In 2025, MSPs will face a dynamic blend of opportunities and vulnerabilities, from AI-enhanced cyberattacks to the demand for AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.
The intersection of AI and cybersecurity is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s a reality and it’s quickly shaping the trajectory of the IT industry. If you’re an MSP that is reselling Copilot for Microsoft 365 or any other product with AI features built in, focusing on cybersecurity is a must.
For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), staying ahead of the curve is critical, especially as AI-powered tools like Copilot for Microsoft 365 and its security counterpart become central to business operations. However, with innovation comes risk. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday business operations, and the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve MSPs must rapidly prepare to address the unique challenges that lie ahead. As an MSP, it’s important to stay on top of these trends and be proactive in addressing cybersecurity needs with your clients.
This blog explores the top AI and cybersecurity trends for MSPs to watch, providing essential insights to help you stay secure, relevant, and prepared as the year unfolds.
What are the biggest AI and cybersecurity trends MSPs should prepare for in 2025?
1. AI-related cyberattacks are on the rise
As AI adoption accelerates, MSPs should expect an uptick in AI-powered cyberattacks. With this adoption comes additional cybersecurity challenges that MSPs must navigate. Cybercriminals are already using AI tools to create sophisticated malware and phishing schemes, making it harder for traditional cybersecurity measures to keep up. Using AI without proper security protections in place leaves MSPs and their clients open to AI-related cyber attacks. MSPs must invest in proactive security solutions, like Check Point Harmony Email and Collaboration, which leverages AI for threat detection, to safeguard their clients.
2. Enterprises need strong cybersecurity foundations before adopting generative AI
According to Forrester, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are increasingly focused on cybersecurity readiness before adopting generative AI in their organizations. For MSPs, this creates an opportunity to offer consulting services, ensuring that clients have foundational protections like zero-trust network access (ZTNA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) in place. Generative AI introduces new vulnerabilities, making cybersecurity infrastructure even more critical.
3. AI will be a key player in cybersecurity defense
AI is not just a threat—it’s also a critical tool in cyber defense. Solutions like SentinelOne’s PurpleAI are already helping organizations detect threats earlier and respond faster. MSPs should stay ahead of the curve by integrating AI-powered cybersecurity tools into their service offerings. Keep an eye on AI-enabled software, as it’s becoming an integral part of security tech stacks.
4. AI specialists will be in high demand
As AI becomes more prevalent in cybersecurity, businesses will need AI specialists to manage the integration of AI tools and models securely. Although “AI specialist” itself will have many meanings across different functions of an organization, this will be a staple role in information security roles for projects like evaluating potential AI tools and providing internal consulting on the cybersecurity aspects of custom AI models. This presents MSPs with an opportunity to expand their services by offering specialized consulting, helping clients navigate AI adoption while ensuring security measures are prioritized.
5. AI sovereignty will be a priority for regulated industries
According to Info Trends, a key concern for many enterprise organizations is AI sovereignty. AI sovereignty is the building and maintenance of organization-specific AI tools that meet its specific needs. Unlike tools like ChatGPT, where all users input their queries into a centralized database that is not owned by a company or institution, sovereign AI is entirely controlled by the organization.
For MSPs that work with highly classified and regulated industries and organizations like healthcare and government, sovereign AI ensures sensitive data is protected. MSPs working with clients in regulated industries will need to explore the best infrastructure for sovereign AI and help clients safeguard proprietary data.
6. Quantum computing will revolutionize cybersecurity
The emergence of quantum computing will shake up the cybersecurity landscape in 2025, pushing the limits of AI and encryption capabilities. MSPs should start preparing clients for this evolution by recommending solutions that can withstand quantum-based attacks. The acceleration of AI-powered cybersecurity tools will be one of quantum computing’s most impactful applications.
7. The rise of cyber insurance
As cybercrime continues to escalate, MSPs should expect cyber insurance to become a vital service offering. With the financial repercussions of data breaches outweighing regulatory fines, settlements for security breaches outpace regulatory fines by 50% according to Forrester. Providing clients with access to cyber insurance policies can help mitigate risks. MSPs should be prepared to discuss the value of cyber insurance and guide clients through the best options.
8. Business use cases for AI will continue to expand
AI adoption will be driven by real-world business use cases in various sectors. For MSPs, it’s critical to experiment with AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Rewst automation to better understand how AI can enhance client workflows. By testing and adapting AI solutions, MSPs can provide valuable insights and solutions to clients looking to improve productivity and security.
9. Routine IT tasks will be automated with AI
AI will automate routine IT tasks like system maintenance, software updates, and monitoring, leading to more efficient operations and reduced costs. MSPs can use AI-driven automation tools to streamline internal processes, improving service delivery and freeing up resources for more strategic work.
10. AI-assisted decision making will transform business strategy
AI will play an increasingly significant role in strategic decision-making. By leveraging AI-powered analytics, MSPs can help clients make data-driven decisions in areas like resource management and growth strategy. Tools like Microsoft Dynamics 365 will enhance decision-making by combining data insights across business functions.
11. Hyper-personalization powered by AI will improve customer engagement
AI will drive hyper-personalized experiences for customers, from tailored recommendations to customized support. MSPs can use AI to personalize customer service, improving retention and satisfaction. By leveraging AI tools, MSPs can create more meaningful interactions with clients and their end customers.
What does this mean for Microsoft resellers?
Microsoft resellers must adapt to the AI-driven reality that awaits in the coming year. It’s more important than ever for MSPs to prioritize cybersecurity in their own business as well as their clients’ and have proactive conversations with their clients about cybersecurity-related matters.
Cybersecurity protections should be the first step in any conversation with a new client about Microsoft, especially when the client is requesting Copilot for Microsoft 365 licenses. Sherweb’s minimalist security checklist for Copilot can help set your clients up for success by adhering to basic best practices like ZTNA and MFA. Tools like Microsoft Defender also need to be a focus in conversations with clients in the new year.
MSPs must lead with best practices in their own businesses. Set the example that you want your clients to follow to secure Microsoft products as well as the other tools in their tech stack. It’s not simply AI that Microsoft resellers should be thinking about for cybersecurity. Avoid using open-source code written in languages that do not meet robust cybersecurity standards. Keep your clients’ data secure and protected by following the practices you want them to adopt in their businesses.
How can MSPs position themselves for success in 2025?
As AI and cybersecurity trends evolve, MSPs must stay agile and proactive. By integrating Microsoft Copilot and leveraging AI-powered security solutions like Check Point Harmony SASE, MSPs can help their clients navigate the complexities of cybersecurity while ensuring productivity is maximized.
In 2025, MSPs that remain ahead of these trends will not only provide value to their clients but also strengthen their own business resilience. Leading the charge in AI and cybersecurity will set you apart as a trusted partner in digital transformation.
Want help exploring the ever-evolving AI and cybersecurity landscape?
Sherweb is a leading provider for MSPs with an expanding focus on cybersecurity tools. We host multiple events and on-demand webinars to help you implement robust AI and cybersecurity protocols for the Microsoft suite of products and across your tech stack. Contact us to get a conversation started about how we can help you grow your business with cybersecurity tools and services.
