Cybersecurity in the Channel: A Call to Action for MSPs and Resellers
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the importance of security and data backup cannot be overstated for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and resellers. Recent research from DNV Cyber reveals that only about half of professionals in critical infrastructure feel equipped to identify security vulnerabilities in their supply chains. This underlines a pressing need for the channel to enhance its defenses against evolving threats, especially ransomware.
Key Details:
- Who: Mark Appleton, Chief Customer Officer at Also UK, and Chester Wisniewski, Director at Sophos.
- What: Growing concerns regarding inadequate cybersecurity governance among channel partners.
- Where: Global impact, with emphasis on critical infrastructure sectors.
- When: Ongoing concerns highlighted in early 2023.
- Why: The failure to address cybersecurity can lead to devastating breaches, causing prolonged disruptions for businesses.
- How: Organizations must implement proactive measures and invest in robust data recovery tools.
Why It Matters
The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, and the channel cannot afford to lag behind. Ransomware attacks, particularly remote attacks, are on the rise—Sophos reports a staggering 141% increase in remote ransomware incidents from 2022 to 2023. This elevates the urgency for MSPs and resellers to reinforce their cybersecurity postures to safeguard customer data and maintain operational resilience.
Expert Opinions
Mark Appleton emphasizes that the rise of artificial intelligence has complicated the security landscape. “AI has redefined security, enhancing both our defenses and the attack vectors adversaries exploit,” he states. He highlights that maintaining a robust data backup could mean the difference between recovery or failure in the wake of ransomware attacks.
Similarly, Chester Wisniewski from Sophos cautions against complacency. “Every organization has blind spots; criminals are quick to exploit these weaknesses,” he warns, urging for hyper-vigilance in monitoring all network activity.
What’s Next?
Organizations should focus on:
- Active asset management: Identifying unmanaged devices within the network.
- Monitoring file transfers: Keeping a close eye on unusual file activity and data flows.
- Good cybersecurity hygiene: Regular updates and strict access controls.
- Unified recovery approaches: Consolidating backup solutions to streamline recovery processes.
The tech industry is grappling with the necessity for better cybersecurity practices, and the insights gleaned from organizations like Sophos and DNV Cyber are crucial as we move forward.
Conclusion
To navigate the evolving threat landscape successfully, MSPs and resellers must prioritize investing in security measures and data backup strategies. Inaction is not an option; vigilance could be the key to survival against the tide of ransomware attacks.
Stay Updated
Follow Computer Weekly for ongoing updates on cybersecurity trends and best practices.
