E-ChannelNews Podcasts

Send us a textGuest: Alain Cormier, CEO, Novipro, a well-established Canadian IT solutions provider, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.Alain provided an overview of the company’s extensive experience in the technology sector, highlighting its role as a solution provider and integrator for both small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and large enterprises. He introduced a recent IT trends report that reflects the company’s dedication to understanding and adapting to industry developments. The report, which has been produced annually for the past decade, is based on comprehensive surveys conducted in collaboration with Leger Marketing, ensuring a well-rounded perspective on technology’s impact across various sectors.The discussion shifted to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). For the first time, AI is expected to surpass cybersecurity in terms of business investment over the next two years. Alain expressed concerns about the perception of IT departments within organizations, revealing a disconnect between business line respondents and IT decision-makers regarding the strategic role of IT.Alain also addressed the challenges companies face in integrating AI, particularly concerning data privacy and security. He underscored the necessity for businesses to develop comprehensive cybersecurity protocols and business continuity plans, especially as cyber threats become more sophisticated.The 2025 IT Trends Report shows that while companies are doubling down on AI to boost productivity and cut costs, many are underinvesting in the cybersecurity required to protect these digital ambitions.

Send us a textSase Janki, CEO of J-SAS, talked about the challenges organizations face regarding cybersecurity protection and compliance. He identified three major pain points: the fragmentation caused by multiple tools complicating compliance efforts, audit hesitancy stemming from uncertainty about compliance status, and the complexity and cost of traditional Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools that deter smaller organizations from pursuing compliance initiatives. He cautioned against a checkbox mentality and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes ongoing monitoring and automated evidence collection.Sase also underscored the critical role of compliance for Managed Service Providers (MSPs), asserting that it is essential for demonstrating security capabilities and creating new revenue streams. He proposed a strategy for MSPs to conduct compliance assessments, which could reveal security gaps and lead to additional service offerings. Compliance should be viewed as a structured approach to managing security needs rather than an overwhelming task.See more from J-SAS by clicking here.

Send us a textSpeaker: Omry Farajun, President, Storage GuardianOmry spoke about the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the importance of personal relationships in the managed service provider (MSP) sector. He highlighted the need for MSPs to pivot from traditional backup and disaster recovery services to cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing the significance of integrating platforms and maintaining effective communication during incidents. He also introduced Storage Guardian’s incident response planner, which aims to assist MSPs in managing cybersecurity incidents, while also stressing the necessity of alternative communication methods as outlined by the NIST 2.0 framework.Stay tuned for much more from Storage Guardian in the coming months.

Send us a textFraud fatigue sets in even as Canadians face more personalized scams.Geoff Morton, Senior Director, Fraud Strategy at RBC, discussed new poll data about the rise in targeted scams and how Canadians are feeling about the steps they must take to help protect themselves against fraud. Geoff highlighted a shift in fraud strategies, where criminals are increasingly targeting clients directly rather than banks, prompting RBC to enhance its fraud detection capabilities through real-time technology. Despite a decrease in certain types of attacks, he emphasized the ongoing need for investment in security measures and the importance of user responsibility in safeguarding personal information.Geoff elaborated on the collaborative effort required to combat fraud, involving banks, telecommunication companies, and social media platforms. He pointed out the rise of crypto investment scams, which exploit the public’s limited understanding of cryptocurrency and often use deceptive tactics, such as deep fakes, to lure victims. The conversation also touched on the emotional impact of scams, particularly romance scams that transition into crypto fraud, highlighting the psychological vulnerabilities that scammers exploit.A survey indicated that a large majority of Canadians feel that fraud attempts have increased, leading to a sense of “fraud fatigue.” While seniors are often viewed as the most vulnerable demographic, Geoff pointed out that fraud affects all age groups, necessitating robust fraud controls. The discussion underscored the importance of distinguishing between legitimate and fraudulent communications in the digital age.

Send us a textGuest: Marty Sprinzen, Founder and CEO of VantiqJulian and Marty explored current trends in AI, particularly generative AI, and its potential to automate processes in real-time. Marty emphasized Vantiq’s mission to enhance disaster response by merging data from diverse sources, which can provide actionable recommendations to first responders during emergencies. The dialogue highlighted the critical role of technology in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters.The conversation also touched on the dual nature of AI. Marty acknowledged the potential for AI to enhance productivity while cautioning against overhype. He talked about the implications of AI on the workforce, suggesting that while some jobs may diminish, new roles requiring creativity and adaptability will emerge. The need for proper guidelines in AI implementation was emphasized, particularly regarding cybersecurity risks associated with employees using AI without oversight.