Building an All‑In Microsoft Security Stack (EP 948)
Ben Wilcox, CTO/CISO at ProArch, joins Uncle Marv to share how a global Microsoft‑first MSP runs cloud modernization, managed security, and AI projects across the Microsoft 365 and Azure ecosystem. Hear how ProArch uses Intune, Azure AD, Defender XDR, Purview, Nerdio, and automation to reduce tooling, harden identity, and scale a 24/7 SOC, plus how MSPs can partner with ProArch for complex Microsoft work.
For MSPs trying to go “Microsoft‑first” without blowing up their business, Ben Wilcox lays out the playbook ProArch uses every day. Hear how a 500‑person firm standardizes on Microsoft 365, Azure, Defender XDR, and automation while still leaving room for partners and third‑party tools where they actually add value.
Why Listen
- See why ProArch standardized on Microsoft security (Defender XDR, Intune, Purview) instead of juggling multiple point products.
- Understand the journey from on‑prem servers and basic AV to EDR/XDR, zero trust, and 24/7 SOC operations.
- Get actionable starting points for going Microsoft‑first: Azure AD, Intune, conditional access, and Defender for Business/Premium.
- Hear how to gradually move customers from on‑prem AD and file shares to hybrid identity and cloud‑native storage like OneDrive and SharePoint.
- Learn how Nerdio and Remo3 help manage multi‑tenant Microsoft environments, AVD, and app packaging efficiently.
- Discover how ProArch evaluates which third‑party tools to keep and which to replace with built‑in Microsoft capabilities.
- Understand Microsoft Purview’s role in data classification, labeling, insider risk, and safe Copilot rollouts.
- Get insight into identity as the top cyber risk and how passwordless logins (Windows Hello, passkeys, YubiKeys) can reduce phishing impact.
- Hear real‑world challenges of enforcing zero trust with vendors who want you to weaken security controls.
- Learn how telemetry across devices, email, identities, and behavior allows risk‑based decisions and automatic enforcement.
- Get a realistic look at deepfakes, AI‑generated voices, and their impact on fraud and social engineering.
- See what Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) membership means and why MSPs should look for MISA‑aligned partners.
- Explore how ProArch partners with MSPs: one‑time projects, co‑managed solutions, dedicated offshore teams, and SOC outsourcing.
Webinar: How to Build Agents that Understand Your Data with Copilot Studio: https://linkly.link/2Tcp6
Links from the Show:
- Microsoft 365: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-365
- Microsoft Azure: https://azure.microsoft.com
- Microsoft Intune: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-intune
- Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD): https://azure.microsoft.com/services/virtual-desktop
- Microsoft Purview: https://www.microsoft.com/security/business/microsoft-purview
- Microsoft Copilot: https://copilot.microsoft.com/
- Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA): https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/business/intelligent-security-association
- Microsoft Ignite: https://ignite.microsoft.com
- Nerdio: https://getnerdio.com
- Rimo3: https://www.rimo3.com/
- RSA Conference: https://www.rsaconference.com
- Windows Hello: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips/windows-hello
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Ben Wilcox
Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Security Officer
Ben Wilcox is the Chief Technology Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at ProArch, where he leads global strategy for cloud modernization, cybersecurity, and AI enablement across the Microsoft ecosystem. With more than 25 years of experience in security, cloud, and enterprise architecture, he oversees ProArch’s internal IT and security programs while also shaping the company’s managed detection and response, compliance, and “security-by-design” offerings for clients.
In his dual CTO/CISO role, Ben focuses on balancing speed and risk—helping organizations modernize to Azure, adopt Zero Trust, and operationalize AI while maintaining strong identity, data governance, and regulatory compliance. He is a key figure in ProArch’s Microsoft partnership, guiding solution strategy around Defender, Sentinel, and Copilot so customers can evolve their security stack in step with cloud and AI shifts.
Ben is a frequent podcast guest and speaker, appearing on shows like Modern Cyber and Life of a CISO to discuss AI-driven threats, data readiness, and executive leadership at the intersection of technology and security. Outside of work, he channels the same high-speed discipline into racing with the Northeast Audi Club and mentoring others as a driving instructor, while enjoying time with his family, gardening, and cooking.
