2 . Invest in phishing prevention tools .
Another line of defense for MSPs is to invest in AI-based prevention tools that proactively monitor and protect their business and end customers . An effective AI not only scrutinizes email communications but also analyzes behaviors such as the devices ’ senders , including an employee ’ s usage , who they message the most , and what time of the day they communicate the most , etc . This data is then used to create profiles of trusted email senders and compares incoming communications to these profiles to detect and prevent sophisticated phishing attempts . AI-based monitoring software can also scan images to identify false login pages and recognize altered signatures , then automatically quarantine malicious emails so the end user never interacts with harmful messages .
MSPs should invest in technology that offers warning banners that flag suspicious emails , allows users to quarantine or mark the message as safe with a single click , and proactively quarantines suspicious emails for IT to investigate before they even make it to an employee ’ s inbox . When selecting a product , MSPs should opt for one that offers a dashboard where they 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 .
3 . 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 percent 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 .
4 . 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 cents . 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 why buckling up and investing in security strategies can ultimately save their organization from disruption and potential financial ruin .
Manoj Srivastava
Manoj Srivastava is the Product Executive , Security , for Kaseya ’ s ID Agent and Graphus companies . He is the cofounder and former CEO of Graphus before it was acquired by Kaseya .
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