92% of organisations use cloud computing and SaaS platforms to conduct business activities, while more MSPs and MSSPs are leveraging cloud based software to manage their clients’ infrastructure. Despite all their benefits, these applications also open up more opportunities for threat actors to attack MSPs and MSSPs and infiltrate their clients’ networks and data.
In fact, 90% of MSPs have suffered a successful cyberattack, and 98% of organisations experienced at least one cloud security breach in the last 18 months. MSPs and MSSPs are prime targets of phishing, ransomware, malware and DDoS attacks. Meanwhile, over 50% of them suffered financial losses after a cyberattack.
How can MSPs and MSSPs harden their cloud environments to improve their cyber resilience while minimizing risks for the end customers?
Just offering cloud security services isn’t enough — how can you get your clients on board, so they’ll take cloud security seriously, engage with your services, and do their part to get the most protection?
10 Cloud Cybersecurity Best Practices For MSPs and MSSPs
Follow these best practices to safeguard your and your clients’ cloud based infrastructure, applications and data.
Hire a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
A CISO oversees all cybersecurity and risk mitigation activities in your MSP. They offer strategic and technical leadership in critical areas, such as infrastructure, data, and employee security. Consider using a virtual CISO (vCISO) service, which allows you to access world-class expertise without hiring full-time personnel to advance your security maturity level.
Implement Identity Authentication
Did you know that implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) can help prevent 99% of data breaches? Most cloud services come with an MFA feature, so make sure it’s activated in all the cloud based software you use and implement for your clients. Some providers also offer other authentication methods, such as integration with Active Directory (AD) or Open Authorization (OAuth).
Context-Aware Access
MSPs and MSSPs must adapt to today’s work-from-anywhere trend and improve access controls to their systems and their clients’ networks. Context-aware access allows you to determine what data and which apps a user can access based on contextual information. For example, whether their device configurations are compliant with your IT policy or the network origin (i.e. IP address) is consistent with previous activities.
Turn On Data Encryption
Many data privacy regulations (e.g. HIPAA, DFARS) require encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. Most cloud computing platforms offer such a feature — some are turned on by default while others must be enabled by the customer. Research the cloud platforms you and your clients use and ensure that the data encryption features are activated.
Take Inventory of All Data and Applications
Most new clients today come with their own cloud technology stack. You must wrap your head around the lay of the land before you can ensure their security. Take inventory of all your clients’ data assets and SaaS applications to gain visibility into their infrastructures. Vet all the cloud service providers, understand their security models, and take advantage of their built-in security features.
Move Beyond Antivirus
As attackers employ increasingly sophisticated methods to infiltrate networks, basic antivirus and antimalware software aren’t enough to offer comprehensive protection. If you haven’t already, integrate endpoint detection and response (EDR) and open extended detection and response (XDR) technologies into your security stack to gain real time threat intelligence.
Beware of Web Application Threats
As organizations move to web applications, so are threat actors. Refer to the top 10 web application security risks published by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) to eliminate vulnerabilities, such as broken access control, cryptographic failures, security misconfigurations, outdated components, security monitoring failures and more.
Provide Employee Education
Cloud security is a team sport. Security tools and policies are only as good as your teams’ and clients’ ability to use and adhere to them. Offer training to your staff and include a cybersecurity awareness program as part of your packages to minimize risky behaviours that can sabotage your hard work and ensure that your clients achieve the best results with your services.
Leverage Analytics and Reporting
Detailed analytics gives you insights to strengthen your defence. It also enables you to build informative reports to educate clients about their security posture and compliance risks so they can prioritize their resources. For example, our
threat assessment reporting includes a risk score that demonstrates continuous improvement and the value you bring to the table to help improve client retention.Offer Ongoing Cloud Security Monitoring
Cloud security isn’t a once-and-done exercise. Cybersecurity threats are fast evolving, and you must continuously monitor your systems and clients’ environments to ensure ongoing protection. For instance, you should watch out for front and back door access to cloud-based applications and detect malicious activities (e.g. unauthorized access, suspicious login attempts) in real-time.
Offering Cloud Security Services Is Easier Than Ever
Today’s MSPs and MSSPs can’t afford to ignore cloud security in their service offerings. But it takes a lot of time and upfront investment to purchase all the advanced tools and hire an in-house team of security experts to keep an eye on your system and your clients’ environments.
That’s why savvy MSPs turn to inSOC’s cloud security monitoring service to complement their cloud security offerings by getting comprehensive coverage of Microsoft 365, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Workspace. With a bird’s eye view of your clients’ IT ecosystem, you can gain greater control of vulnerabilities and identify potential breaches to deliver better outcomes while protecting your reputation and increasing your profit margins.
Additionally, we offer the sales and marketing support you need to educate prospects and clients about the importance of cloud security and promote the service to them. We’ll be with you every step of the way to turn cloud security challenges into opportunities.
Learn more about our cloud security monitoring service and book a time to talk to one of our security experts.
