TubbTalk 114: How to Effectively use Cyber Essentials, GDPR & Keepabl
Shabad Chawla is the founder of Tech Sapiens, a London-based MSP. Its managed service framework is based on the UK’s Cyber Essentials scheme, GDPR and other relevant industry standards. This allows Shabad to offer a profitable niche service.
The Tech Sapiens Tool StackShabad explains they have a range of tools they use in-house. Some are standard, and others specific to the services they offer. They use Autotask and Datto for RMM, and Zomentum for quoting and their sales process.
Then, they use Keepabl to support clients with GDPR and Cybersmart for compliance and dealing with Cyber Essentials. For documentation, they have IT Glue for internal use internally and to help with training the end users.
“Quite often an MSP will install some software, show the staff how to use it and forget about it. But we found that when they have new staff, or there’s a software update, the clients aren’t using it effectively.
“So, we record a training session on each solution, upload it to Vimeo and share via IT Glue. We use a tool called Tango which allows us to zoom in on different parts of the screen to highlight the action you’re explaining. It works really well.
How Shabad uses Keepabl in his BusinessKeepabl is a GDPR compliance platform, which helps with the compliance journey. Compliance is something businesses have to work on continually, says Shabad, and it’s important for their IT partner to support them with that.
Shabad says Keepabl is easy to use, because it’s multi-tenanted. Users can list all of their clients and add in the appropriate departments within each business. It tracks all the data stored and how it’s being used, plus you can manage any breaches or subject access requests. It can also be licenced and resold.
Why GDPR is an Opportunity for Tech SapiensPrivacy is important for us all as individuals as well as for businesses, says Shabad. “Personally, we want to know which companies hold our data and why. From a business owner’s point of view, we’re already storing client information and talking about data protection.
“We make it clear that we’re being compliant and following regulatory requirements around data storage. Having a GDPR framework and a process for cybersecurity makes that easier. This matters to everyone, which is why we decided to make it a focus for Tech Sapiens.”
Shabad adds that when talking to existing clients he’ll often mention GDPR and explain how the company can support them with it. “On the other side, people struggle with GDPR and need help. They don’t realise an MSP can help them with that. So we start off the relationship looking at GDPR, and end up offering IT support as well.”
Tech Sapiens’ Relationship with KeepablShabad explains that he’s known Robert Baugh, founder of Keepabl, for several years. “They’re brilliant at supporting our journey to help clients with their GDPR compliance. Nothing is a problem. Some clients want to speak to them, and they’re always happy to do so.
“Another thing I really like is their ‘policy pack’ – a whole bunch of ready-made policies which can be tweaked and tailored to suit the client. That’s really handy to have alongside the data map. They’re great guys to work with.”
How MSPs can Find the Best Vendor PartnersFor decision-making within Tech Sapiens, Shabad uses a weighted matrix. He explains that you list all the potential vendors on one side, and the features you really want on the other. Then, you assign a ‘weight’ to each one to map how important the feature is.
Next, give the vendors a score from 0 to 5 on how well they can deliver on each of the essential features. Shabad says it’s easy to assess the vendors that way. A rigorous process makes you feel confident that you’ve made the right decision. If it’s a small thing you’re looking for, you can do a free trial of several vendors and cancel those that aren’t the right fit.
Why Tech Sapiens Focus on Cyber EssentialsShabad says he and the Tech Sapiens team think Cyber Essentials is perfect for supporting businesses with compliance and cybersecurity. “It’s a standard starting point. It gives a framework that you can share with the client so they understand why they have to do things a certain way.
“It’s not gold standard, because it’s not complex enough for a bank, say, or a financial services organisation, but it’s great to get people started. And it’s certified, so people trust it.
“Too many businesses aren’t really aware of what’s going on in their IT department, or how their IT partner’s company works. Confidential data is so at risk from cyber criminals. So we feel that Cyber Essentials is a way to push everyone to a minimum baseline, which is a big step forward.”
(If you’d like to learn more about Cyber Essentials certification, then the IASME site will help)
How to Connect With Shabad ChawlaTech SapiensFollow Tech Sapiens on LinkedInConnect with Shabad Chawla on LinkedInFollow Tech Sapiens on FacebookFollow Tech Sapiens on TwitterHow to Connect With MeSubscribe to TubbTalk RSS feedSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk in iTunesSubscribe, rate and review TubbTalk on Stitcher RadioSubscribe and rate TubbTalk on SpotifyFollow TubbTalk on iHeartRadioFollow @tubblog on TwitterMentioned in This EpisodeAutotask from Datto/KaseyaSales platform: ZomentumDocumentation: IT GlueGDPR compliance training: KeepablCybersecurity: CyberSmartUK government cybersecurity scheme: Cyber EssentialsVideo hosting and sharing: VimeoCreate step by step guides: TangoCreate step by step guides: ScribeCreate step by step guides: SnagitThe Tech TribeDiscord channel: MSPs in the UKMSP Geek Slack channelAI tech support: MoveworksMSP admin portal: Microsoft LighthouseM365 monitoring: MSP Easy ToolsYou Might Also be Interested inPowerful Video Help for MSPs on GDPR – Privacy KitchenCyber Security Top Tips for Small Business Success and GrowthPodcast: The Top Ways to Move Your MSP Business to a Cybersecurity FocusThe post TubbTalk 114: How to Effectively use Cyber Essentials, GDPR & Keepabl appeared first on Richard Tubb.
