Automation Theory

04/15/2026

⚙️ Running ConnectWise Automate? This update matters.

MySQL 8.4 is officially supported and brings significant improvements in performance, security, and stability.

But here's the catch 👇
Upgrading isn't always straightforward… and doing it the wrong way can lead to downtime or broken integrations.

In our new blog, we cover:
🔹 What's new in MySQL 8.4
🔹 Why MSPs should start planning now
🔹 The fastest & safest upgrade approach
🔹 What to watch out for during the process

If you're still on MySQL 8.0, now's the time to start thinking ahead—especially with EoL around the corner.

👉 Check it out here: https://buff.ly/r6pmXIV

Have questions about upgrading your Automate server? Drop them below 👇

04/10/2026

MSPs — there's a better way to handle Patching

Tired of:
❌ Multiple tools for different apps
❌ Manual installs and one-off fixes
❌ Patching that doesn't scale across clients

👉 Package management solves this.

With packages, you can:
✅️ Bundle apps together
✅️ Deploy everything at once
✅️ Keep software updated automatically
✅️ Handle edge cases without breaking everything

We explain how it works (and why it's the future for MSPs) in our latest blog:
👉 https://thirdpartypatching.com/msp-third-party-patching/
🎥 Want to see it live?

Join our FREE webinar on April 16 @ 11 AM (Central) where we'll walk through:
✔️ Real demos (installs, meta packages, quick pushes)
✔️ How to simplify patching across ALL your clients
✔️ Practical ways to start using this today

👉 Save your seat: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2417750622298/WN_edYJ9BxmS2qVz6cf6w-z8w

Third-party patching is clunky for MSPs. Poor tooling and logistical challenges plague the niche, but package-based approaches solve this.

04/01/2026

🚨 Free Webinar for MSPs – Ready to fix third-party patching for good?

Struggling with third-party patching? You're not alone.

We're hosting a live webinar to show you a better, modern way to manage patching, built specifically for MSPs 👇

🗓 April 16th
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Central)

What you'll see:
✅ Why traditional patching tools fall short
✅ What makes "packages" different (and better)
✅ Live demos, including installs, meta packages & more
✅ How to simplify and scale patching across your clients

Plus, we'll wrap with a live Q&A so you can get your questions answered.

👉 Save your seat here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2417750622298/WN_edYJ9BxmS2qVz6cf6w-z8w

Tag someone on your team who handles patching 👇

Third-Party Patching has been an afterthought in the MSP industry for years. Join us for a free webinar on the best methodologies for a modern approach to third-party patching via package management.

03/27/2026

Still running MySQL 5.7?

It's been end-of-life since 2023, and now ConnectWise has stopped supporting it too.

That can mean:

⚠️ Security risks
⚠️ Compliance issues
⚠️ Insurance concerns

If you're using Automate, now's the time to take a closer look.

We put together a quick breakdown of what's changing and what to do next 👇

👉https://buff.ly/35HMNqP

03/20/2026

Does your security plan include patching or hoping?

If you're still on MySQL 5.7 (which is EoL), here's what the latest MySQL version can do to shift you from reactive to resilient.

We're urging all MSPs still running any version prior to MySQL 8.0.45 to patch now. Outdated software is one of the easiest ways attackers find a way in and one of the easiest things to fix.

Here's why the latest patch matters:

🔐 Security enhancements
🔄 Bug fixes
☁️ Performance improvements
🧩 Stability upgrades

At Automation Theory, we don't build MySQL, but we do protect the MSPs who rely on it daily. Whether you're managing ConnectWise Automate or another platform, your database is mission-critical.

✅ Stay compliant
✅ Keep your insurance valid
✅ Protect your clients

Need help getting there? You don't have to figure it out alone; we've got your back. You can find details of how we can help here: https://automationtheory.com/mysql-maintenance-package/

📩 Reach out if you're unsure where to start.

02/05/2026

A new CVE drops, and suddenly it's a patching emergency!

Instead of chasing app updates one-by-one when a new vulnerability drops, ThirdPatch automates third-party application updates so you're not stuck in scramble mode.

✅ Less stress when CVEs hit
✅ Less manual patch work
✅ More time back for your team

Take patching off your plate without losing control. Learn more here: https://thirdpartypatching.com/

01/08/2026

Most MSPs operate with solid operating system patching processes.

However, many third-party applications fall outside those processes — not due to oversight, but because managing them manually is neither simple nor scalable, and the management tools in the industry are lacking.

ThirdPatch, our new solution, addresses this gap by automating updates for software that is not part of the operating system and that today represents a significant portion of the attack surface.

Learn more: 👉 thirdpartypatching.com

01/01/2026

At Automation Theory, we wish everyone a Happy New Year! ✨

To our employees, clients, and community around the world, thank you for the trust, collaboration, and ideas that drive everything we do.

To our clients, thank you for trusting Automation Theory. Your confidence inspires us to continue building intelligent, automated solutions that create real impact and long-term value.

We are grateful for the relationships that strengthen our community and fuel innovation, efficiency, and shared growth.

May 2026 bring peace, prosperity, sustainable growth, and new opportunities for all. 🎆

12/12/2025

Last week, we discussed why securing your ConnectWise Automate firewall configuration is crucial.

This week, we're continuing that conversation, because once you start digging into older Automate environments, it becomes clear how easily unnecessary or outdated ports can remain open.

A single run of a security scanner can instantly reveal ports left behind by legacy features, deprecated services, or outdated configuration choices, each one a potential doorway for attackers.

In this post, we cover:

• Why older Automate setups accumulate forgotten or unused open ports
• Which ports commonly show up in scans — 70/TCP, 8484/TCP, 40000–41000, and more
• How legacy services quietly expand the attack surface
• Why MySQL exposure (3306/TCP) remains one of the most serious risks
• Clear guidance on what to close and how to align with current best practices

If last week’s guide outlined what an ideal configuration looks like, this week explains why achieving that configuration is so critical, and how open ports can impact your security posture.

Read the full guide:
https://automationtheory.com/connectwise-automate-firewall-ports-the-complete-guide/

12/05/2025

Ever suddenly realize that your ConnectWise Automate firewall ports have been misconfigured?

Yeah, that moment.

We broke down which Automate ports should be open, which should never be exposed, and how some outdated technology increases risk for MSPs.

If you haven’t reviewed your Automate firewall configuration in a while, this is your sign.
➡️ Close what you don’t need.
➡️ Harden what you keep open.
➡️ And maybe don’t trust the defaults from 2017.

Check out the full guide here: https://buff.ly/BtxCRrw

Nothing causes panic like finding port 3306 open to the world.