Simplifying Cybersecurity: From Incident Response to Storytelling with Adam Pilton

Welcome back to the MSP Security Playbook, brought to you by Heimdal Security — the unified, AI-powered cybersecurity solutions provider. 

In this episode, host Jacob Hazelbaker sits down with Adam Pilton, Cybersecurity Advisor at Heimdal and former Detective Sergeant in the UK police cybercrime unit. 

With 15 years of frontline policing and digital investigations under his belt, Adam brings a rare perspective that blends law enforcement, consultancy, and cybersecurity advisory work.

The episode kicks off with our latest threat brief, which details how attackers are weaponising AI through Hex Strike AI to automate exploitation at scale, shrinking the window from disclosure to compromise down to minutes. Adam explains what this means for MSPs and the steps providers must take to defend faster.

Further in the episode, Jacob and Adam explore why simplifying cyber is more than a personal mission — it’s a business imperative, the biggest mistakes MSPs make when it comes to incident response and why storytelling and social selling are secret weapons for MSPs looking to build trust.

Adam also goes on to share how his own online presence has helped him grow influence, credibility, and trust — lessons that every MSP can apply to their own business. 

And during the MSP Hot Seat, he answers a critical question from a small but growing MSP: how do you land your first five clients and stand out in a crowded market?

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow MSP Security Playbook on your favourite podcast app, leave us a review, and share it with a fellow MSP who needs to hear this. 

Got a question for the MSP Hot Seat or a topic you want covered? Drop us a line — we’d love to hear from you.

Chapter Markers:

(02:05) Threat Briefing: The rise of AI-driven exploitation with Hex Strike AI

(08:12) Simplifying Cyber: Trust, clarity, and storytelling for MSPs

(13:39) Tabletop Exercises: Practicing chaos before it strikes

(21:00) Social Selling: Building credibility and trust through LinkedIn

(23:30) Cybersecurity Awareness as a Service: Making training engaging and billable

(30:58) MSP Hot Seat: How to land your first five clients and stand out

(33:20) Play-by-Play: Jacob reflects on key lessons from Adam

Useful Links:

For more from Adam connect via LinkedIn

Explore Heimdal’s platform at heimdalsecurity.com

Follow Jacob for more cybersecurity insights on LinkedIn