The recent compromise of the networks of several companies through the abuse of a remote access tool by MSPs has raised alarm bells about the need for IT service providers to keep state-aligned threat actors on their radar. While many people assume that APT groups are only interested in cyberespionage targeting state agencies and large corporations, MSPs are becoming increasingly popular targets for these groups, who seek to eventually target customers through them.
This has become evident with the recent incident where an Iran-aligned APT group known as MuddyWater gained access to several companies’ networks by exploiting a remote access tool used by MSPs. The group was able to infiltrate these networks and gather sensitive information, causing significant damage. MSPs that neglect to take the threat of state-aligned threat actors seriously could be putting their customers at risk.
APT groups are increasingly targeting MSPs because of their relationship with businesses. MSPs offer services such as data backup and recovery, network monitoring, and cloud computing to their clients. By compromising an MSP’s network, an attacker can gain access to a wealth of information and potentially harm the MSP’s clients. This is of great concern, as MSPs play a critical role in managing the business of their customers, including handling sensitive information such as financial records and intellectual property.
State-aligned threat actors have become especially adept at targeting MSPs through complex tactics such as supply chain attacks, whereby an attacker targets a weak point in an MSP’s supply chain to infiltrate a client’s network. This tactic has been used by many APT groups in recent years, including China’s APT10 group, which targeted MSPs as part of their global cyberespionage campaign. For MSPs, it presents a significant challenge as they often have many clients, each with their own unique vulnerabilities.
To protect themselves and their clients, MSPs must remain vigilant and understand the threat posed by state-aligned threat actors. This includes implementing robust security measures such as two-factor authentication, intrusion detection, and event monitoring. MSPs should also use network segmentation to isolate their clients’ networks and ensure that internal access is only granted on a need-to-know basis.
Furthermore, MSPs should conduct regular security assessments to identify any vulnerabilities in their networks and address them promptly. This includes testing for weaknesses in their supply chain and ensuring that vendors and partners are also taking adequate security measures. It is also important to develop an incident response plan in case of a breach, which should include steps such as notifying affected customers, isolating affected systems, conducting a forensic investigation, and actively mitigating the threat.
In conclusion, MSPs are increasingly becoming targets of state-aligned threat actors, who see them as a gateway to compromising their clients’ networks. MSPs have a responsibility to take the threat seriously and implement robust security measures to protect themselves and their clients. Failure to do so could result in disastrous consequences for both the MSP and their customers. By understanding the threat and staying ahead of it, MSPs can serve their clients more efficiently and effectively, while maintaining the security and integrity of their networks.