monitor , investigate , and take action on detected threats in real time . It should also come with a reporting feature that includes security metrics that can then be shared with customers .
Next is the issue of passwords and the risk of them being compromised . Will passwords become a thing of the past ? Possibly , but not immediately . An identity and access management ( IAM ) tool is another way MSPs can protect themselves and their customers by combining single sign-on ( SSO ), multifactor authentication ( MFA ), and password management into one solution .
MSPs should take advantage of the full functionality of AI to create a robust security platform that identifies threats , offers phishing simulation and security awareness training tools , and includes dark web monitoring and a password management solution as part of the offering .
Reframe The Way Organizations View Security .
Phishing is part of a larger conversation involving security . There needs to be a mindset shift around this topic . As cyberthreats and attacks continue to rise , it ’ s more important than ever for companies to have security plans in place that are regularly revisited and updated as needed .
When seat belts were first introduced in the 1980s , only 14 % of Americans regularly wore them , despite the fact that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) required them in new cars as of the late 1960s . Even though seat belts could save lives , they were met with tremendous resistance and the belief they were an infringement on personal freedom . Eventually , drivers and passengers alike accepted the lifesaving device , and no one questions wearing them today .
For MSPs , cybersecurity needs to be a part of everyday life , as well . With the widespread use of email and cellphones , threats are not only rampant , but they are also getting cleverer and more sophisticated . While that may seem overwhelming , it creates opportunities for MSPs to expand their services and increase their bottom line . Much like the seatbelt , society is inching closer to cybersecurity measures becoming second nature .
Avoid Becoming Bait For Phishing Scams .
As phishing scams remain rampant , MSPs will need to make the case to their customers to invest in AI-based prevention tools and security training . Perhaps the most compelling argument is dollars and sense . The cost of phishing attacks is trending north . According to the FBI , U . S . businesses lost more than $ 1.8 billion last year in costs related to business email compromise ( BEC ) or spear phishing . The Bureau also reported adjusted losses at over $ 54 million attributed to phishing scams . Since phishing attacks may lead to data breaches , there are also costs associated with business disruption , lost productivity , and remediation efforts . It ’ s not all ghoulish news . Security awareness training can significantly reduce phishing expenses . The message is loud and clear — like a group of children begging for Halloween treats outside the door , MSPs need to be proactive with customers about how security training is no longer a luxury but a necessity . Training alone is simply not enough in a constantly evolving landscape of cyberthreats . MSPs need to arm themselves with AI-based tools that can easily identify and quarantine malicious emails before they even hit customers ’ inboxes , and if they do , additional preventative features can flag them so properly trained employees will know what to do with them .
It ’ s all about changing perceptions , and that might take some time . Eventually , however , customers will come to realize
The 5 Most Common Phishing Attacks
• Notification that you have received voicemail or e-fax
• Fake tech support email alleging malware on the computer and requesting remote access to install software to fix the issue
• Business email compromise ( BEC ) with a fraudulent invoice embedded with malware
• Phony emails from HR asking new employees to change their direct deposit information
• Spoofing and social engineering attacks designed to trick employees to reveal confidential information
why buckling up and investing in security strategies can ultimately save their organization from disruption and potential financial ruin . n
About the author : Manoj Srivastava is the Product Executive , Security , for Kaseya ’ s ID Agent and Graphus companies . He is the co-founder and former CEO of Graphus before it was acquired by Kaseya . Learn more about how to prevent phishing attacks by visiting Graphus . com or IDAgent . com .
SECURITY AWARENESS TRAINING