In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Miguel Ribeiro, Founder and CEO of VBS IT Services, shares his insights on the evolution of managed IT services and cybersecurity for small and medium-sized businesses. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Miguel has transformed VBS IT Services into one of Canada’s most trusted providers, helping businesses navigate the complexities of digital transformation while staying secure in an increasingly interconnected world. From adapting to the rapid growth of cybersecurity threats to offering innovative IT solutions, Miguel explains how businesses can build resilience, enhance efficiency, and align IT strategies with long-term growth. In this conversation, he provides valuable advice on managing IT challenges, staying ahead of emerging trends, and ensuring SMBs remain competitive in a fast-evolving technological landscape.
Miguel Ribeiro is the Founder of VBS IT Services, a leading award-winning provider of managed IT and cybersecurity solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Miguel is passionate about helping organizations leverage technology to drive growth, security, and efficiency. Under his leadership, VBS IT has become known for Canada’s Best Managed IT Company and commitment to delivering exceptional client service. Miguel is a trusted advisor to business leaders, regularly speaking on topics like cyber resilience, digital transformation, and IT strategy.
As the founder of VBS IT Services, how has your approach to managed IT services evolved since 2007, and what key lessons have shaped your business philosophy?
Since founding VBS IT Services in 2007, my approach to managed IT services has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses and the ever-growing cybersecurity landscape. Initially, our focus was on traditional IT support—ensuring systems were up and running efficiently. However, as cyber threats became more sophisticated, we pivoted to a proactive, security-first model.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that technology alone isn’t enough—businesses need a strategy that aligns IT with their overall goals. That’s why we take a consultative approach, acting as an extension of our clients’ teams rather than just a service provider. We emphasize education, resilience, and automation to help businesses stay ahead of cyber risks while optimizing their operations.
Another key shift has been the rise of remote and hybrid work, which has reshaped IT security. This has reinforced the need for Zero Trust frameworks, cloud security, and continuous employee awareness training. Our mission is to provide peace of mind by delivering end-to-end security and IT solutions that enable businesses to focus on growth without worrying about cyber threats.
At the core of our business philosophy is trust, transparency, and a relentless commitment to client success. IT isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about creating opportunities through innovation, efficiency, and security.
Your company offers both CRM and Cyber Security solutions. How do these services complement each other, and why is this combination crucial for small and medium-sized businesses today?
At VBS IT Services, we offer both CRM and cybersecurity solutions because they are two sides of the same coin when it comes to business success. A CRM system helps businesses streamline operations, improve customer relationships, and drive growth, while cybersecurity ensures that the data within those systems remains secure and protected from threats.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), this combination is critical because cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, and data breaches can be devastating—leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and even regulatory fines. Since CRMs store sensitive customer data, including contact details, sales records, and financial transactions, they are prime targets for cybercriminals. Without robust security measures, a CRM can become a vulnerability rather than an asset.
By integrating cybersecurity with CRM, we help SMBs achieve:
- Data Protection: Preventing unauthorized access, breaches, and data leaks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring businesses meet industry standards (e.g., GDPR, PIPEDA).
- Business Continuity: Safeguarding operations against cyberattacks and downtime.
- Customer Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to data security, which strengthens relationships.
Ultimately, our goal is to provide SMBs with a secure and efficient technology ecosystem where they can leverage CRM to grow their business without fearing cyber risks. This holistic approach allows businesses to focus on what they do best while we take care of their IT security and infrastructure.
In the context of increasing cyber threats, how do you help SMB clients balance the need for operational efficiency with the redundancy required for true business continuity?
Balancing operational efficiency with the redundancy needed for true business continuity is one of the biggest challenges SMBs face today. At VBS IT Services, we take a strategic and layered approach to ensure businesses remain productive while staying resilient against cyber threats.
How We Help SMBs Achieve This Balance:
- Cybersecurity-First Approach – We integrate advanced threat detection, endpoint security, and Zero Trust architecture into daily operations so that security doesn’t slow down business processes but rather enables them.
- Automated & Cloud-Based Solutions – We help SMBs leverage cloud-based backups, disaster recovery, and AI-driven automation to minimize manual intervention while ensuring data is continuously protected.
- Redundant but Agile IT Infrastructure – We design systems with failover solutions, cloud redundancy, and secure remote access so that even in the event of a cyberattack, power outage, or hardware failure, operations can continue with minimal disruption.
- Proactive Monitoring – With 24/7 monitoring and rapid response teams, we prevent small issues from escalating into major disruptions. By identifying threats early, we reduce downtime and keep businesses running smoothly.
- Security Awareness & Business Continuity Training – Employees are often the first line of defense. We provide ongoing cybersecurity training and business continuity planning so teams know how to react swiftly and effectively in case of an incident.
At VBS IT Services, our philosophy is that security should enhance, not hinder, efficiency. By implementing intelligent security measures that seamlessly integrate with business operations, we empower SMBs to stay productive, competitive, and secure—no matter what challenges arise.
VBS IT Services has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Best Managed Companies in Canada for three consecutive years. What specific management practices or strategies do you believe contributed to this achievement?
Being recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed IT Companies for ten consecutive years is a testament to our strong leadership, customer-centric approach, and commitment to innovation. At VBS IT Services, we believe that a well-managed company is built on a foundation of trust, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Here are some of the key strategies that have contributed to this achievement:
1. Client-Centric Approach
- Business-First IT Solutions: We don’t just provide technology; we ensure it aligns with our clients’ business goals. Every IT and cybersecurity strategy we implement is designed to help businesses grow securely and efficiently.
- Proactive Support: Instead of waiting for issues to arise, we take a proactive approach with 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity risk assessments, and predictive maintenance.
- Long-Term Relationships: We treat our clients as partners, focusing on building trust and delivering real business value rather than just fixing IT issues.
2. Security & Innovation as a Core Principle
- Cybersecurity-First Mindset: In today’s digital landscape, we ensure that security is embedded in every IT solution we provide, from Zero Trust frameworks to AI-driven threat detection.
- Embracing Cloud & Automation: We leverage cloud technologies, AI, and automation to improve efficiency while ensuring business continuity.
3. Strong Company Culture & Leadership
- Empowering Our Team: We invest in ongoing training and certifications, ensuring that our team stays ahead of emerging technology trends and threats.
- Transparent Communication: Internally and externally, we emphasize clear and honest communication, which fosters collaboration and trust.
- Work-Life Balance: We support a culture of flexibility and well-being, which enhances productivity and employee satisfaction.
4. Process-Driven Excellence
- Documented Best Practices: We follow industry best practices (e.g., ITIL, NIST Cybersecurity Framework) to ensure efficient service delivery and compliance.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: We use KPIs and analytics to continuously optimize performance, enhance security, and improve customer experience.
5. Community Engagement & Thought Leadership
- Educating SMBs on Cybersecurity & IT Best Practices – Through employee training, blogs, and webinars, we help businesses stay informed about cyber threats and digital transformation.
- Giving Back – We actively participate in community initiatives and mentorship programs, reinforcing our values of service and leadership.
At VBS IT Services, we believe that success isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, strategy, and execution. This recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed IT Companies reaffirms our commitment to delivering secure, scalable, and innovative IT solutions that drive business success.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of managed IT services evolving for SMBs, and what final piece of advice would you offer to business owners navigating the rapidly changing technology landscape?
Looking ahead, managed IT services will become even more integral to the success of small and medium-sized businesses. The role of IT is shifting from simply supporting operations to driving business resilience, security, and growth.
I see three key trends shaping the future of managed IT for SMBs:
- Cybersecurity as a Non-Negotiable Priority – With cyber threats growing in complexity, businesses will need to adopt Zero Trust security models, AI-driven threat detection, and continuous employee security training to stay protected. Cyber resilience will be just as important as operational efficiency.
- Cloud-First & AI-Driven IT Management – More businesses will migrate to cloud-based infrastructures and leverage AI automation for predictive analytics, cybersecurity, and workflow optimization. This shift will allow SMBs to operate more flexibly, scale efficiently, and reduce costs.
- Compliance & Data Privacy Regulations Will Become Stricter – Businesses will need to be more proactive in meeting regulatory requirements (e.g., PIPEDA, GDPR) as governments enforce stricter data protection laws. Managed IT providers will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance and reducing legal risks.
Final Advice for SMB Owners
For business owners navigating the rapidly changing technology landscape, my advice is simple: Don’t wait for a crisis to prioritize IT security and efficiency.
Adopt a Cyber-Resilient Mindset – Cyberattacks aren’t a question of if but when. Build a strong cybersecurity foundation today to protect your business from costly breaches.
Align IT with Business Goals – Technology should be an enabler, not an afterthought. Invest in IT solutions that drive efficiency, security, and long-term scalability.
Partner with Experts – Managed IT services are no longer just about fixing computers—they are about strategic guidance, risk management, and business continuity. Working with a trusted IT partner ensures you stay ahead of technological advancements and cyber threats.
At VBS IT Services, our mission is to help SMBs leverage technology for growth while ensuring their businesses remain secure and resilient. The future of IT is evolving, and those who embrace smart, security-first culture and technology strategies will thrive in the years ahead.
