ConnectWise announced the 2022 findings of its annual State of SMB Cybersecurity
report, revealing that the growing number of attacks are fueling investment in
cybersecurity, particularly with managed service providers (MSPs). Key findings
show nearly three-quarters (73%) of report respondents are in agreement that
their organization has reached a tipping point where cybersecurity concerns
demand action.
This
year's report confirms that the cybersecurity threat landscape continues to
grow larger in both size and complexity, raising the alarm for Small and Medium
sized Businesses (SMBs), who no longer feel cybersecurity can be considered a
secondary thought after other priorities. Specifically, over three-quarters
(76%) of SMBs report they have been impacted by at least one cybersecurity
attack in 2021 - a considerable increase compared to 55% the year before.
Consequently, 78% of SMB respondents say their organization is set to increase
investment in cybersecurity in the next 12 months. However, a key challenge
identified in the report is that two in three SMBs lack the expertise in-house
to defend themselves against cybersecurity threats; additionally, many SMBs are
also feeling disillusioned or challenged with current partners tasked to
provide the help they need.
"Year
after year, cyber threats are a growing concern for businesses of all sizes.
With many SMBs dissatisfied with the cybersecurity service they receive and
prepared to make a change, providers must strive to deliver the right solutions
if they want to address the needs of their customers more effectively," said
Raffael Marty, General Manager, Cybersecurity, ConnectWise. "This also equates
to a huge opportunity for MSPs. Those who can provide the right products and
tools and deliver them in the right way - complementing best-in-class
technology with education, risk assessment support, and effective endpoint,
network, and cloud protection - will be very well-placed to address SMB needs
moving forward."
In
particular, the research found that SMB respondents see the following as being
important when deciding if a provider has the "right" cybersecurity solution
for them:
- 54%
- Confidence in the MSP ability to respond to security incidents
- 47%
- Capability/certifications of MSP resources/technicians
- 46%
- Trust in the MSP ability to deliver against the offering
- 44%
- Confidence in MSP helping to minimize damage/loss
- 37%
- Brand name recognition of MSP offerings
While
the report shows a clear need and appreciation for an MSP partnership, there
remain significant challenges that MSPs must continue to address in order to
gain the trust and confidence of their SMB clients. ConnectWise remains
committed to helping partners navigate market dynamics and help MSPs deliver
the most adequate portfolio of security solutions with products and services to
secure SMBs. With our standalone products for MSPs that have their own staff
and with our expert services and offerings, we have solutions tailored to
various modes of operation and we are committed to help MSPs plan for the
future.
To
download a full copy of the research report, visit https://www.connectwise.com/resources/smb-research-2022