Why Preaching Cybersecurity Education Is Crucial for MSPs and Their Customers

Cybersecurity threats are growing in complexity and sophistication every day. As managed service providers (MSPs), we hold the responsibility of not only protecting our clients’ systems and data but also educating them about the evolving cyber landscape. Cybersecurity education is no longer optional; it’s essential. October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), making it the perfect time to lead the charge in raising awareness and reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity practices across all levels of business.

At Gradient MSP, we know that cybersecurity education can often be a challenge for MSPs to communicate effectively to their clients. That’s why it’s more important than ever to position yourself as not just a service provider but a trusted cybersecurity advisor. The businesses you serve may not be aware of the day-to-day risks they face, or they might not fully understand how preventive measures like Breach Prevention, Data Encryption, or Phishing Prevention can protect their operations. By actively educating your clients, you help them take ownership of their security posture while demonstrating your value as a proactive partner.

Here’s why it’s essential to continually preach cybersecurity education and how you can make a real impact on your client relationships.

Why Cybersecurity Education Is Non-Negotiable

Cyber threats don’t take breaks, and neither should our efforts to educate those we protect. The statistics speak for themselves:

• 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and 60% of small businesses fold within six months of a major cyber incident.
• Human error is the cause of 95% of cybersecurity breaches. This statistic highlights the importance of training and ongoing education in reducing the risk of an attack.
• Nearly 90% of data breaches are linked to phishing attacks, which could be prevented through better user awareness and training.

For the average small to mid-sized business, cybersecurity can feel overwhelming. Many business owners are focused on growth and customer retention, and as a result, cybersecurity becomes an afterthought. This creates a perfect storm for cybercriminals who target these businesses because they know they lack sufficient defenses.

That’s where we come in as MSPs—we are uniquely positioned to not only safeguard their systems but also arm them with the knowledge they need to protect themselves. Education is key in shifting the mindset of “cybersecurity is IT’s problem” to “cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.”

The Power of Preaching Proactive Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity education builds trust and strengthens relationships between MSPs and their clients. By regularly communicating the importance of Breach Prevention, Phishing Prevention, and other critical defenses, we empower businesses to understand what’s at stake and why cybersecurity is worth the investment. Here’s how focusing on education benefits both you and your clients:

1. Prevents Breaches Before They Happen: Clients are often unaware of how vulnerable they are to cyberattacks. By educating them about Breach Prevention strategies—such as regular security audits, patch management, and intrusion detection—you help them understand the proactive steps they need to take before a breach occurs.

2. Builds a Culture of Awareness: Phishing Prevention and Security Awareness Training are some of the most powerful tools in your cybersecurity arsenal. When clients’ employees know how to identify phishing emails or malicious links, they become the first line of defense in protecting the business from threats. Regular training and communication around these topics ensure that everyone is aware of the role they play in maintaining security.

3. Strengthens Compliance and Trust: Many industries are subject to stringent Compliance & Regulatory Requirements (such as HIPAA or GDPR). By educating clients about their obligations and helping them stay compliant, you position yourself as an expert partner they can trust to keep their operations secure and compliant.

4. Increases the Value of MSP Services: Ongoing cybersecurity education demonstrates your commitment to your clients’ success. By being proactive in teaching them about Network Security, Email Security, and Data Encryption, you show that your services go beyond break-fix IT; you’re invested in their long-term security and business resilience.

5. Reduces Cybersecurity Incidents: Ultimately, education is a key factor in reducing the number of cybersecurity incidents. Whether it’s implementing MDR or providing regular phishing simulations, empowering your clients with the right knowledge helps them take action to avoid preventable breaches.

Why Gradient MSP's CSAM Marketing Toolkit Is the Perfect Resource for MSPs

Educating your clients doesn’t have to be a daunting task. We’ve made it easier than ever with our FREE Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) Marketing Toolkit. This comprehensive toolkit gives you everything you need to help educate your clients during CSAM, empowering them with the knowledge they need while positioning your MSP as a cybersecurity leader.

What’s inside the toolkit?

• Pre-Written Blog Posts: Engaging content that educates your clients on crucial cybersecurity topics like Phishing Prevention, Breach Prevention, Data Encryption, and more. These blog posts are designed to showcase your expertise while keeping clients informed about key cybersecurity practices.
• Email Templates: Use our ready-made email templates to keep your customers in the loop and help them understand the importance of cybersecurity for their business.
• Social Media Posts with Eye-Catching Visual Prompts: Engage your audience with impactful social media posts that highlight key stats about cybersecurity threats, complete with compelling image ideas to grab attention.
• Cyber Risk Assessment Template: We’re including a customizable Cyber Risk Assessment Template that allows you to assess your clients' cybersecurity posture and provide them with actionable recommendations based on their risk level.

As an MSP, it’s your responsibility to preach the importance of cybersecurity education. By doing so, you not only protect your clients but also position yourself as a trusted advisor in a rapidly changing threat landscape. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your client relationships and make cybersecurity education a priority.

Download our FREE Cybersecurity Awareness Month Marketing Toolkit today and start leading the conversation on cybersecurity with your clients. Empower them with knowledge, demonstrate your value, and keep them secure.

DOWNLOAD YOUR MARKETING TOOLKIT