MSPs, Maturity, and the Road Ahead: What We Learned and Shared at IT Nation Secure 2025 

Blackpoint Cyber was proud and excited to be a Platinum Sponsor at this year’s IT Nation Secure. Held June 2–4 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, the conference brought together the best minds in the MSP and cybersecurity space to share solutions, stories, and insights to help this community elevate security readiness.  

From our buzzworthy speaking sessions to meaningful booth conversations and insights our leaders shared from the mainstage, one thing was clear: MSPs want real answers, practical solutions, and a way to elevate their security strategies without breaking the bank. Here’s how we showed up and what we learned. 

The Blackpoint Booth – Connections, Conversations, and Some Really Cool Swag 

From the moment the doors opened, the Blackpoint booth quickly became the place for MSPs to unwind, spin the wheel for awesome swag, and share their thoughts and opinions on MDR solutions, tool consolidation, and the rising need for outcome-driven cybersecurity. Here’s what we heard from them. 

MSPs want flexibility 

While some MSPs are ready to go all-in on a unified security platform like CompassOne, others are looking for an entry point that fits smaller budgets or new client segments. That’s exactly why we built CompassOne Essentials. It delivers 24/7 managed detection and response across endpoint and cloud, backed by our human-led, AI-enhanced SOC. It’s foundational protection that helps MSPs standardize security across clients without overextending their teams or budgets. 

They don’t want another “monitor and notify” tool 

We heard loud and clear that MSPs are tired of tools that flag threats but don’t do anything about them. Unlike services that rely solely on automation or require customer approval before acting, Blackpoint’s SOC takes immediate action to neutralize threats across your environment. And yes, you can still pick up the phone or send an email and talk directly with our security analysts who understand your environment inside and out, 24/7. 

And they’re tired of tool sprawl 

Many partners are juggling a patchwork of tools that don’t talk to each other. CompassOne helps solve that. With proactive modules like Vulnerability Management, Cloud Posture, and Application Control built into a single platform, MSPs can cut costs, streamline workflows, and see more—without needing to stitch together yet another integration. 

Keynote and Panel Highlights: Lessons from the Leaders 

Blackpoint execs also took the stage at several key sessions to share unfiltered insights, strategies, and hard-earned lessons learned in the trenches. 

The Barstool Cyber Keynote: Unfiltered Wisdom from the Front Lines 

This year’s keynote featured a powerhouse panel. Blackpoint’s Chief Security and Trust Officer, Wil Santiago was joined by Kyle Hanslovan (Huntress), Patrick Beggs (ConnectWise), and Jay Ryerse (SentinelOne). Together, they unpacked: 

• Misconceptions MSPs still have about the threat landscape 

• How documentation and repeatable processes shape incident outcomes 

• What intangible factors like communication and customer trust mean during a crisis 

Wil also weighed in with perspective from both the trenches and the boardroom—offering a timely reminder that process maturity is as much about culture as it is about controls. 
 
How to Recruit Smarter and Build Stronger Teams 

In a panel moderated by Empath co-founder, Wes Spencer, Wil Santiago tackled a challenge many MSPs are facing; how to hire and retain cybersecurity talent. Instead of chasing credentials, he encouraged leaders to look for characteristics that signal potential, even if candidates come from outside the IT world. 

His advice: 

• Build structured onboarding and learning tracks 
• Create career pathways for long-term retention 
• Invest in people, not just platforms 

Why Unifying Tools is the Future of Managed Security 

During his session, Chief Client Officer Mike Estep shared his expertise and lessons learned on how MSPs can grow their cybersecurity practice without getting buried in disconnected tools. 

Mike walked through how CompassOne helps MSPs consolidate reactive and proactive capabilities into a single experience—eliminating tool bloat, simplifying workflows, and delivering a lower total cost of ownership. 

He also fielded questions about pricing and packaging with the launch of CompassOne. Here’s the bottom line: 

• MDR Essentials is still here, still affordable, and still backed by our human-led, AI-enhanced SOC. 
• CompassOne simply gives you the option to level up on your terms, when you’re ready. 

Several MSPs asked for the pricing and features grid which you can view here.  You can also sign up for early access to CompassOne. 

Imminent Risk: How to Respond to Emerging Vulnerabilities 

In her fast-paced session, MacKenzie Brown, VP of our Advanced Pursuit Group, explored what it really means to stay ahead of emerging threats. From rapid response strategies to navigating complex vulnerabilities, MacKenzie reinforced the importance of agility and readiness when speed matters most. 

Next Stop: Pax8 Beyond  

We’re heading to Pax8 Beyond in Denver, June 8th–10th, and we’d love to see you there. Can’t make it? No problem. Reach out to us anytime to learn how Blackpoint can help you scale your cybersecurity offerings and deliver measurable outcomes to your clients.