With a threat landscape that is constantly evolving with new threats and exploits appearing daily, organisations are under constant pressure, from the c-suite to the trenches, to boost cybersecurity culture and bolster their defensive capabilities. Adding to the stress are highly publicised breaches, which often directly impact cybersecurity professionals.
With AustCyber forecasting a shortfall of around 16,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2026, managed service providers (MSPs) can play a vital role in supporting organisations. As well as providing vital systems and services to address immediate needs, they can become strategic partners that help their customers fight today’s battles but also prepare for whatever comes next.
Sophos’ The Future of Cybersecurity in Asia Pacific and Japan report for 2024 has tracked major cybersecurity trends in the region for several years. One of the key findings from that report is that while 95% of boards and C-suite professionals have increased their focus on cybersecurity because of increased regulatory and other legal requirements, 49% of boards and 46% of senior leadership teams say they do not fully understand cybersecurity.
With cybersecurity resources being both scarce and highly valued, ensuring teams are not overly stressed and are supported is essential for retaining staff. MSPs can help to alleviate the strain of maintaining 24x7 defences on organisations by complementing internal security teams. This enables internal teams to work on more strategically important initiatives and reduce stress.
In this environment, channel partners have a profound opportunity to become trusted advisors. The level of cybersecurity understanding amongst board members and executives is not where it needs to be. Therefore, the opportunity exists for MSPs to provide strategic level guidance on education and awareness programs to senior leaders. This elevates MSPs from providing hardware and software, which are typically low margin products, into delivering valuable and higher-margin professional services.
C-suite executives want technology partners that understand their organisations’ risk profiles, compliance and regulatory requirements. As MSPs often work across a broad range of industries, they can possess a deeper skill set and are better versed in risk management and have experience with a wider variety of cybersecurity solutions compared to an in-house security team.
Organisations are seeking three key things from MSPs: cybersecurity strategy, reliable and effective service delivery and skills development for cyber employees. Service providers that have moved beyond the provision of software and hardware to focus on providing their customers with the best advice are well placed to boost their businesses.
This only happens when MSPs understand their customers’ businesses and build lasting relationships founded on strategic advice coupled with high quality service delivery. MSPs that invest in continual education and best-of-breed products that support their service delivery will excel in this competitive environment.
This is where the real opportunity exists. By developing a positive reputation as a cybersecurity provider that listens and adapts plans that best suit the customer’s organisational structure and agenda, the launchpad is primed for a long-term, sustained partnership.
Visit Sophos to learn more about how helps MSPs deliver best of breed solutions while boosting profitability.
