October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “Secure Our World,” reminds us that we all play a role in making the digital space safer. Throughout the month, we’ll explore practical ways to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses—whether it’s by recognizing threats, securing your data or adopting new habits to protect your businesses and personal lives.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, threat actors aren’t just increasing in number—they’re also becoming more sophisticated, leveraging advancements like artificial intelligence to exploit vulnerabilities. As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you sit at the frontline, safeguarding your clients’ data, which is why it’s crucial to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. But what are the top cyber threats today and how can you counter them effectively with the tools available in our marketplace? Let’s explore.
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What are the top cyber threats facing MSPs today?
MSPs must be aware of the most significant dangers looming on the horizon. Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging advanced technologies and targeting vulnerabilities that can disrupt entire networks. Below are the top cyber threats MSPs should have on their radar:
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Ransomware attacks
Ransomware remains one of the most disruptive cyber threats. Attackers encrypt vital business data and demand a ransom for its return, crippling businesses and their operations. What’s worse, ransomware has evolved into “multi-extortion” campaigns where attackers not only hold data hostage but also threaten to leak sensitive information if the ransom isn’t paid. The rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has also made it easier for even non-technical criminals to launch these attacks, making them a pervasive threat to organizations of all sizes.
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Phishing and social engineering
Phishing attacks are a top entry point for cybercriminals, especially as attackers use more sophisticated tactics to deceive users. Social engineering attacks trick users into sharing credentials or downloading malicious files, bypassing even the most advanced technical defenses. Phishing campaigns have become increasingly personalized and convincing, with attackers mimicking trusted sources to manipulate victims into compromising security. For MSPs, educating clients about these risks and setting up defenses is critical to minimizing exposure.
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AI-Powered threats
Artificial intelligence is not only used defensively but is also being weaponized by cybercriminals. AI-powered attacks can create adaptive malware that evolves to bypass traditional defenses, while also enabling more convincing social engineering attacks. Cybercriminals are using AI to analyze systems for vulnerabilities faster and at a larger scale, making detection and response time more challenging for MSPs. Staying ahead of these intelligent threats requires advanced solutions that can detect evolving patterns and behaviors.
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Insider threats
Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, are a growing concern for organizations. These threats often stem from employees or contractors with legitimate access to systems who either misuse that access or fall victim to social engineering attacks. Insider threats are particularly dangerous because they can bypass external defenses. MSPs must implement strict access controls, monitoring and awareness training to minimize the risks posed by insiders.
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Supply chain attacks
Supply chain attacks target third-party vendors or service providers, using them as entry points to gain access to larger networks. This type of attack exploits the trust businesses place in their supply chain partners, making it difficult to detect until the damage is done. MSPs, who often rely on third-party tools to serve their clients, are particularly vulnerable to supply chain attacks. Protecting against these attacks requires diligent vendor management, software security practices and regular security assessments.
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DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attacks
DDoS attacks overwhelm a network or server with traffic, rendering services unavailable to legitimate users. These attacks can cripple MSPs and their clients by taking down key services, leading to significant downtime and potential financial losses. As attackers use more sophisticated techniques, such as botnets, to launch these large-scale assaults, MSPs must be prepared with robust defenses to prevent service interruptions and maintain uptime for clients.
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Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs)
APTs are long-term, targeted attacks in which attackers gain unauthorized access to a network and remain undetected for extended periods, often to steal sensitive data or disrupt operations. These threats are highly strategic and typically involve extensive planning by well-resourced threat actors, making them difficult to detect. MSPs need to monitor for unusual network behavior and continuously update defenses to ensure they can spot and remove these hidden attackers.
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Zero-day exploits
Zero-day vulnerabilities refer to previously unknown software flaws that attackers can exploit before developers have a chance to patch them. These vulnerabilities are especially dangerous because no defense exists at the time of the attack. MSPs must stay up-to-date on the latest vulnerability disclosures and ensure swift patch management processes to mitigate the risks posed by zero-day threats.
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Remote work vulnerabilities
The rise of remote work has dramatically expanded the attack surface, giving cybercriminals new opportunities to exploit insecure home networks, personal devices, and improperly configured remote access solutions. With more employees working from home, securing endpoints has become a critical concern for MSPs. Vulnerabilities in remote desktop protocols (RDP) and virtual private networks (VPN) are increasingly targeted and without proper endpoint security measures, these can act as gateways for cybercriminals.
Why are today’s cyber threats more dangerous for MSPs?
MSPs are now facing cyber threats that are not only more prevalent but also far more dangerous due to several interrelated factors. These factors create an environment where MSPs are both the primary line of defense and increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Escalating target value
MSPs manage the IT infrastructure of multiple clients, which makes them appealing to attackers looking for maximum damage from a single breach. The concentration of sensitive data and critical systems under one provider’s care offers cybercriminals a greater payoff, amplifying the risks MSPs face.
Smarter, more adaptive attack techniques
The threat actors today are not just relying on brute force; they are employing sophisticated methods that evolve with every new defense. Automation, AI and advanced reconnaissance allow attackers to quickly adapt and personalize their approaches, making traditional detection methods less effective. MSPs are under constant pressure to innovate their security measures to keep pace.
Heightened operational complexity
As MSPs juggle multiple clients, each with unique IT environments and varying levels of security preparedness, the complexity of managing cybersecurity increases exponentially. Ensuring that every client is protected across the board is a monumental challenge and any small vulnerability can have a ripple effect across their entire ecosystem.
Complexity of regulatory compliance
MSPs must ensure not only their own compliance but also that of their clients, many of whom may operate in highly regulated industries like healthcare or finance. Data privacy laws have become stricter and more punitive, adding pressure on MSPs to prevent breaches that could lead to significant legal and financial consequences. Failure to meet these standards is more costly than ever, heightening the risks for MSPs in managing multiple compliance frameworks.
Pressure from client expectations
Clients increasingly expect their MSPs to be experts not only in managing IT infrastructure but also in safeguarding against the latest cybersecurity threats. This evolving demand places MSPs in a dual role—maintaining uptime and performance while also serving as security experts, responsible for warding off emerging threats and mitigating risks at all levels.
Long-term consequences of a breach
A single breach at an MSP can damage trust with all their clients. Beyond the immediate operational and financial repercussions, MSPs risk losing long-term business relationships. Rebuilding this trust can take years, making the stakes of any breach significantly higher for MSPs than for individual businesses.
These emerging factors demand proactive, multi-layered and intelligence-driven measures from MSPs to stay ahead.
How can MSPs defend against cyber threats and why proactivity is key for success
Defending against cyber threats requires more than just reacting after an incident—it demands a proactive, preventive strategy that anticipates attacks and mitigates risks. For MSPs, staying ahead of the threat landscape ensures not only their own security but also the trust and safety of their clients.
- Anticipate risks and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
- Build trust with clients by demonstrating a forward-thinking, security-first mindset.
- Reduce recovery costs and operational downtime by having well-prepared incident response and backup strategies in place.
Here are a few core elements of a proactive defense strategy:
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Multi-layered security
A proactive approach starts with building a comprehensive security framework that includes endpoint protection, firewalls, encryption and threat detection systems. Each layer addresses different attack vectors, making it harder for cybercriminals to breach systems.
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Continuous monitoring and threat intelligence
Monitoring networks in real-time allows MSPs to detect suspicious activity before it becomes a full-scale attack. By leveraging up-to-date threat intelligence, MSPs can anticipate potential risks and adjust defenses accordingly.
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Employee training and cybersecurity awareness
Training staff and clients to recognize phishing attempts and other common attack methods significantly reduces the chance of human error being exploited. Proactive awareness programs build a strong first line of defense.
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Regular data backup and incident response
Frequent backups and a solid incident response plan ensure that, in the event of an attack, data can be quickly recovered and downtime minimized. This proactive step can turn a potential disaster into a manageable disruption.
In an era where the cost of breaches is measured in millions, a proactive, multi-layered approach is not just a best practice but an essential strategy for MSPs to ensure both their own success and the protection of their clients.
Top mistakes MSPs make when addressing cybersecurity
AI and automation are not only aiding companies but also empowering cybercriminals. Tools like ChatGPT are being misused to create convincing scam messages, while deepfake technology is making social engineering attacks even harder to detect. Staying vigilant and updating your defenses is essential to counter these evolving threats.
- Relying solely on antivirus software: Traditional antivirus is insufficient on its own. Next-generation solutions like SentinelOne offer better, adaptive protection.
- Neglecting security audits: Regular vulnerability assessments are crucial. Tools like ThreatDown powered by Malwarebytes can assist in ongoing monitoring.
- Ignoring AI’s role: AI is both a tool and a threat. Leveraging solutions like Proofpoint and Trend Micro can help MSPs adapt to evolving risks.
How Sherweb’s marketplace products help address these challenges
The products available through our marketplace are specifically designed to address the challenges MSPs face. Each solution brings unique strengths that help create a comprehensive security strategy for your clients.
Microsoft: Secure identity and collaboration
Microsoft offers foundational tools for managing identity, access and collaboration securely across organizations. Using services like Microsoft Defender and Azure Active Directory, MSPs can ensure robust identity management, conditional access and secure collaboration—vital in preventing unauthorized access and defending against identity-based threats. Microsoft’s advanced security features also enable proactive monitoring and incident detection, providing early warning of potential breaches.
Office Protect: Enhanced Microsoft 365 security
Office Protect is an essential layer that adds value to Microsoft 365 environments by providing simplified security monitoring and reporting. Office Protect makes it easy for MSPs to implement best practices in securing their clients’ Microsoft 365 accounts, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) enforcement, auditing and anomaly detection. By enhancing visibility and control over Microsoft 365, MSPs can protect sensitive data and reduce risks associated with account compromise or misconfigured settings.
SentinelOne: Autonomous endpoint protection
SentinelOne brings AI-driven endpoint protection to your cybersecurity stack, offering advanced threat detection, response and remediation without human intervention. Its ability to identify and stop zero-day threats, ransomware and fileless attacks makes it a vital component for MSPs seeking to minimize dwell time and prevent incidents before they escalate. SentinelOne’s autonomous capabilities allow for real-time protection and reduce manual overhead, freeing MSP teams to focus on strategic activities while ensuring clients are protected.
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud (ACPC): Integrated backup and anti-malware
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud integrates next-generation anti-malware, backup and disaster recovery into one unified platform. For MSPs, this means one solution to manage both cybersecurity and data protection needs. ACPC’s advanced threat detection, vulnerability assessments and ransomware protection capabilities ensure that not only can threats be blocked, but recovery from incidents is seamless. The integrated approach of Acronis minimizes complexity and ensures client data is secure, both in terms of being available and safeguarded against cyber threats.
Veeam: Backup and disaster recovery for business continuity
Veeam offers industry-leading backup, recovery and data management solutions to keep client operations running smoothly even in the face of a cyberattack. Its flexible, reliable and easy-to-manage backup and disaster recovery solutions help MSPs ensure rapid restoration with minimal downtime. Veeam supports cloud, virtual, and physical environments, providing a comprehensive approach to safeguarding client data and maintaining business continuity. By leveraging Veeam, MSPs can guarantee clients that their critical data is backed up and recoverable, strengthening the trust and reliability of managed services.
ThreatDown by Malwarebytes: Real-time threat intelligence
ThreatDown powered by Malwarebytes enhances MSPs’ ability to detect and respond to threats in real-time. Its robust threat intelligence and incident response capabilities are particularly effective in identifying anomalies and mitigating threats before they evolve into full-scale breaches. Malwarebytes also provides layered protection for endpoint security, enabling MSPs to deliver proactive threat prevention and immediate response to incidents. By leveraging ThreatDown, MSPs can ensure they’re always one step ahead of cybercriminals, particularly in environments where threats evolve rapidly.
Bitdefender: Comprehensive endpoint security
Bitdefender provides a layered approach to endpoint security, combining antivirus, anti-malware, and network threat prevention capabilities. It helps MSPs protect against a wide range of threats, from malware to advanced persistent threats (APTs). Bitdefender’s machine learning capabilities allow it to quickly adapt to new threat vectors and provide proactive defenses. For MSPs managing numerous endpoints across remote work environments, Bitdefender ensures endpoints remain protected, no matter where they are.
Trend Micro: Advanced threat intelligence and behavioral analysis
Trend Micro offers advanced threat intelligence that leverages behavioral analysis to detect and block zero-day attacks. The real-time monitoring capabilities provided by Trend Micro are crucial in detecting emerging threats and immediately responding to incidents. Its integration into the MSP environment is seamless, providing clients with a dependable layer of defense against ransomware, email-based threats, and more. Trend Micro’s capabilities ensure MSPs are able to adapt their security strategy in line with the latest threat intelligence, helping clients remain protected as the landscape evolves.
Proofpoint: Email security and user awareness
Proofpoint provides advanced email filtering and security awareness training, which are critical in defending against phishing and social engineering attacks. Phishing remains a significant threat vector, and Proofpoint helps MSPs by identifying and neutralizing malicious emails before they reach client inboxes. Additionally, its security awareness training modules help end-users recognize threats, making it a key tool for reducing risks through improved user behavior.
DropSuite: Simple and scalable data backup
DropSuite offers reliable data backup and archiving services specifically tailored to email and business data. For MSPs, this solution is a simple yet scalable way to ensure that clients’ data is regularly backed up, protected from accidental deletion, and available for easy restoration if needed. DropSuite integrates smoothly into existing workflows, providing an added level of resilience for businesses looking to protect their essential communication and business records.
LastPass: Credential security and password management
LastPass helps MSPs address one of the most common vulnerabilities—weak passwords and poor credential management. It provides secure password storage, sharing, and generation, making it easy for users to maintain strong password hygiene. By adding LastPass to their offering, MSPs can not only secure client systems but also educate end-users on best practices for credential management.
By bundling these solutions, MSPs can provide a holistic approach to cybersecurity for their clients, reducing risks, maintaining business continuity, and bolstering their own reputation as trusted security leaders.
Take your cybersecurity to the next level
Looking for more cybersecurity guidance and resources? Ready to implement multi-factor authentication but not sure where to start? Explore Sherweb’s full portfolio of solutions.
Want to stay ahead in cybersecurity? Follow our Cybersecurity Awareness blog series throughout the month for practical insights and actionable tips. Together, we can enhance our cybersecurity resilience and create a safer digital environment for our businesses and communities.
