ConnectWise has released its third annual cybersecurity guide for MSPs, the 2022 ConnectWise MSP Threat Report. Now, let's look at three key takeaways from the report.
1. More "Super-MSPs" Launched in 2021: New "super-MSPs" -- essentially, MSPs that come together through mergers and acquisitions, are becoming more prominent. As super-MSPs launch, cybersecurity will become "more critical than ever" moving forward, according to ConnectWise.
2. Ransomware Operators Prioritized Mid-Tier Organizations During Their Cyberattacks: Law enforcement agencies were increasingly successful in identifying and shutting down threat actors in 2021, ConnectWise indicated. As such, threat actor groups are modifying their cyberattack techniques and methods. This could lead threat actor groups to increasingly target mid-tier organizations in the hopes of getting "decent-sized" payouts.
3. Ransomware Is a Leading Cause of Cybersecurity Incidents Among ConnectWise's MSP Partners: The ConnectWise Cyber Research Unit (CRU) collected data regarding 500 cybersecurity incidents from our MSP partners and their clients. Among these 500 incidents, 40 percent were related to ransomware, 25 percent were directly related to Microsoft Exchange vulnerabilities and 10 percent were related to coin miners.
Along with the aforementioned takeaways, ConnectWise provided several cybersecurity predictions for 2022, including:
- Cybersecurity Will Play a Key Role in MSPs' Success: Many MSPs could integrate cybersecurity tools and technologies into their offerings. This could lead more MSPs than ever before to become MSSPs.
- Federal Lawmakers Will Provide Clarity on Ransomware Payments for the First Time: As more cybercriminals launch ransomware attacks, federal lawmakers could offer tips, recommendations and guidance on how organizations should handle ransomware payments.
- The Small and Medium-Sized Business (SMB) Market Will Spend Big on Cybersecurity: SMBs are willing to invest in cybersecurity tools and technologies. Meanwhile, MSSPs could help these businesses leverage managed security services to guard against cyberattacks.
MSPs must understand cyber threats and make appropriate security investments, ConnectWise GM of Cybersecurity Raffael Marty said. That way, they are well-equipped to protect themselves and their customers against cyberattacks now and in the future.
