3 Things MSPs Can Learn About Cybersecurity from Game of Thrones
… employ a layered security offering that follows key cybersecurity control frameworks such as NIST and CIS. Cybersecurity policies, plans, employee education, testing, training and regular scanning are important components of a cybersecurity program. Providing a comprehensive cybersecurity solution and delivering it as a managed service offering can protect clients more effectively and help grow recurring revenue at the same time.
- Ignorance isn’t bliss: Providing managed services without including an expanded cybersecurity program is a missed opportunity. Don’t overlook the huge potential for MSPs to differentiate themselves with a comprehensive offering. Many MSP clients are trying to navigate third-party vendor cybersecurity assessments, which are starting to become commonplace. What small businesses don’t know about cybersecurity could hurt them. They’re often blindsided by multipage vendor risk assessments from their enterprise customers who are realizing that some of their small business vendors are a threat. If a client is unable to complete the assessment appropriately, it could result in the client losing that customer’s business and possibly the MSP losing an important client.
Here’s where the MSP comes in: As the provider and de facto cybersecurity resource, they can help prepare their client for impending assessments by implementing a holistic program ahead of time and coaching them through completion and submission when they do arrive. Even if a client never receives an assessment, the cybersecurity they have in place thanks to their MSP is critical in protecting their business, their livelihood and providing peace of mind. At the end of the day, an MSP’s job is to help clients understand – and succeed in – the world of technology. An MSP who is also the trusted cybersecurity resource has the edge over a competitor who focuses only traditional managed IT services.
Bottom line: Cyberattacks are (still) coming. Let’s face it, the MSP market is very competitive. Everyone is fighting for control and having a differentiator is vitally important to stand out in the marketplace. Cybersecurity can be this differentiator. Business leaders tag cyber threats as their biggest concern. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 small businesses would consider hiring a new MSP if they offered the right cybersecurity solution, and nearly 1 in 4 have already changed MSPs in the aftermath of a cyberattack. MSPs can position themselves on the winning side of the cybersecurity battle to gain the edge over the competition.
MSPs have a great opportunity to help their clients solve their need for the right cybersecurity solutions. The MSPs who take the right precautions to protect themselves and offer multilayered protection within a holistic approach to their clients are more likely to gain the throne over their competitors.
Cybersecurity is no longer a nice-to-have, rather it is a must-have for the victorious provider. Make it your dragonglass, and don’t wait for the White Walkers to show up.
Rob Simopoulos is the co-founder of Defendify, an all-in-one cybersecurity solution for IT service providers. Rob is a 20-plus year veteran of the security industry, successfully building and growing multiple businesses, and taking on various industry advisory and board roles. He is a frequent national speaker and thought leader on security and recurring revenue model strategies. Follow him on LinkedIn or @Defendify.
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