MSPs at risk due to skills shortage in cybersecurity

TLDR:

• Managed service providers (MSPs) are facing a security skills shortage, putting them and their customers at risk.
• Sophos research shows that MSPs are struggling to keep up with industry developments and attract skilled staff.

Managed service providers (MSPs) are finding themselves in a challenging position as they are responsible for securing customer data while facing a shortage of skilled security professionals. Sophos conducted a survey revealing that MSPs are struggling to keep up with industry developments and bring in talent that can analyze trends effectively. The research highlighted that there is a global skills shortage, making it difficult for MSPs to attract and retain cybersecurity analysts, leading to concerns about cybersecurity risks for both MSPs and their customers.

The pressure to provide round-the-clock support has led many MSPs to seek help from third-party vendors for managed detection and response services. The survey also showed that MSPs are looking to reduce the number of vendors they work with to streamline operations. By managing security tools through a single platform, MSPs believe they can reduce management time significantly.

Additionally, there is a growing demand from customers for cyber insurance-related support, which has prompted MSPs to strengthen their security offerings by working with third-party MDR vendors. While the challenges are significant, there are also opportunities for MSPs to grow their business and profitability by enhancing their security services and solutions. It is crucial for MSPs to carefully choose their vendor partners who can offer a complete portfolio of managed security services to meet evolving customer needs.