FINAL WORD
SMBs often do not have the resources , time or dedicated teams to focus on their IT needs , while ensuring they have the right solutions in place to defend themselves against cyberattacks .
As cyberattacks continue to increase and become more sophisticated , businesses of all sizes are needing to invest in the right support . This is even more crucial for small and medium-sized businesses ( SMBs ), who may lack the adequate internal resources and teams to protect themselves against such growing cyberthreats .
But , by partnering with an established managed service provider ( MSP ) who can act as a trusted advisor to create a solid cyber security strategy , SMBs can benefit from the knowledge , skills and solutions available within the channel .
COVID-19 transforms the market
With businesses accelerating their Digital Transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure business survival and continuity , there has been a knock-on effect on cybersecurity strategies , which now must be prioritised and invested in . Over the past 18 months , organisations have had to transition , working securely and efficiently from home , and then splitting their time between the office and remote work , in turn , creating new security challenges . This has demonstrated the crucial need for organisations to become more agile and have the ability to scale both up and down when regional rules change .
The importance of a secure and flexible workforce , one which is protected through layers of security and best practice , is key . This can be executed successfully by identifying existing weaknesses or gaps in infrastructure , which can be easily spotted by channel partners who specialise in cybersecurity . By leaning on an MSP , businesses can benefit from having access to the right support and advice , and MSPs , in turn , can offer the correct solutions to combat the challenges their clients face . This has led to organisations questioning issues such as are the emergency measures put in place during the peak of the pandemic sufficient for long-term secure and agile working practices ? What tools do customers need to remain secure in the new modern hybrid working environment ? It is clear that now is the time for businesses to reassess and build a flexible , future-proof plan .
The trusted advisor to SMBs
SMBs often do not have the resources , time or dedicated teams to focus on their IT needs , while ensuring they have the right solutions in place to defend themselves against cyberattacks . They also do not think they are as much of a target for hackers , as they may not have as much revenue or data compared to larger and more corporate organisations , with 66 % believing a cyberattack would be unlikely . However , according to Accenture ’ s Cost of Cybercrime
Study , 43 % of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses , and only 14 % are prepared to defend themselves .
Instead , by partnering with an MSP who can act as an external security partner for the SMB to help them achieve cyber resilience , the pressure and responsibility of defending the business against cyberthreats will lay with the expert in the channel . This creates a unique opportunity for MSPs to guide customers on their cybersecurity journey and ensure they are receiving relevant education and have the right technology and tools in place to protect the business . It also helps the MSP to differentiate themselves from the evergrowing and competitive channel market , enabling them to become trusted IT security advisors for the businesses they support .
INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS Issue 48 67