Security “Historically,
cybersecurity has been viewed at the C-suite level less as a strategic business function and more as a technical cost centre.”
augmenting them and allowing operators to focus on the more pressing issues at hand. When employed in cyber detection and response, AI has seen utility in effectively triaging alerts – which typically number in their thousands per day and can otherwise overwhelm human operators – so that SOC operators are able to prioritise higher-risk alerts over more trivial issues. Te employment of zero trust architecture as default will help
organisations harden defences, and this approach is slowly seeing uptake in the SME community. On top of this, identity-centric security such as Multi-Factor Authentication and biometrics are closing the door on threat actors targeting employees for their credentials. And finally, the emergence of commercial quantum computing poses a long-term risk to current encryption methods and password-based security. As a result, organisations should begin aligning with government guidance and transitioning towards post- quantum cryptographic standards to ensure their data and systems remain secure in the future.
We’re seeing more attacks targeting MSPs as a route into multiple downstream customers. What practical steps can MSPs take to harden themselves as an attractive target? Being that MSP, charged with the cyber security of downstream clients, that is breached by an attack can have a devastating effect on confidence and reputation. Terefore, for MSPs, it is critical that they get cyber security right. Te National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides up-to-date guidance and practical steps to ensure businesses – MSPs and others – have the most appropriate security measures in place today to defend against the emerging threats of tomorrow.
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For MSPs trying to move from reactive firefighting to proactive security, what early wins or lowfriction changes make the biggest difference? The typical methods of breach we see are not from highly technical hacks, but from more human-centric approaches – i.e. phishing. In these instances, the divulgence of sensitive information such as account details or the unintentional download of malicious software by unwitting employees enables attackers an easy ‘in’. Therefore, education and the tightening of employee protocols around suspicious emails and approaches for information should be prioritised, although noting the difficulties around changing an organisation’s culture overnight.
How should MSPs talk to SME clients about risk in a way that encourages investment in security without resorting to fearbased messaging? Historically, cybersecurity has been viewed at the C-suite level less as a strategic business function and more as a technical cost centre. While this perception is starting to shift, it has often taken high-profile breaches to catalyse that change. Traditionally, many cybersecurity providers have reinforced this mindset through fear-based messaging, focusing on threats rather than value. However, the conversation is evolving. Cybersecurity should be positioned not as a sunk cost, but as a competitive differentiator and an enabler of business growth. For example, achieving recognised accreditations such as
Cyber Essentials can open access to new markets and sectors - including defence and government – directly supporting revenue growth and contract acquisition. Equally, cybersecurity should be framed in terms of business outcomes: maintaining customer trust, ensuring revenue continuity and enabling operational resilience. When articulated this way, it becomes clear that investment in cybersecurity is not just risk mitigation – it delivers measurable return on investment and supports long-term business success.
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