Netwrix, a cybersecurity vendor, recently released additional findings for the managed service provider (MSP) sector from a survey they conducted with more than 1,600 security and IT professionals in February 2023. The survey highlighted the top IT priorities for MSPs, which are network security and data security. Nearly 70% of the MSPs surveyed named these two areas as their main focus.
Dmitry Sotnikov, the VP of Product Management at Netwrix, emphasized the importance of network security and data security for MSPs. He explained that the ultimate goal of network compromise is usually to gain access to sensitive data. If an MSP’s network is breached, attackers can potentially steal, destroy, or encrypt its customers’ data, which could be catastrophic for the MSP’s business. To mitigate this risk, Sotnikov recommends implementing zero standing privilege and password security solutions. Additionally, MSPs should have effective identity threat detection and response tools to defend against cyberattacks.
The survey also revealed that 61% of MSPs had experienced a cyberattack within the past year. The most common attack vectors reported were phishing, ransomware, and user account compromise. Dirk Schrader, the VP of Security Research at Netwrix, pointed out that compromising a single MSP account can give an adversary privileged access to the systems of multiple clients. This makes MSPs a particularly attractive target for attackers. To mitigate the risk of account compromise attacks, Schrader recommends implementing strong password policies, strictly enforcing the least privilege principle, continually auditing for suspicious activity, and ensuring quick response capabilities to threats.
Netwrix encourages organizations to delve deeper into the security trends outlined in its 2023 Hybrid Security Trends Report to gain further insights. The complete report can be accessed on their website.
Netwrix is a company that aims to make data security easy for organizations. Since 2006, their solutions have been simplifying the lives of security professionals by identifying and protecting sensitive data, reducing the risk of breaches, and facilitating the detection, response, and recovery from attacks, ultimately limiting their impact. Over 13,000 organizations worldwide rely on Netwrix solutions to strengthen their security and compliance posture across all three primary attack vectors: data, identity, and infrastructure.
For more information about Netwrix and their solutions, visit their official website at www.netwrix.com.

