The Top 10 CompTIA Membership Blogs of 2021

CompTIA published more than 100 blogs in 2021, an extensive collection of content focused on four overarching themes: emerging technologies, cybersecurity, solutions selling and the tech workforce.

The articles featured business-building insights, research analysis, and highlights of CompTIA research, events, and member-created resources. Our goal: to help our audience of managed service providers, solution providers, vendors, distributors, and technology vendors improve their business.

The following list of our Top 10 blogs for the year include a diverse mix of all of the above areas, content that we will continue to produce in 2022. Thanks for a great year, and in case you missed something check out our full blog library.

Ethical Issues in Technology

The concept of ethics—how we treat others, use information, engage with employees, manage resources, and approach sustainability—created a lot of buzz this year. In a July blog, CompTIA explored five important issues faced by technologists, including the misuse of personal information, deep fakes, lack of oversight, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous technology, and more. Complementing those, ethical practices to consider include respect for employees, the moral use of data, responsible adoption of disruptive tech and creating a culture of responsibility. As the writer notes, “Ethical decisions in technology should not be taken lightly. If we believe that technology can help to solve the world’s problems, addressing the ethics involved is the only way to us get there.” Read more.

15 Emerging Trends in Information Technology for 2021

Coverage of emerging technologies has always been a big draw for CompTIA members and this year was no exception. This blog explores some of the biggest trends of 2021, including technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, vertical markets like digital health, and concepts like providing a total experience. “The consumer journey is charting a new course as customers and companies alike embrace emerging technologies. As tech trends such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic process automation (RPA) become more pervasive, the world will look to brands who can deliver with accuracy and real-time efficiency.” Read more.

Top 10 Challenges Facing Technology in 2021

Top 10 lists have long been a popular format to consume content (hence, what you’re reading now), as have insights and analysis of the latest business issues. Combine the two and you get the Top 10 Challenges Facing Technology in 2021, a look at obstacles faced by organizations and IT professionals in 2021 and how to deal with them. “From dealing with information security, cyberattacks, implementing an IT strategy as part of an overall business strategy, a widening skills gap, and more, … some IT issues continue to present major hurdles.”

10 Things MSPs Should Know About Cybersecurity Insurance

It’s become increasingly important for MSPs to consider cybersecurity insurance for themselves and potentially their customers. But coverage is only as strong as your specific policy. This blog highlights 10 things that MSPs should know to protect themselves and their customers, according to members of the CompTIA Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) and other cyber insurance experts. “MSPs don’t get to ignore cyber risk because they’re MSPs. Everyone still needs to do the exact same thing. If clients have cyber insurance, MSPs still need to carry it too. It’s still about mitigating the cyber risk,” said Benjamin Dynkin, co-founder and CEO of Great Neck, N.Y.-based Atlas Cybersecurity and a member of the CompTIA ISAO’s SME Champions Council.

Using AI in Business

Artificial intelligence can be applied in many different use cases across almost any industry, including healthcare, sales, HR, operations, manufacturing, marketing and of course, technology. But in order to integrate AI into business, you need a workforce with the skills and expertise to manage the technology. “While AI certainly offers the potential for business growth and advancement, it isn’t without challenges. In order for businesses to be able to capitalize on that potential, they will need to create an environment where AI use is trusted, safe and supported.” Read more.

Worst Case Scenario: MSP Shares Harrowing Cyberattack Experience

Complementing one of our top 10 videos of 2021, this blog details the gut-wrenching experience of an MSP hit by a cyberattack. Jay Tipton of Technology Specialists shares his experience in order to help other solution providers better prepare for a potential attack on their own businesses. “I want people to be aware of our experience—the whole other side that you don’t hear about. You can’t fully prepare for it, but you can at least be aware this is going to hit you like a tsunami,” Tipton said.

Understanding Blockchain: Benefits, Challenges, and Impact on Business

While blockchain offers a lot of opportunities in today’s tech landscape, there’s also uncertainty around the technology and how it can be applied to solve business problems. Based on a panel of experts from CompTIA’s Councils & Communities Forum Online, this blog offers some explanations, answers, and examples of how blockchain is used today. “If we think about all the places today where we’re wasting time trying to prove something, this technology becomes very useful,” said Elena Dumitrascu, CTO of TerraHub Technologies and vice chair of CompTIA’s Blockchain Advisory Council. “It keeps a live set of records that can be seen by various members of the solution in real time, eliminating the need to go back and search for proof of what happened and when.”

What Businesses Can do to Fill the Cybersecurity Shortage 

Cybersecurity workers are in high demand. And it’s become increasingly challenging for MSPs to find, hire and keep their cyber staff. Cybersecurity threats aren’t going to lessen, so what steps can be taken to help fill the gap? For starters, consider more investments in cybersecurity training, which can lead to cost savings and talent retention. “Tech companies need to consider taking proactive, consistent steps: Encourage interested individuals and students into cybersecurity, promote favorable opportunities, and diversify approaches to hiring,” according to the blog. “Finding cyber talent is difficult today, but it will only get harder tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge?”

10 Tips to Help Your Cyber Staff Avoid Burnout

In addition to filling the cybersecurity skills gaps, you also have to ensure that your current staff doesn’t burn out from the long hours and pressure that it takes to manage through a cyber incident. In this blog,  cybersecurity leaders and members of the CompTIA ISAO  share their tips on how to keep your security teams satisfied and successful. “The ransomware field is dirty, stressful and a brutally difficult business,” said Kevin McDonald, CISO at Alvaka Networks. “Having enough help, allowing for downtime between gigs and saying no to the next rescue when staff needs a break are really the best ways to deal with burnout issues.

The Cybersecurity Conversation is Changing

Rounding out the top 10, CompTIA’s MJ Shoer, executive director of the CompTIA ISAO and regular blogger here, talks about how security companies and pros need to reframe the cybersecurity discussion to be more proactive than reactive. “While it is important to know that someone is knocking on your door and trying to gain entry to your networks, it is not less important to understand that they have successfully entered your network and what they have been doing while they are there,” wrote Shoer.