🥳 Free, Open Source Risk Assessment Tool for MSPs

MSPs want a simple tool to evaluate client risk and show value early in the conversation without getting buried in complexity or licensing costs. So, Blacksmith decided to build one. Take a look at their free, open source risk assessment tool — a quick, 20-question checklist designed to help MSPs run high-quality cybersecurity assessments that look professional and deliver results.

🎙️The Get NIST-y Podcast!

⚠️ Threat Updates

🔴 Homeland Security Warns of Surging Nation-State Cyberattacks and AI-Driven Threats (11/02/25)

The US House Homeland Security Committee's November 2025 Cyber Threat Snapshot reveals a sharp increase in attacks from nation-state actors, including China and North Korea, heightened by a federal shutdown and legal gaps. One in six reported US breaches this year involved AI-driven attacks, with critical infrastructure, manufacturing, finance, and healthcare sectors particularly targeted. » More Info

🔴 Nevada State Government Ransomware Attack Impacts Over 60 Agencies (11/06/25)

A major ransomware attack on Nevada state agencies in August was traced to a compromised employee download, which led to malware infiltration across more than 60 agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Motor Vehicles. Hackers maintained access for weeks, leveraging remote desktop protocols to exfiltrate sensitive data and disrupt critical services. » More Info

🗨️ Parting Words

“The reason it seems that price is all your customers care about is that you haven’t given them anything else to care about.” — Seth Godin, Marketing Expert and Author

Are you a vCISO or MSP looking to operationalize security programs? Let’s discuss how Blacksmith Infosec proves that compliance is an opportunity, not a struggle that has to be packaged in FUD!