Is Your Business Ready for the AI Security Wake Up Call?

AI Focus: How TD SYNNEX Is Using AI to Help MSPs Scale and Secure Their Businesses

Filmed on location at IT Nation Connect Global in Orlando, this episode of AI Focus sees Brendan Ritchie in conversation with a leader from TD SYNNEX about how AI is reshaping scale, efficiency, and security across the MSP channel. The discussion covers practical internal use cases, the growing cybersecurity risks driven by AI, and why MSPs must rethink governance and protection as generative AI becomes mainstream.

Key takeaways

• TD SYNNEX uses AI internally to reduce overhead and improve sales efficiency.
• AI automation is removing hours of manual work from day-to-day operational tasks.
• Microsoft Copilot remains the preferred AI platform for governed business use.
• Generative AI has created new revenue opportunities for MSPs.
• AI is also amplifying cybersecurity threats at unprecedented scale.
• AI-driven cyber attacks are increasing the need for advanced security controls.
• Shadow IT and ungoverned AI usage present major data and compliance risks.
• Cybersecurity investment will accelerate as AI adoption grows.

Watch the episode

Watch on YouTube

AI Focus from IT Nation Connect

AI Focus is a conversation series hosted by Brendan Ritchie, recorded at major industry events such as IT Nation Connect Global. The purpose of the series is to highlight how AI is being used in practice by organisations across the MSP ecosystem, from vendors and distributors through to service providers themselves.

At IT Nation Connect in Orlando, AI was impossible to ignore. Conversations across the conference floor reflected both excitement and uncertainty. While many MSPs are eager to capitalise on AI-driven efficiency, there is also a growing awareness of the risks that come with rapid adoption.

This episode with TD SYNNEX sits squarely at that intersection.

What TD SYNNEX Does for MSPs

TD SYNNEX is the world’s largest IT distributor, providing hardware, software, and professional services to partners globally. For MSPs, the value proposition is scale. Rather than building everything internally, MSPs can leverage TD SYNNEX as an extension of their business.

The focus is on removing friction:

• Reducing overhead associated with procurement and financing.
• Simplifying access to a broad portfolio of vendors.
• Helping MSPs go to market as a much larger entity.

This model is particularly relevant for Australian MSPs looking to grow without dramatically increasing internal headcount or operational complexity.

How TD SYNNEX Uses AI Internally

Internally, TD SYNNEX is already using AI extensively across sales, operations, and security. While some of the most advanced work happens behind the scenes, the everyday impact is clear.

AI is used to:

• Connect internal systems so sales teams understand product capabilities faster.
• Match customer requirements with relevant solutions in the TD SYNNEX portfolio.
• Automate repetitive administrative tasks.

By integrating AI into internal platforms, TD SYNNEX ensures its teams can respond quickly and accurately without manual research or guesswork.

Reducing Overhead Through AI Automation

One of the most practical benefits discussed is how AI removes unproductive work from the day. Tasks like building spreadsheets, compiling process documentation, or preparing partner materials can now be completed in seconds.

What once took hours can now be done almost instantly. The value is not novelty. It is focus.

For MSPs, this is a critical lesson. AI does not need to be glamorous to deliver ROI. Some of the biggest gains come from automating the unsexy but necessary work that slows teams down.

Why Copilot Is the Preferred AI Platform

When asked about preferred AI platforms outside of custom internal tools, the answer is simple. Microsoft Copilot.

Copilot provides:

• Enterprise-grade security and compliance.
• Integration with Microsoft 365 workloads.
• Governance controls that reduce risk.

Even without policy enforcement, Copilot would remain the platform of choice. This highlights an important trend. Businesses are moving away from unmanaged AI tools toward platforms that align with existing security frameworks.

The Shift Since Generative AI Went Mainstream

Since the release of generative AI tools in 2022, adoption has accelerated faster than almost any technology before it. The opportunity for MSPs to monetise AI services is real, but it comes with significant trade-offs.

On one hand, AI creates:

• New service offerings.
• Efficiency gains across internal operations.
• Improved customer experience.

On the other hand, it introduces new risks that many organisations are not yet prepared to manage.

AI Driven Cybersecurity Threats

A major concern raised in the conversation is the rise of AI-powered cyber attacks. Just as businesses use AI to scale productivity, attackers use it to scale malicious activity.

AI allows attackers to:

• Launch attacks at unprecedented volume.
• Automate reconnaissance and exploitation.
• Adapt tactics in real time.

Partners are already reporting scenarios where end customers are targeted by thousands of AI-driven bots simultaneously. Traditional security tools are often not equipped to handle this scale.

Shadow IT and Ungoverned AI Use

Another risk area is shadow IT. Even when businesses mandate approved AI platforms like Copilot or Gemini, employees may still use unprotected tools such as free instances of ChatGPT.

This creates exposure across:

• Data sovereignty.
• Compliance obligations.
• Intellectual property protection.

Once data leaves controlled environments, it becomes difficult to manage or recover. For MSPs, this represents both a risk and an opportunity.

The Real Revenue Opportunity in AI

While much of the industry focuses on monetising AI productivity tools, the conversation highlights a deeper opportunity. Cybersecurity.

As AI adoption increases, so does the need for:

• Advanced threat detection.
• AI governance frameworks.
• User education and policy enforcement.

Many MSPs who were not previously security-focused will need to build capability in this space. AI is not reducing the need for cybersecurity. It is amplifying it.

What This Means for Australian MSPs

For Australian MSPs, the message is clear. AI should be approached with intent and discipline. Productivity gains are real, but they must be balanced with governance, security, and education.

Practical starting points include:

• Standardising on governed AI platforms.
• Educating staff on acceptable AI use.
• Reviewing cybersecurity posture for AI-driven threats.

Those who get this balance right will be well positioned to grow in an AI-driven market.

Continuing the AI Focus Series

This episode reinforces the importance of grounded, experience-led conversations about AI. By learning from organisations like TD SYNNEX, MSPs can move forward with clarity rather than fear.

The AI Focus series continues to explore how AI is shaping the future of the MSP industry, one practical conversation at a time.

Follow First Focus

LinkedIn: First Focus IT

Facebook: First Focus IT

Instagram: @firstfocusit