Partner Content: Knowledge is power: How MSPs can stand out from the crowd with threat research

Knowledge is power: How MSPs can stand out from the crowd with threat research

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) operate in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape and must demonstrate their value beyond service management. Organisations now look to their MSPs as strategic partners, seeking expertise in threat intelligence to navigate the growing risks posed by sophisticated cyberattacks.

By understanding emerging threats and sharing relevant insights, MSPs can help clients make informed decisions about their security, allowing them to identify risks early, recommend effective defences and prevent issues before they become serious problems.

Helping clients navigate the landscape

Threat research gives MSPs a better understanding of the potential threats their organisation and customers face, and strengthen their defences accordingly.

But this is not the only way it can be used to boost business. The rich insights generated are a valuable resource to pass onto customers, allowing MSPs to establish themselves as an authority in the industry and demonstrate their cyber security know-how.

When MSPs deliver authoritative and leadership opinion and commentary on security topics backed by data, clients are more likely to see the bigger picture, such as how threats evolve and why certain measures are necessary. This makes it easier to understand MSPs’ value proposition, making them more likely to invest in stronger cybersecurity.

Recent research from CRN showed that there is an appetite for education among end users. When surveyed, 59 per cent of end users said that a lack of skills and relevant resources has posed a challenge to their technology strategy[1].

There are many ways MSPs can pass on knowledge and foster cybersecurity awareness among their clients. Some find that regular security briefings and webinars help keep clients informed about evolving risks, while others take a more hands-on approach, offering security awareness training for employees. Sharing threat intelligence reports with clear, actionable insights can also make a real difference, helping businesses translate complex cyber risks into practical decisions. Tailoring security best practices to the specific challenges of a client’s industry further ensures that guidance is relevant and effective.

Partnering for success

In today’s competitive market, MSPs must go beyond the point of sale and provide continuous education so clients are aware of what they are investing in and why. However, many MSPs do not have the time and resources internally to conduct in-depth research into the latest threats.

Strong partnerships with cybersecurity vendors can enhance an MSP’s ability to provide cutting-edge protection. They play a key role in supporting MSPs through training, certifications and collaborative security awareness initiatives, ensuring that providers stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

For example, the Acronis Threat Research Unit (TRU) is a dedicated unit is composed of experienced cyber security experts and includes cross-functional experts in cybersecurity, AI and threat intelligence. The team conducts deep research into emerging cyber threats, focusing on malware, ransomware, phishing and APT, and its team compiles guidelines and recommendations to assist IT teams in building robust security frameworks and best practices.

Its latest ‘Acronis Cyberthreats Report, H2 2024’ provides a detailed analysis of the latest cyberthreats and offers actionable insights to help protect organisation’s from threats. A few key findings include:

● A 5% increase in ransomware attacks, targeting critical sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

● A staggering 197% rise in email-based attacks, reinforcing the importance of advanced email security solutions.

● The use of generative AI, such as ChatGPT, by cybercriminals to create sophisticated malware and execute spear-phishing campaigns.

● AI-generated PowerShell loaders deploying malware and North Korean threat actors leveraging deepfake videos and fake LinkedIn profiles for deception.

Acronis partners with its MSP partners and the global tech community, and communicates the results of its research to empower IT teams with cybersecurity insights. By utilising insights from TRU, MSPs can provide clients with data-driven advice and deliver authoritative and leadership opinion and commentary on security topics.

[1] CRN report, Changing channel: What today’s organisations want from their partners, July 2022

This post is sponsored by Acronis.