With 38% of small and medium-sized businesses in the UK identifying a cyber-attack in the past 12 months and more incidents being reported every week, cyber security is no longer a luxury for small businesses. Although 83% of small and medium-sized businesses consider cybersecurity a top priority, they face many significant challenges in implementing robust cybersecurity measures. The two most common are:
-
Lack of cyber security skills
According to a UK government report, the UK will face a shortage of 11,200 cybersecurity workers by 2022. The numbers show how difficult it is for technology companies to scale security teams to meet increased demand amid a skills shortage. Small businesses can find themselves in a dangerous predicament if they are unable to compete for limited cybersecurity talent.
-
expensive digital solutions
According to a recent study commissioned by Microsoft, one of the biggest challenges facing technology providers today is rising manufacturer prices. This is a concern inherited from our clients, especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The survey also found that 64% of small businesses prefer to purchase cybersecurity solutions as part of a package that meets all their requirements, reflecting their relatively limited budgets.
These challenges and the rise in cyber threats are increasing the demand for managed service providers (MSPs) to support their customers' cyber security with expertise and cost-effective solutions.
important collaboration
In September 2023, ConnectWise, a leading provider of cybersecurity software and MSP specialist, announced a new partnership with Microsoft. Together, they provide a solution for MSPs to support the growing cybersecurity demands of SMBs. This is particularly helpful in addressing his two key challenges listed above. ConnectWise MDR and Microsoft Defender for Business integrate Microsoft's SMB endpoint detection and response (EDR) software solution with ConnectWise's co-managed security operations center (SOC) service. Together, they form an SMB-focused managed detection and response (MDR) service.
Source: Connectwise
Rob Lefferts, corporate vice president of Microsoft Defender and Microsoft Sentinel Engineering, said: “Our integration with ConnectWise represents our shared commitment to empowering managed service providers. This partnership will strengthen the security of his SMB customers through integrated solutions, increase partner profitability, and reduce costs. The aim is to reduce.”
MSP-focused security team – add to your existing team
MSPs using ConnectWise MDR with Microsoft Defender for Business have access to over 200 certified security experts in the ConnectWise SOC. The ConnectWise team acts as an extension of your MSP business, managing all security alerts and responding in real-time 24/7. By leveraging the capabilities of a SOC, MSPs can enhance their detection and response capabilities and protect their clients' systems while streamlining operations, maximizing profitability, and giving them the freedom to scale and grow their business.
The ConnectWise SOC works closely with the ConnectWise Research Unit (CRU), a team of experienced security professionals with expertise in engineering, IT management, security operations, and incident analysis and response. CRU analysts are 100% MSP focused, continually looking for anomalous activity, investigating emerging threats, and collating new information. A proactive approach ensures MSPs and their clients are protected from the evolving threat environment.
Leverage existing software – reduce costs
Small businesses often have limited budgets, so it's important to leverage existing technology wherever possible. Together, ConnectWise MDR and Microsoft Defender for Business allow MSPs to take advantage of the cybersecurity software their clients likely already have. Microsoft Defender for Business (MDB) is also available as a standalone solution, making it easy to install even if your clients aren't Microsoft 365 Business Premium users. Microsoft 365 Business Premium, one of the most popular software suites on the market, ships with his MDB, so you don't have to buy unrelated solutions.
Small and medium-sized businesses in the UK can no longer afford to wait to tighten up their security posture, as attackers no longer target just large businesses. Now is the time to leverage cost-effective and impactful solutions to extend your MSP services to these customers. To learn more about ConnectWise's unique services for MSPs, click to contact your local representative.
