply the same proven principles that make EOS […]
SOC 2 and NIST CSF: Forging Trust and Differentiation in a Crowded MSP Market
For MSPs, aligning with SOC 2 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) offers distinct yet complementary advantages. Both frameworks enhance credibility, streamline compliance, and give managed service providers an edge in positioning in competitive markets. As two of the most influential frameworks in this space, SOC 2 and NIST offer distinct but complementary approaches to […]
Compliance as a Service (CaaS): Unlocking Growth and Trust for Modern MSPs
The managed services industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation. As regulatory requirements tighten and cyber threats escalate, businesses are no longer satisfied with basic IT support — they expect their Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to be proactive partners in compliance and risk management. Enter Compliance as a Service (CaaS): a game-changing opportunity for MSPs to […]
From Tech Support to Compliance Pro
How MSPs Can Meet Growing Client Demand for Compliance Services Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are facing a significant shift in client expectations. What began as requests for technical support and infrastructure management has evolved into demands for comprehensive compliance solutions. Many MSPs find themselves unprepared for this transition, lacking the specialized knowledge and tools needed […]
AI-Powered Compliance: The Story Continues
The integration of AI with IT compliance continues to present significant challenges in 2025, as organizations navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while trying to leverage AI’s benefits. On top of this, software developers are racing to prove that AI is an easy replacement for compliance expertise — at their own peril. While “AI” seems […]