84. The Vendor You Trust Most Could Be Your Biggest Security Risk
Hosts:
Justin Shelley — Phoenix IT Advisors: https://www.phoenixitadvisors.com/
Mario Zaki — Mazteck IT: https://www.mazteck.com/
Do you know exactly which vendors have access to your business systems, your data, or your network? If the honest answer is "not really" — this episode is for you.
Justin Shelley — Phoenix IT Advisors: https://www.phoenixitadvisors.com/
Mario Zaki — Mazteck IT: https://www.mazteck.com/
Do you know exactly which vendors have access to your business systems, your data, or your network? If the honest answer is "not really" — this episode is for you.
In Episode 84 of UnHacked, Justin Shelley and Mario Zaki tackle one of the most overlooked threats in cybersecurity: vendor risk and third-party access. This is the 10th installment in their deep-dive mini-series on cybersecurity fundamentals, and it may be the most eye-opening yet.
The guys share a real-world story of an MSP who was breached through his own remote management software — encrypting not just his systems, but every single one of his clients' systems — and what his one-word lesson was when it was all over.
You'll learn:
- Why your least secure vendor is your biggest security liability
- How to find remote access software lurking on your network (and what to do with it)
- The simple first step every business owner can take today — no IT degree required
- What questions to ask your MSP to make sure they aren't your weakest link
- How AI can help you sort through thousands of installed applications in minutes
Whether you're in construction, healthcare, finance, or any industry where you rely on vendors and subcontractors, this episode will change how you think about who you're letting in the door.
📌 Resources and episode links: unhackmybusiness.com
🔒 Get your free cybersecurity risk assessment: phoenixitadvisors.com
🔒 Get your free cybersecurity risk assessment: phoenixitadvisors.com
Creators and Guests
Host
Mario Zaki
During my career, I have advised clients on effective – and cost-effective – approaches to developing infrastructure that fosters productivity and profitability. My work has provided me with a broad-based knowledge of business from the inside, with an expertise in areas that go beyond IT alone, ranging from strategic planning to cloud computing to workflow automation solutions.
