Managed service providers (MSPs) operate in a variety of industries, ranging from construction to healthcare, accounting to legal, staffing firms to manufacturing, media and advertising to technology. Despite the diversity of verticals they serve, MSPs face similar cybersecurity challenges on a daily basis. With cyber-criminals constantly on the lookout for vulnerabilities, MSPs managing multiple companies with numerous endpoints become prime targets for attacks.
One of the key cybersecurity threats that MSPs need to be aware of is polymorphic malware. This type of malware is designed to constantly change its code, making it difficult for traditional security measures to detect and block. With 94% of malware and potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) exhibiting polymorphic behavior, MSPs need to stay vigilant and employ advanced threat detection technologies to safeguard their networks.
Phishing attacks have also been on the rise, with cyber-criminals creating over 1.3 million new phishing sites each month. These attacks are highly targeted and sophisticated, making it challenging for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious websites. MSPs need to educate their clients about the dangers of phishing and implement robust email security solutions to prevent these attacks.
Another common security issue faced by MSPs is unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. Cyber-criminals often exploit unsecured RDP connections to gain unauthorized access to networks and infect systems with malware. MSPs should ensure that RDP connections are properly encrypted and implement strict login policies to prevent unauthorized access.
DDoS attacks continue to be a prevalent threat, with cyber-criminals leveraging IoT devices to launch large-scale attacks. The emergence of botnets like JenX, which target IoT devices to launch DDoS attacks, highlights the need for MSPs to secure their clients’ IoT networks and prevent them from being used in malicious activities.
Crypto-jacking is another growing threat that MSPs need to be aware of. This type of attack involves using victims’ CPU power to mine cryptocurrency, without their knowledge. MSPs should deploy advanced endpoint security solutions to detect and prevent crypto-jacking attacks.
In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, MSPs need to take proactive measures to protect their clients’ networks and data. By investing in advanced security technologies and implementing best practices, MSPs can effectively safeguard their clients’ IT environments and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Automation and simple, low-maintenance security management are key to mitigating security risks and ensuring long-term success for MSPs.