Why MSPs Are Critical for Security Operations

As per the recently published "Bitdefender 2023 Cybersecurity Assessment", cybersecurity teams are facing significant pressure due to the increasing frequency and sophistication of phishing and ransomware attacks.

The survey highlights the critical role that Managed Service Providers (MSPs) play in the realm of cybersecurity. It is not surprising that almost all IT leaders (99%) consider MSPs as a key aspect of their security solutions. MSPs offer various advantages that can help organizations enhance their security posture.

IT and security leaders are facing diverse challenges in extending security capabilities across multiple environments. These challenges include securing on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud environments, which have become increasingly prevalent due to the shift towards distributed work spaces and the heavy reliance on cloud-based collaboration tools.

The report reveals that 43% of respondents noted that their solutions were too complex, and 36% said their organization lacked the necessary security skill set to fully leverage the product's capabilities.

24x7 monitoring

One of the primary benefits of using MSPs is the 24x7 security coverage they provide. With the growing sophistication and frequency of cyber attacks, it is vital to have continuous monitoring to detect and respond to threats promptly. MSPs can provide, with the best MDR offering, round-the-clock monitoring and response capabilities that organizations may not have the resources to build internally.

The use of MSPs can also help organizations free up internal IT and security resources. Building an in-house security team is a significant investment that may not be feasible for all organizations, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). MSPs can provide specialized security expertise without the need for organizations to hire and train internal staff. This can allow organizations to focus on their core business functions while outsourcing security operations to MSPs.

MSPs also need to address the significant challenges due to overworked staff and extended capabilities for their mid-market clients. As they play a crucial role in driving economic growth and innovation, these clients may struggle to fully leverage the benefits offered by MSPs, and are unable to realize their full potential. MSPs should focus on providing tailored services and support to their mid-market clients, ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources and expertise to manage their IT infrastructure effectively.

This may include offering scalable solutions that can grow with the client's needs and providing training and professional development opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Automated threat response

MSPs can also provide actionable intelligence, which is essential for making informed decisions about security incidents. Responding to a flood of alerts can be overwhelming, and many organizations lack the expertise to determine which alerts are critical and require immediate attention. MSPs can help filter out the noise and provide relevant and timely information that organizations can act upon. With the right XDR, users benefit from out-of-the-box analytics and advanced heuristics which correlate disparate alerts, enabling quick triage of incidents and rapid attack containment through automated and guided response.

Closing the skills gap

Lastly, MSPs bring a wealth of security expertise and experience to the table. Many organizations struggle with the complexity of the threat landscape and lack the skills needed to mitigate risks effectively. This alarming trend can be attributed to several factors, including the growing sophistication of cybercriminals, the ever-evolving technological landscape, a lack of cybersecurity awareness, and inadequate investments in security measures.

MSPs can provide security analysts' expertise, which can help organizations stay ahead of the threat curve and implement best practices to prevent cyber attacks.