Cloud Hosting

GUEST RESEARCH: ConnectWise, the worlds leading software company dedicated to the success of IT solution providers (TSPs), has announced the findings of its annual MSP Threat Report. Now in its fourth year, the report provides an analysis of the major MSP-related security events and trends from the past 12 months, alongside predictions for the year ahead.

ConnectWise Cyber Research Unit (CRU) analysed over 440,000 incidents that impacted MSPs and their clients and identified the top five ransomware variants used to target MSPs in 2022, some of the biggest vulnerabilities impacting MSPs, and used this data to make predictions about upcoming trends MSP should be aware of.

"The findings of this year's Threat Report highlight the growing importance of cybersecurity for MSPs and their customers. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, MSPs must remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect their networks and clients, commented ConnectWise chief information security officer Patrick Beggs.

By adopting a zero-trust network architecture, leveraging threat intelligence research and investing in specialised cybersecurity training, MSPs can stay ahead of the curve and build more effective protection for their mission-critical infrastructure and services. ConnectWise is proud to have a foundation of transparency and an integrated cyber infrastructure that supports reports like this. We can develop and deliver cybersecurity products and services while leveraging the latest threat intelligence to protect our partners letting them connect with confidence."

The report includes visuals so MSPs can cross-reference common techniques used and determine which are most likely to impact their business and customers. A heat map of the Mitre Att&ck techniques and sub-techniques observed during 2022 allows MSPs to be more confident in investing in cybersecurity efforts that will have the most impact in defending against attacks.

One of the significant findings in the report is the emergence of a new phishing technique used by bad actors targeting MSPs. It works by exploiting changes in the default behaviour of Visual Basic Application (VBA) macros handled in Microsoft Office documents downloaded online. In 2022, this approach led to a rise in the use of LNK files to deliver payloads, which would then lead to ransomware deployments.

Based on this detailed insight, the report also offers a series of cybersecurity predictions for MSP in 2023 and beyond:

- MSPs will remain the target of supply chain and critical infrastructure attacks. As a result, many MSPs will look to an outside partner with the right expertise to start strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

- Zero trust network architecture is critical for MSPs. The most vulnerable MSPs are those without zero-trust network architecture (ZTNA), which is why governments worldwide will continue to expand their programs to require ZTNA from their vendors.

- Leveraging threat intelligence research and inter-organisational collaboration is essential for MSPs. Understanding current threats can help MSPs prioritise their time and efforts on what will have the most significant impact on their networks and those of their clients.

- Specialised cybersecurity training will increase across the industry, but ramp-up will take time. While diversified skillsets have worked thus far for MSPs, evolving threat landscapes is best addressed with cybersecurity specialists.

About the reportThe ConnectWise 2023 MSP Threat report was created by the ConnectWise Cyber Research Unit (CRU)a dedicated team of ConnectWise threat hunters who identify and research new vulnerabilities and publicly share what they find across the community. The CRU monitors ransom leak sites and malicious botnets for new threats, uses OSINT resources, and utilises data from ConnectWise SIEM to help create content and complete research.

Reducing WAN latency is one of the biggest issues with hybrid cloud performance. Taking advantage of compression and data deduplication can reduce your network latency.

Research firm, Markets and Markets, predicted that the hybrid cloud market size is expected to grow from US$38.27 billion in 2017 to US$97.64 billion by 2023.

Colocation facilities provide many of the benefits of having your servers in the cloud while still maintaining physical control of your systems.

Cloud adjacency provided by colocation facilities can enable you to leverage their low latency high bandwidth connections to the cloud as well as providing a solid connection back to your on-premises corporate network.

Download this white paper to find out what you need to know about enabling the hybrid cloud in your organisation.

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Marketing budgets are now focused on Webinars combined with Lead Generation.

If you wish to promote a Webinar we recommend at least a 3 to 4 week campaign prior to your event.

The iTWire campaign will include extensive adverts on our News Site itwire.com and prominent Newsletter promotion https://itwire.com/itwire-update.html and Promotional News & Editorial. Plus a video interview of the key speaker on iTWire TV https://www.youtube.com/c/iTWireTV/videos which will be used in Promotional Posts on the iTWire Home Page.

Now we are coming out of Lockdown iTWire will be focussed to assisting with your webinars and campaigns and assistance via part payments and extended terms, a Webinar Business Booster Pack and other supportive programs. We can also create your adverts and written content plus coordinate your video interview.

We look forward to discussing your campaign goals with you. Please click the button below.

MORE INFO HERE!

Originally posted here:
ConnectWise releases 2023 MSP Threat Report with insights into ... - iTWire