Even as they compete against one another, MSP software vendors are nevertheless finding common ground to fight a common enemy. Indeed, anecdotal evidence suggests that numerous MSP software and technology providers are working behind the scenes to coordinate their cybersecurity efforts. Some very public moves may surface soon.
And for good reason. Hackers continue to target and enter MSP software platforms — particularly RMM (remote monitoring and management) and remote control applications. Many of the attacks have involved ransomware spreading across CSPs (cloud service provider), MSPs and end-customer systems. The ransomware epidemic threatens to seriously harm the MSP industry’s credibility, ChannelE2E believes.
On the upside: MSPs and their technology providers have blocked or mitigated thousands -- perhaps millions -- of manual and automated attacks against end-customers. On the downside: Key portions of the MSP industry have failed to raise their defenses despite specific FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security warnings to MSPs about such attacks.
MSP Technology Companies: United We Stand?
Amid that harsh reality, multiple MSP technology providers are in communication with one another, discussing ways to educate and raise the overall industry's defenses.
Among the cross-vendor efforts to watch: ConnectWise, Datto, Huntress Labs and ID Agent (a Kaseya company) together are set to host a webcast on September 12. Cybersecurity experts from each company will describe the tactics, techniques, and procedures used by attackers to successfully target MSPs. Among the timely twists: ITECH Solutions CEO Brian Weiss will moderate and share his personal experiences navigating the threat landscape.
The big question: Is this a one-off event? Or is this a symbolic start to something bigger in the MSP industry -- all in the name of cybersecurity, risk mitigation, and overall industry credibility?
ChannelE2E's educated guess: It's a safe bet we'll see rivals working more closely together in the weeks and months to come. Numerous vendors already recommend the NIST Cybersecurity Framework as a first step for MSP risk mitigation. Other vendors are striving to make two-factor authentication mandatory for MSPs and their employees. But those are two small pieces of a much larger industry puzzle that may come together -- all in the name of MSP security.
Stay tuned.
