By Ronan McCurtin (pictured), Regional Vice President EMEA at cyber security company Acronis
With security and risk management spending expected to hit $215 billion in 2024, a 14.3% increase from 2023, according to Gartner, demand for skilled security professionals is at an all-time high. Businesses need cybersecurity-minded MSPs to implement and support those investments.
That robust and thriving market creates a ripe opportunity for IT companies proficient in all things cybersecurity. From sales and configurations to compliance and system consultation, rounding out a practice to match client concerns and needs will boost an MSP’s revenue and profitability. Investments in cybersecurity professionals, tools, and training are also a must, providing IT services firms with a foundation for protecting infrastructure, data, and people a true differentiator.
Attitude is a key part of success. Cybersecurity requires greater focus and a constant commitment to improvement, more than any other aspect of an MSP’s operations, with near zero room for error. One simple mistake or lapse in judgment could lead to catastrophe for the MSP and its clients.
MSPs need a deep-seated cybersecurity mindset across all facets of their operations to not only protect themselves and their clients support but also to grow their businesses. Success requires a top-down commitment from owners, a strong portfolio of data and network protection services, continual employee and end-user training, and flawless adherence to regulatory standards and industry best practices.
Get Everyone’s Heads in the Game
Cybersecurity is a team sport that requires educating and training technical staff on the systems and practices, and ensuring that every employee and end-user adheres to all policies. Everyone has a shared responsibility for protecting the IT environment. It requires a top-down commitment from the MSP as well as every owner, leader, and influencer within each client organisation.
That standard must be continually communicated to everyone who touches a keyboard or device. Cybersecurity-related policies must be strictly enforced — no exceptions for managers, IT team members, or anyone else who might endanger security. Failures must have repercussions. Whether remedial training, verbal and/or written reprimands, suspensions, or dismissals for flagrant and continual mistakes or intentional actions, MSPs and clients must have a formal cybersecurity policy.
MSPs cannot expect to instill those values in everyone overnight or implement controls and oversight to protect IT systems from attacks or human error. There must be a strategy for creating and rolling out cybersecurity policies and installing the proper tools. MSPs must communicate and gain buy-in on these workplace rules with their teams, from techs and sales to marketing and reception, and everyone else in businesses they support. These policies must be all-inclusive and non-negotiable.
Everyone plays a part in a strong cybersecurity attitude, and MSPs are responsible for continually reinforcing that message, monitoring behaviors, and clamping down on violators.
Protect the “Homefront”
After years of implementing, upgrading, and supporting complex security systems, MSPs understand how to build formidable defences and typically beta-test those innovations. Increasingly targeted, MSPs need to continually tighten their defences to prevent a single vulnerability from affecting and possibly taking down their entire IT ecosystem (including their clients).
Protecting the homefront is an essential first step. Shoring up network and data defences helps prevent attacks that could quickly spread and infect other connected systems. MSPs must ensure every team member understands those risks and works diligently to protect themselves, their employer, and the companies that rely on their expertise.
While implementing that mindset and cybersecurity measures in an MSP requires dedicated effort, strong technical skills, and specific knowledge, replicating that environment with every client takes even more energy and focus. Customers need to buy into the same vision and truly comprehend the threats they face.
Reinforce the Mindset with Best Practices and Controls
The best defences are well-designed and repeatedly tested and upgraded. That approach applies to cybersecurity technologies and policies and procedures, which, when properly managed, will evolve to meet changing organisational, compliance, and situational needs.
Successful MSPs become masters in this area, building formidable programmes to improve security awareness, educate everyone on compliance and standard protection requirements, and constantly emphasise threats and the need to follow best practices.
What else can an MSP do to reinforce a cybersecurity mindset?
- Review policies regularly, especially for those who rate below average in awareness training
- Challenge employees to identify security gaps and recommend improvements, incorporating those changes in cybersecurity and IT policies.
- Designate cybersecurity leaders to review and update policies, and manage internal and external risks.
- Contract with third-party experts to periodically assess all cybersecurity-related components of the collective IT ecosystem, including the MSP and all clients.
Creating a cybersecurity mindset inside everyone in your IT environment is a necessary step. The good news for MSPs is the value of the services they deliver is rising, providing a solid return on the time, energy, and commitment required to keep cybercriminals at bay.
