Special guest blog, by Gary Pica of TruMethods
While all SMBs need some sort of a cybersecurity plan in place, not all MSPs are well equipped to handle the ever-changing IT threat landscape. Some are still simply too reactive in their approach to delivering IT services. However, creating proactive roles and processes can put these MSPs in a better position to not only thrive, but also survive.
MSPs operating in today’s world are becoming heavily focused on proactive roles and process — and for good reason. Business leaders have time and time again named cybersecurity as one of the top risk concerns over the next decade. Unlike other types of IT services MSPs typically provide to SMBs, cybersecurity services are 95 percent people and process. Until MSPs become entirely proactive with their approach to cybersecurity, the disconnect between the services they provide, and results is going to continue.
For instance, successful vCIOs (ones who are proactive in their approach), develop repeatable alignment processes designed to ultimately mitigate risks and monitor technology for their clients. On the other hand, a vCIO who does the opposite (also known as a VCO or a virtual captain obvious) provides clients with recommendations but fails to incorporate the bigger picture of how a fully aligned IT infrastructure can help with achieving business initiatives.
Cybersecurity should be part of that conversation. While customers usually understand the increased risk associated with running a business in an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape (cybersecurity attacks are in the headlines daily, so they are usually somewhat aware of what could be in store for them if they don’t have a plan in place for cybersecurity), you must ensure you tie your results to roles and process, not just new technology.
There are two main reasons for this. First, your customers more than likely won’t understand the technology you’re using, even if you explain it to them. (Remember: You’re the expert, not them; that’s why they hired you in the first place). Second, your roles and processes are what make you unique as an MSP. They are what differentiates you from your competitors in the market.
Everyone uses the same tools (which shouldn’t be a surprise to you if you’ve been to several industry conferences). There’s nothing special about your RMM or backup and disaster recovery (BDR) solution (at least your customers won’t find anything special about either of them). How you tackle IT and the processes you put in place is how you will generate monthly recurring revenue (MRR) at the right price for your business.
What does a proactive approach to cybersecurity look like? It includes a threat-informed security program, emulating adversaries in the ransomware space, and threat modeling. Your cybersecurity plan should also have processes in place for executing on your incident response plan, which revolves around the Hippocratic Oath (first, do no harm). Identifying security weaknesses and adding processes to identify threats before they occur is another must when taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
The only way MSPs can keep up with the increasing number of cyberattacks is by being proactive. Developing roles and processes around a proactive approach to cybersecurity can help with achieving that goal.
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