How MSPs can manage ransomware risk to combat soaring cyber insurance premiums

Dave Sobel

Host, The Business Of Tech Podcast David Ednie Photo David Ednie

Dave is regarded as a leading expert in the delivery of technology services, with broad experience in both technology and business. He owned and operated an IT Solution Provider and MSP for over a decade, both acquiring other organizations and eventually being acquired. This firm was a winner of multiple awards, including Kaseya’s Cutting Edge and ConnectWise’s Best New Idea, as well as being a finalist for Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner of the Year in the Small Business Specialist category. After his MSP experience, he has worked for multiple vendors at such companies as Level Platforms, GFI, LogicNow, and Solarwinds, leading community, event, marketing, and product strategies, as well as several M&A activities. As a technologist, Dave is the host of the podcast “The Business of Tech” and co-host of the podcast “Killing IT”, and authored the book Virtualization: Defined. He was named a CRN Channel Chief multiple times, to the CRN UK A-List, as a Channel Futures Circle of Excellence winner, to Channel Pro’s 20/20 Visionaries, and has been an MSPmentor 250 member for multiple years Dave has been recognized as one of the top virtualization experts globally as a Microsoft MVP for Virtualization. Dave has served on the executive council for Managed Services and Emerging Technologies, the Vendor Advisory Council, as founding Chair for the Mobility Community for CompTIA. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the College of William and Mary. He is a dynamic voice within the IT community, a former member and facilitator for Heartland Technology Groups and passionate about collaborating with clients and peers on utilizing technology to advance organizations. He lives just outside Washington DC with his wife and two cats. His interests include travel and food, cheering the Washington Nationals and Capitals, smoking barbeque, enjoying craft beers, and collecting and playing retro and modern video games among others.

Joseph Brunsman

Founder, Brunsman Advisory Group

Joe is a uniquely qualified and experienced insurance broker, author, and speaker with a strong technical background. He is a former IT professional who holds a degree in Systems Engineering (Robotics) from the United States Naval Academy, and has experience in database management and network security. As a Naval Officer, he held various positions on various warships, including Electronic Warfare and Combat Information Center Officer. In 2019, he completed a Masters of Law in Cybersecurity Law at the Carey School of Law. Joe is the co-author of three bestselling books on insurance, as well as a book on Blockchain for Business. He has also written numerous peer-reviewed articles that have been featured in nationwide magazines, and has developed cybersecurity and insurance law courses for international and national trade groups. Joe is the founder of Brunsman Advisory Group, an insurance brokerage that specializes in Professional Liability (E&O), Employment Practices, and Cyber Insurance coverages. He uses his technical expertise to help businesses across the country solve complex insurance problems. You can find him on his YouTube Channel, where he discusses the latest developments in cyber insurance and cybersecurity law.

James Slaby

Director of Cyber Protection, Acronis

James R. Slaby is the Director of Cyber Protection at Acronis. Previously, Slaby was an industry analyst covering cybersecurity, cloud computing and networking at Forrester Research, HFS Research, Yankee Group and The Info Pro. He has also held solutions, vertical, product and campaign marketing roles at tech security and networking vendors including Sonus, Acme Packet, Bay Networks and Motorola.