As the dust settles on 2023 for the MSP space, we look back on a year where demand soared despite headwinds, where transformation defined the agenda, and where resilience proved to be the key differentiator.
So, let's delve into the defining moments that marked this year for MSPs.
The cloud, once a niche technology, has become the beating heart of modern IT infrastructure. In 2023, MSPs embraced this shift wholeheartedly – cloud-based services, from infrastructure as a service (IaaS) to security solutions, saw a surge in adoption. Companies like Datto expanded their cloud portfolios, while the likes of Accenture and Rackspace solidified their cloud-centric offerings.
To be more specific, Datto, a Kaseya company, introduced Datto Secure Edge, which provides workers next-generation firewall protection from the cloud and advanced networking capabilities. Rackspace launched Rackspace Managed Cloud, a comprehensive service designed to let customers outsource the management and operations of their cloud environments. RMC is powered by the Rackspace Cloud Management Platform, which facilitates the management of the complete lifecycle of various cloud components such as compute, storage, data and applications.
With cloud offerings, customers saw the benefits of agility, scalability and cost-efficiency.
Now, shifting to the threat landscape in 2023 that kept cybersecurity at the forefront of every organization MSP's agenda, specifically with ransomware.
Past ransomware attacks, like the one that targeted the Colonial Pipeline in 2021, was a big warning sign on what was to come. Well, some companies did not learn from that. Eversource, a public utility holding company that provides electricity, natural gas and water services in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, was hit by a ransomware attack carried about by a group called Clop.
Companies need to go beyond traditional antivirus and firewalls to more advanced security solutions like threat intelligence, extended detection and response and incident response services. For example, Barracuda's SecureEdge platform offers enhanced security, improved performance and simplified management for hybrid and remote work environments. The platform safeguards against web-based threats and enables secure remote access with zero trust principles.
Still, bad actors found ways in, and typically in the form of an email. Trustifi found that 15% of the total volume of emails pass through cybersecurity email filters marked as malicious, unwanted or undesirable messages. These types of emails have the potential to infect the network and/or trick the user into transferring money or revealing sensitive credentials. Scary, right? But it doesn’t have to be with solutions like Trustifi’s Inbound Shield, Data Loss Prevention and Email Encryption.
The point I am trying to make here is that ransomware is a serious matter. But thankfully, organizations do not have to take on ransomware alone. MSPs act as vigilant security partners and offer a layered defense against ransomware. They patch vulnerabilities, deploy endpoint protection, manage secure backups and orchestrate rapid incident response, reducing attack risk, minimizing damage if struck and guiding swift recovery, all while keeping your business up and running.
With that said, because organizations see managed services as a commodity today, MSPs need to continue to innovate ways for them to stand out. One way is for them to look at partner programs, like the one offered by Net at Work, which allows MSPs to offer a comprehensive technology strategy to their clients by utilizing the expertise of over 300 subject matter specialists across 26-plus diverse business application domains.
But who knows – maybe MSPs will continue to surprise us as we head into 2024. Maybe they will find innovative ways to leverage AI-powered tools for proactive issue identification, automated remediation and improved service delivery efficiency.
Either way, I am excited to continue reading and writing interesting news articles surrounding the MSP space, and I am equally excited to hear from MSPs, in person, when I attend MSP Expo in February.
To learn and understand how to take your MSP to the next level, don’t miss MSP Expo 2024. Taking place February 13-15, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, MSP Expo is the premier event for MSPs, offering a three-day experience combining conference education focused on growth strategies, networking opportunities, an exhibit hall full of the latest technologies and solutions to help MSPs build their businesses.
Edited by
Alex Passett
