Identity First Security For MSPs (EP 990)

Mike Wise runs Clockwork Networks as a one-man MSP, and he’s doing it intentionally. This wasn’t about staying small because he had to—it’s about building a business around efficiency, standardization, and control. We talked through how he niched into tax professionals and compliance-heavy clients, and how that decision simplified everything from tooling to service delivery.

We also got into security, specifically identity-first approaches and passkeys. Mike shared how leaning into Microsoft Entra ID and eliminating passwords has helped prevent real-world attacks. This is one of those conversations that challenges the idea that growth always means hiring more people. Sometimes growth means doing less, better.

Chapters: 

• 00:00 Opening, conference recap, and swag winner
• 07:07 ThreatLocker, sponsors, and event takeaways
• 13:31 Introducing Mike Wise and Clockwork Networks
• 20:27 Solo MSP by choice and staying intentionally small
• 25:09 Finding a profitable niche with tax pros and compliance-heavy clients
• 30:36 Compliance realities, WISPs, and non‑negotiables for clients
• 36:10 Pricing, “all‑in” services, backups, and where MSPs leave money on the table
• 39:23 Standardizing tools, Entra ID, and identity‑first security
• 43:16 Passkeys, Evil Jinx, and stopping modern phishing attacks
• 49:15 Building and running the “Nerd Cave” MSP peer group
• 55:47 Final security mindset takeaways and closing remarks

Guests: Mike Wise, Clockwork Networks

• Website: https://clockworknetworks.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatmikewise/

Florida Man Stories

• Naked Florida man robs meat market wearing only a face covering: https://linkly.link/2gcOQ
• Florida Man hides in tanning bed after trying to set gym on fire: https://linkly.link/2gcOR
• Birthday Suite Bandie - Naked man arrested trying to break into house: https://linkly.link/2gcOS

N-Able Empower 26 News

• https://www.n-able.com/press/press-releases/n-able-makes-uem-ai-native-with-mcp-server-launch
• https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260414320263/en/N-able-Accelerates-Recovery-Time-After-Critical-Events-with-Disaster-Recovery-as-a-Service

Shout-outs

• Mary Katherine Revels, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-katherine-revels-9913b3119/
• Kim Ceccini, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cecchini/
• Tiffany Bova, Salesforce / Author: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanibova/
• Vikram Ramesh, N-able: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikramesh/
• Marcus Hutchins, Security Researcher: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malwaretech/
• Mike DePalma, OpenText: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldepalma1/
• Jason Miller, Unbound Digital: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-miller-32a03530/

Companies / Vendors / Products Mentioned

• OpenText: https://www.opentext.com
• Unbound Digital: https://unbounddigital.com
• Microsoft (Entra ID / Microsoft 365 / OneDrive / SharePoint): https://www.microsoft.com
• Salesforce: https://www.salesforce.com
• Gartner: https://www.gartner.com
• Business Wire: https://www.businesswire.com
• Simply Wall St: https://simplywall.st

=== SPONSORS: 

• Livestream Partner, ThreatLocker: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/threatlocker
• Technology Partner, NetAlly: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/netally/
• Technology Partner: Bvoip: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/bvoip
• Travel Partner: TruGrid: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/trugrid
• Digital Partner, Designer Ready: http://itbusinesspodcast.com/designerready

=== SHOW MUSIC: 

• Item Title: Upbeat & Fun Sports Rock Logo 
• Item URL: https://elements.envato.com/upbeat-fun-sports-rock-logo-CSR3UET
• Author Username: AlexanderRufire 
• Item License Code: 7X9F52DNML

=== Connect with Uncle Marv

🌐 Website: https://www.itbusinesspodcast.com/
🎙 Host: Marvin Bee
🛒 Uncle Marv’s Amazon Store (gear & tools I recommend): https://amzn.to/3EiyKoZ
☕ Support the show: https://ko-fi.com/itbusinesspodcast

If you found value in this episode, share it with another MSP, IT provider, or tech entrepreneur. Your support helps keep practical, no-nonsense IT business conversations coming every week.