Q: We recognize that cybersecurity needs to be a priority for our MSP. How can we use the tools we have — or similar tools — to recognize vulnerabilities and anomalies in our customers’ network?
Cybercriminals are very good at masking malicious threats, which allows threats to fully penetrate the network before it reveals itself – making the attack unstoppable. To better protect customers from growing cyber threats, experts recommend that MSPs offer multi-layered security services. At the bare minimum, a multi-layered security offering should include: email security, network security, security awareness training, and data protection. In addition to this, providers who are using a remote monitoring and management (RMM) tool, can take their offering one step further by using an RMM tool that takes a security-first approach.
With the right RMM tool, MSPs can protect their customers by detecting vulnerabilities early, recognizing anomalies, and preventing an attack before it penetrates a customer’s network. We dove into this a little more in detail to help you see how this can help you better protect customers.
Detecting vulnerabilities
Security vulnerabilities exist with every device. Examples include road-warriors connecting to an unsecure Wi-Fi network, a missed software security patch, weak passwords, or a user removing their antivirus because it was blocking them from a certain website. Not knowing where these vulnerabilities are located makes it hard for your MSP to remedy the security gaps.
Having an RMM tool that lets you view at-a-glance where vulnerabilities exist allows you to proactively address the vulnerability before it gets exploited by an attack.
Most vulnerabilities stay hidden and often doesn’t cause any raised eyebrows until they become a security incident. Vulnerabilities are not always visible, but security incident alerts are generated and brought to your technicians’ attention.
Recognizing anomalies
As an attack is taking place, there are several telltale signs that an attack is occurring. For instance, increased login attempts, a sudden unauthorized change to admin passwords, or unnatural amount of file name changes, are some clear indicators. A security-centric RMM can be the first to alert you when these anomalies are taking place so that you can quickly react and address the issues, no matter if the attack is coming from an external or internal source.
While it is important to keep a close eye on your customers’ network, make sure you watch out for anomalies in your own network as well. In the past year, we have seen an increase in island hopping — or compromising company A to attack company B. As attackers continue to target MSPs and their tools, it is important to beef up your personal security as well, starting with your RMM tool.
A security-centric RMM tool can help you provide reliable, multi-layered security services to customers while providing proactive security monitoring and management that can close security gaps early and recognize anomalies to prevent a full cyber attack.
Photo: Nomad_Soul /Shutterstock.
