Cybersecurity Solutions Every Managed Services Provider (MSP) Should Offer — And Why It Benefits Everyone
In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is no longer a “nice to have” — it’s a core part of doing business. A Managed Services Provider (MSP) is a third-party company that manages and supports IT infrastructure for businesses. MSPs handle the administration of IT systems, databases, and applications, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. Cybersecurity solutions are delivered remotely, often over the internet, allowing businesses to benefit from expert protection without the need for extensive in-house resources. Clients expect their MSP to be both a technology partner and a security guardian. By delivering advanced security offerings, MSPs not only protect their clients but also strengthen their own revenue, retention, and reputation. MSP offerings encompass a range of service models, including technical support, subscription-based services, and SLA agreements, allowing MSPs to customize solutions and billing structures to meet diverse client needs.
Below, we’ll explore the top cybersecurity services every MSP should offer and the measurable benefits for both sides of the relationship. MSPs tailor their services to the customer’s specific infrastructure and needs, taking an ongoing, proactive role in managing the customer’s IT infrastructure and aligning IT strategies with the customer’s overall business goals, while assuming significant responsibility for protecting the customer’s systems and ensuring business continuity.
Overview of Managed Services Offered by MSPs
Managed service providers offer a broad range of services designed to support the IT needs of businesses. These services include cloud management, IT systems maintenance, desk support, cloud migration, threat detection, and incident response. MSPs also provide awareness training to help businesses protect themselves against cyber threats, as well as remote monitoring and management of IT systems to ensure optimal performance and security. By leveraging the expertise and resources of an MSP, medium-sized businesses can improve their cost efficiency, reduce their reliance on internal IT staff, and enhance their overall security posture. MSPs provide businesses with the ability to scale their IT operations up or down as needed, allowing them to respond quickly to changing demands and stay ahead of the competition. With the rise of remote devices and the increasing complexity of IT systems, the demand for MSP services is on the rise, and businesses are turning to MSPs to help them navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity.
Why Cybersecurity Is a Must-Have for MSPs
The rapid rise in ransomware, phishing, and data breaches has put Managed Services Providers under new pressure. A single breach can cause significant downtime, regulatory fines, and reputational damage — and when it affects a client, the MSP’s own brand is on the line. Many businesses now choose to outsource their IT security to MSPs to improve efficiency and scalability. By leveraging MSPs, organizations can maximize their internal resources and gain access to specialized expertise without expanding their in-house teams.
Key reasons cybersecurity is critical for MSPs:
- Client demand — Businesses are actively seeking MSPs with robust security offerings.
- Evolving demands — Customer and market demands are constantly changing, requiring MSPs to continuously adapt their security offerings to address new expectations.
- Regulatory requirements — Industries like healthcare, finance, and legal have strict compliance mandates.
- Competitive advantage — Security-focused MSPs stand out in an oversaturated market.
- Revenue growth — Security services open the door to premium, recurring revenue streams.
- Resource optimization — MSPs help businesses maximize their internal resources by providing specialized expertise and support.
Core Cybersecurity Solutions MSPs Should Offer
1. Managed Endpoint Protection
Modern malware evolves too quickly for traditional antivirus to keep up. MSPs should deploy next-generation endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to protect remote devices such as laptops, desktops, and mobile phones. These solutions safeguard not only end-user devices but also the broader IT infrastructure system.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Reduced support calls from infected systems, and the ability to manage the repair or replacement of endpoint equipment as part of their service.
- For Clients: Stronger defense against ransomware and zero-day attacks.
2. Proactive Threat Monitoring
Using a Security Operations Center (SOC) or SOC-as-a-Service, MSPs can proactively monitor servers, networks, and endpoints 24/7 for unusual activity, intrusions, or breaches.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Early detection means fewer catastrophic incidents to manage.
- For Clients: Peace of mind knowing threats are caught in real time.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Identity Management
Passwords are the weakest link in security. As a trusted vendor, MSPs can implement MFA, single sign-on (SSO), and identity access management to lock down accounts.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Lower risk of account takeovers affecting multiple customers.
- For Clients: Better user experience without compromising security.
4. Security Awareness Training
Human error is behind most breaches. MSPs can offer regular phishing simulations and training programs to keep staff alert.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Fewer avoidable security incidents.
- For Clients: A security-first culture that reduces costly mistakes.
5. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery (BDR)
Even the best defenses can fail. Having automated, encrypted backups with a tested recovery plan ensures business continuity.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Clear service value during client emergencies.
- For Clients: Minimal downtime after incidents.
6. Zero Trust Network Architecture
MSPs can help clients adopt a “never trust, always verify” approach, where every user, device, and connection is continuously authenticated.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Reduced exposure to lateral attacks in client networks.
- For Clients: Stronger resilience against insider threats and compromised credentials.
7. Compliance Management
For clients in regulated industries, MSPs can provide compliance reporting, auditing, and policy management for frameworks like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
Benefits:
- For MSPs: Ability to serve high-value, compliance-driven industries.
- For Clients: Avoidance of legal penalties and smoother audits.
8. Cloud Security
Cloud security has become an essential part of the services managed service providers deliver to businesses of all sizes, especially as more organizations migrate their IT systems to the cloud. MSPs provide comprehensive cloud management solutions, including cloud migration, ongoing monitoring, and regular maintenance, to help companies harness the full benefits of cloud computing while minimizing risk.
By leveraging advanced threat intelligence and real-time threat detection, MSPs enable customers to protect sensitive data and critical systems from cyber attacks and breaches. These cloud security offerings are particularly valuable for medium sized businesses that may lack in-house expertise but still need to maintain strong protection and compliance with industry regulations.
MSPs also play a key role in ensuring that cloud environments meet data protection and privacy standards, helping organizations avoid costly compliance violations. With robust cloud security services, MSPs empower businesses to scale operations confidently, knowing their cloud infrastructure is secure, compliant, and resilient against evolving threats.
9. Incident Response
Incident response is a vital service that managed service providers offer to help businesses quickly and effectively address cybersecurity breaches and other security incidents. When a threat is detected, MSPs provide expert guidance and deploy advanced tools to identify, contain, and remediate the issue, minimizing the impact on business operations.
These incident response services combine human expertise with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that threats are managed efficiently and effectively. MSPs also deliver awareness training to customers, equipping staff with the knowledge to recognize and respond to potential security incidents before they escalate.
By offering comprehensive incident response, MSPs help businesses maintain their reputation, reduce costly downtime, and prevent financial losses. This proactive approach to cybersecurity ensures that organizations are prepared to respond to threats and can recover quickly from any breaches that occur.
Network Security: The Foundation of a Secure MSP Offering
Network security forms the backbone of any successful managed service provider (MSP) offering. For businesses—especially medium sized businesses—ensuring the security of their IT systems and infrastructure is essential to maintaining daily operations and protecting sensitive data. MSPs deliver network security services by deploying advanced technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, VPNs, and encryption. These tools work together to defend against a wide range of threats, including malware, phishing, and targeted cyber attacks.
MSP offerings in network security are structured to address different business requirements, providing a variety of service models such as technical support, subscription-based services, and customizable SLA agreements to fit specific client needs.
By prioritizing network security, MSPs help organizations maintain the integrity and availability of their networks, reducing the risk of costly breaches and downtime. A robust network security framework not only protects the customer’s systems but also enhances the overall reliability of the services delivered. For customers, this means peace of mind knowing their business is shielded from evolving threats, while MSPs benefit from a reputation for delivering secure, high-quality offerings that meet the demands of today’s digital landscape.
Structuring a Managed Services Organization for Cybersecurity Excellence
Achieving cybersecurity excellence requires a managed services organization to be built on a strong security foundation. This starts with assembling a dedicated team of experts skilled in threat intelligence, cloud management, threat detection, and incident response. By integrating continuous monitoring and regular awareness training into their operations, MSPs ensure that both their own staff and their customers are prepared to identify and respond to emerging threats.
A key aspect of this structure is adopting a pricing model that balances cost efficiency with comprehensive protection. This allows MSPs to deliver high-value security services without overburdening customers with unnecessary expenses. By focusing on proactive management, rapid response, and ongoing education, MSPs can stay ahead of cyber threats and deliver the level of protection modern businesses require. Ultimately, this organizational approach enables MSPs to provide reliable, scalable cybersecurity services that adapt to the ever-changing threat landscape.
Pricing Models for Cybersecurity Services
Managed service providers recognize that every business has unique security needs and budget considerations. To address this, MSPs offer a variety of pricing models for their cybersecurity services, including subscription-based, tiered, and outcome-based options. The right pricing model is determined by factors such as the complexity of the customer’s IT systems, the desired level of protection, and the specific business goals to be achieved.
A well-designed pricing model ensures cost efficiency for both the MSP and the customer, allowing businesses to access essential security services without overspending. Flexible pricing models also make it easier for MSPs to serve a diverse range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, and to scale their offerings as customer needs evolve. By aligning pricing with the value delivered, MSPs can maintain profitability while helping customers maintain a secure IT environment that supports their long-term objectives.
Best Practices for MSP Cybersecurity
To deliver effective cybersecurity services, managed service providers must adhere to industry best practices that safeguard both their own systems and those of their customers. This includes implementing robust security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption to protect IT systems from unauthorized access and attacks.
Regular security audits and risk assessments are essential for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring that all systems remain secure and compliant. MSPs should also provide continuous monitoring and maintenance services, keeping customer environments up-to-date and resilient against emerging threats.
Securing internal processes and access controls is equally important, as MSPs often have privileged access to sensitive customer data. By following these best practices, MSPs can deliver high-quality cybersecurity services that build trust and provide lasting value to their customers.
Key Performance Indicators for Cybersecurity Success
Measuring the effectiveness of cybersecurity services is crucial for managed service providers aiming to deliver the best possible protection to their customers. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as response times to incidents, incident resolution rates, and customer satisfaction scores provide valuable insights into service quality.
MSPs should also monitor the number of threats detected and prevented, as well as the compliance status of customer systems with industry regulations. Tracking these KPIs allows MSPs to identify areas for improvement, demonstrate the value of their services, and ensure that their cybersecurity offerings continue to meet the evolving needs of their customers.
How Cybersecurity Benefits MSPs
Offering cybersecurity isn’t just good for clients — it’s a key benefit and growth engine for the MSP itself.
- Recurring Revenue: Security solutions naturally lend themselves to subscription-based pricing, where the price is structured as a recurring fee or monthly plan.
- Client Retention: Security builds trust, reducing churn.
- Service Differentiation: Stand out from MSP competitors who focus solely on IT maintenance.
- Upsell Potential: Cybersecurity offerings can be layered on top of existing managed IT services.
How Cybersecurity Benefits Clients
From the client’s perspective, partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) that delivers robust security means:
- Reduced Risk: The MSP is responsible for managing your security and IT risks, resulting in a lower chance of breaches, downtime, and data loss.
- Cost Savings: Preventing incidents is far cheaper than fixing them.
- Operational Continuity: Security and IT uptime go hand-in-hand.
- Expert Guidance: Access to security expertise without hiring a full-time team.
Evolving with Managed Services: Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats
The managed services industry is in a constant state of evolution, driven by the relentless pace of new cyber threats and technological advancements. To stay ahead, MSPs must continuously enhance their security offerings by adopting the latest technologies—such as artificial intelligence and machine learning—and by providing regular awareness training to customers. This proactive approach includes implementing robust incident response plans, conducting ongoing monitoring, and performing regular maintenance of IT systems.
By evolving their services, MSPs empower businesses to respond swiftly and effectively to new threats, minimizing downtime and ensuring operational continuity. This requires a deep understanding of each customer’s IT systems, aligning security solutions with the customer’s business goals, and ensuring system uptime and security by delivering tailored solutions that address specific risks. As threats become more sophisticated, MSPs that prioritize innovation and adaptability will be best positioned to protect their customers and maintain a leadership role in the industry.
Choosing the Right MSP Cybersecurity Partner
Selecting the right managed service provider for cybersecurity is a critical decision for any business. The ideal MSP partner should offer a comprehensive suite of security services, including network security, threat detection, incident response, and expertise in cloud management and IT systems administration. Reliable desk support and a proven track record in delivering high-quality security services are also essential.
A transparent and cost-efficient pricing model is key, ensuring that customers receive maximum value without hidden fees. Businesses should look for an MSP that focuses on their unique business goals, provides responsive support, and demonstrates deep industry expertise. Evaluating the MSP’s offerings, verifying their credentials, and assessing their reputation in the industry are crucial steps in the selection process. By partnering with the right MSP, businesses can secure their IT systems, reduce the risk of cyber attacks, and focus on driving growth and innovation with confidence.
The Future of Cybersecurity for MSPs
As cyber threats grow more advanced, the MSP’s role as a trusted security advisor will only expand. The MSPs that thrive will be those who integrate security deeply into every service they provide — not as an add-on, but as a core part of their managed services package.
Bottom line:
A Managed Services Provider that prioritizes cybersecurity will win more clients, keep them longer, and deliver more value. It’s not just about protecting data — it’s about protecting relationships, revenue, and reputation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, managed service providers are essential partners for businesses seeking to manage their IT systems securely and efficiently. By offering a comprehensive suite of services—including cloud management, incident response, and advanced cybersecurity—MSPs help companies achieve their business goals, maintain productivity, and protect against ever-evolving threats.
To deliver maximum value, MSPs must follow industry best practices, monitor key performance indicators, and stay ahead of the latest technologies and cyber risks. As the demand for managed services continues to rise, choosing a reputable MSP with proven expertise and a commitment to security is more important than ever. With the right provider, businesses can confidently maintain the integrity and performance of their IT systems, ensuring long-term success in a digital world.
About Us
Everykey is on a mission to make cybersecurity easy and convenient.
Everykey delivers a proximity-based, frictionless, and touchless secure access platform. Offering passwordless authorization and multi-factor authentication, it seamlessly integrates with identity platforms to make secure access effortless. Everykey empowers IT leaders to adopt secure and employee-friendly zero-trust strategies.
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