Episode: How MSPs Can Build a Microsoft-First Security Stack

The Core Question the Episode Answers

How can Security and IT leaders and MSPs (Managed Service Providers) successfully transition to a “Microsoft-first” security stack by standardizing Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation, while still leveraging partners and third-party tools where they add value?

During Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast, Ben Wilcox, CTO/CISO at ProArch, shares why ProArch moved from on-prem servers to zero trust and 24/7 SOC operations, replacing legacy tools with built-in Microsoft capabilities.

The episode also covers deploying Azure AD, Intune, and Defender, managing multitenant environments, enabling password less identity, enforcing zero trust with vendors, and preparing for emerging threats like deepfakes and AI-driven fraud.

Key Takeaways

Unified Microsoft Security Approach

Get tips on how to streamline your security stack by standardizing Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation, which will reduce complexity, strengthen zero trust, and replace legacy tools with built-in Microsoft capabilities.

Practical Steps MSPs Can Implement Now

You’ll learn how MSPs can more easily and cost-effectively deploy Azure AD, Intune, and Defender, manage multitenant environments, move to cloud native storage, reduce identity risk, adopt password less access, and enforce zero trust with vendors.

Partnering for Security and Facing AI-driven Threats

Ben shares real-world examples of how ProArch helps MSPs through project partnerships, comanaged models, and SOC outsourcing while helping them stay ahead of deepfakes, AI driven fraud, and other fast evolving threats.

3 Key Insights from Ben

Standardizing on Microsoft Strengthens Security & Reduces Complexity

“If you're trying to go Microsoft-first without blowing up the business, we lay out the playbook ProArch uses every day which is standardizing on Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation while still leaving room for third-party tools where they actually add value.”

Identity Is the #1 Cyber Risk—And Microsoft Has the Modern Fix

“Identity is the top cyber risk and passwordless logins like Windows Hello, passkeys, and YubiKeys can drastically reduce phishing impact.”

MSPs Need Partners to Tackle Emerging Threats Like Deepfakes & AI Fraud

“You get a realistic look at deepfakes, AIgenerated voices, and their impact on fraud and social engineering, and why MSPs need capable partners with a proven track record to help keep pace with these threats.”

Ben Wilcox

CISO & CTO

   

Listen to the Full Episode

Real-world insights from Uncle Marv’s IT Business Podcast: Building an All-in Microsoft Security Stack.

Listen Now

What This Means for IT Leaders?

CISO - This episode shows you how to cut risk fast by unifying security on Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and Purview, thus reducing tool sprawl, strengthening identity, and preparing for threats like deepfakes and AI driven fraud. You’ll get a clear blueprint for a stronger, simpler, identity first security strategy.

CIO - Learn how a Microsoft first approach reduces operational complexity, lowers costs, streamlines governance, and accelerates cloud modernization across the business. By listening in, you’ll learn about how consolidation drives efficiency, scalability, and faster time to value and what action to take now to reap the benefits.

Cybersecurity Teams - Get actionable guidance on deploying Azure AD, Intune, Defender XDR, conditional access, password less authentication, and zero trust. In addition, how to respond to emerging threats using Microsoft’s integrated telemetry.