Each week, ChannelE2E brings you the top cybersecurity insights from our affiliate site MSSP Alert, because we know that managed service providers need to stay on top of trends in cybersecurity.
This week, SonicWall reported on the healthcare vertical and its desirability as a ransomware target; Searchlight Cyber found that organizations with data exposed on the dark web are vulnerable to a cyberattack, and IT pros shared that they're concerned about AI's influence on malware and High Wire Networks introduces its executive 'dream team.' Here's our roundup.
- MSSP Healthcare Vertical Market a Top Target for Ransomware, SonicWall Reports
- Data on the Dark Web Opens Door to a Cyberattack, Searchlight Cyber Reports
- AI’s Influence on Malware Attacks Tops IT Pros’ Concerns
- MSSP High Wire Networks’ New Executive Dream Team Plots Strategy
MSSP Healthcare Vertical Market a Top Target for Ransomware, SonicWall Reports
A minimum of 14 million patients in the U.S. have fallen victim to malware breaches, underscoring that healthcare organizations remain prime targets for cyberattacks, according to new research findings from SonicWall.
The cybersecurity provider asserts in its 2024 SonicWall Threat Brief — focused exclusively on the healthcare industry — that the increasing digitalization of health records and telehealth services significantly expands the attack surface. Healthcare organizations are an important vertical market for MSPs and MSSPs.
"To defend against cyber threats, healthcare organizations must implement a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy, focusing on regular updates, strong access controls, and 24x7x365 monitoring," SonicWall writes in its report.
SonicWall urges MSSPs and MSPs to implement robust security measures, monitor systems in real-time and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Such a proactive approach to security helps healthcare providers defend sensitive patient data, minimize downtime and focus on delivering quality care.
SonicWall notes that many healthcare organizations operate with limited cybersecurity resources and often rely on outdated technology. This makes them even more susceptible to ransomware attacks, especially as the attacks grow in sophistication. In fact, SonicWall Capture Labs uncovered that 60% of vulnerabilities were used against Microsoft Exchange.
Data on the Dark Web Opens Door to a Cyberattack, Searchlight Cyber Reports
The more an organization’s data is found on the dark web the more likely it will experience a cyberattack.
Searchlight Cyber, a dark web intelligence company, delivers the news in a new study released in cooperation with the Marsh McLennan Cyber Risk Intelligence Center this week. To coincide with the study, Searchlight also launched a supporting “Dark Web Risk Report." Organizations can use this free resource to view their dark web exposure and the corresponding risk based on an analysis conducted by the Cyber Risk Intelligence Center.
The dark web is a critical area of security for MSSPs, as they monitor it for signs of potential attacks on their clients. Many organizations rely on MSSPs to safeguard sensitive data, but if this data is leaked or sold on the dark web, it can lead to data breaches, financial losses and reputational damage.
Cybercriminals often sell or share stolen credentials, malware or exploits on the dark web before an attack is executed.
AI’s Influence on Malware Attacks Tops IT Pros’ Concerns
AI-enhanced malware attacks are a primary concern of U.S. IT professionals for 2025, according to 60% of global IT professionals surveyed for GetApp’s 6th Annual Data Security Report.
While phishing and ransomware attacks remain prevalent, the increasing sophistication of AI-enhanced threats signals the need for businesses to prioritize new defensive strategies, asserts GetApp, a software consultancy. Additionally, 37% of U.S. IT professionals view AI-enhanced attacks as their primary concern next year.
MSSP High Wire Networks’ New Executive Dream Team Plots Strategy
MSSP 250 company High Wire Networks has been doubling down on its cybersecurity services business over the last couple of years. In 2023, it sold its staffing subsidiary, and in June 2024, it sold its tech enablement business – redeploying the proceeds into cybersecurity services under the brand and platform Overwatch.
High Wire Networks CEO Mark Porter has been assembling his dream team of C-suite executives to take this strategy forward in the market, naming cybersecurity veteran Ed Vasko as CEO of the Overwatch brand earlier this month and, more recently, naming him chief operating officer of the entire company. Another industry veteran and top executive, Mark Dallmeier, has been appointed as chief revenue officer.
MSSP Alert caught up with High Wire Networks’ dream team to talk about the leadership changes, the strategy going forward, and the opportunity in the market today.
