As a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you are a trusted gatekeeper for multiple businesses, managing and securing their IT environments. That's a lot of responsibility, and it is no secret that this great responsibility comes with great risk. Cybercriminals set their sights on MSPs, knowing that by breaching just one MSP, they can unlock access to countless client networks.
To combat this, a vigilant, layered security approach is essential. While protecting your clients is critical, your first line of defense is securing your own business. Below, we’ll outline a cybersecurity checklist specifically tailored for MSPs like yours and explore value-added cybersecurity services you can offer to clients to strengthen your reputation, revenue, and your customers’ defenses.
MSPs Must Take Their Cybersecurity Seriously
Compromising an MSP doesn't just impact a single business. Cybercriminals know that accessing an MSP’s infrastructure can mean breaching multiple client environments simultaneously. Add to this the rising threat of social engineering, and it becomes clear why you must make your own cybersecurity a top priority. Let’s jump in.
Cybersecurity Checklist for MSPs
1. Organizational Security
- Document Robust Security Policies
Ensure all cybersecurity policies are up to date and comprehensive. They should include guidelines for password management, incident response protocols, and acceptable use practices. These policies form the backbone of your defense framework. - Continuously Train Employees
Regularly train all employees in phishing awareness and cybersecurity best practices. Human error is one of the largest vulnerabilities, so continuous education is a must. - Run Background Checks
Vet all team members before granting them access to client networks, systems, or sensitive data. - Cyber Liability Insurance
Invest in comprehensive cyber insurance to protect your business from costly attacks and breaches.
2. Account & Access Management
- Never Trust, Always Verify
Zero-trust is more than a buzzword – it's a way to protect your business by never trusting a device or user by default. - Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enforce MFA for all admin access points. This additional security layer can be the difference between a thwarted attack and a devastating breach. - Principle of Least Privilege
Restrict user access to only what is necessary for their role. Over-permissioning creates unnecessary vulnerabilities and can overcomplicate your teams' daily tasks. - Routine Access Reviews
Schedule quarterly reviews to identify and remove inactive or outdated accounts. Prevent privilege creep by regularly auditing permissions. - Counter Social Engineering
Use multi-factor verification for sensitive customer requests and keep a list of pre-approved client contacts to simplify identity checks. Confirm unexpected or suspicious requests with out-of-band methods and stay alert to social engineering tactics.
3. Endpoint & Network Security
- Endpoint Protection
Deploy next-generation antivirus software and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) tools across all devices. Ensure agents are consistently updated. - Automated Patch Management
Mitigate risks from zero-day vulnerabilities by implementing an automated patching schedule. - Network Segmentation
Isolate administrative networks from user and client segments to prevent lateral movement in the case of compromise.
4. Data Security
- Secure Backups
Regularly back up data, encrypt it, and store it securely in offsite or immutable locations. Test your recovery process frequently to minimize downtime during an incident. - Encryption Policies
Ensure all sensitive data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. This keeps your information secure, even if intercepted. - Email Security Solutions
Deploy anti-phishing tools, spam filters, and proper domain authentication (such as DMARC, DKIM) to protect your most frequently targeted entry points.
5. Toolchain Hardening
- Restrict Access to Remote Management Tools
Limit access to your RMM tools by using strict IP whitelisting, strong passwords, and frequent log audits. Bonus points if your RMM is built on a zero-trust architecture. - Inventory Management
Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all software running in your environment and monitor for unauthorized or “shadow IT.” - Vendor Audits
Review and verify the security practices of third-party vendors you depend on. Ensure their vulnerabilities don’t become yours.
6. Incident Response & Monitoring
- Incident Response Plan (IRP)
Keep a documented, tested IRP in place. All employees should understand their roles and responsibilities when responding to an incident. - Continuous Threat Monitoring
Deploy Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems or outsource to a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider to monitor and identify threats in real time. - Log Retention
Preserve logs for at least 90 days (or more, based on compliance requirements) to support forensic investigations and audits.
7. Compliance & Client Data Segregation
- Stay Compliant
Understand and adhere to relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS. - Strict Data Segregation
Separate client data physically and/or logically to prevent cross-contamination between systems. This segregation enhances both security and compliance.
Value-Added Cybersecurity Services for Your Clients
Beyond securing your business, offering these cybersecurity services to your clients can differentiate your MSP and provide long-term revenue streams. Consider how you can best weave these into existing service offerings, or how to position them as premium services:
- Managed Endpoint Security
Take care of antivirus, EDR, and patching for client systems. - Firewall & Network Security
Offer managed firewall configurations and intrusion detection services. - Security Awareness Training
Run phishing simulation campaigns and deliver engaging training modules for end users. - Vulnerability Assessments
Conduct regular scans to identify and remediate security gaps in your clients’ networks. - Backup & Disaster Recovery
Implement automated backups and ensure clients have a plan for rapid recovery during emergencies. - Email Security Solutions
Deliver anti-phishing, email filtering, and domain protection to safeguard communications. - SIEM/SOC as a Service
Provide continuous monitoring and rapid incident response. - Compliance Guidance
Help clients meet regulatory requirements like HIPAA or PCI-DSS through tailored assessments and support.
Final Thoughts: Lead by Example
MSPs must “walk the walk” when it comes to cybersecurity. Securing your own operations is not just a protective measure; it sets an example for your clients and solidifies trust. By regularly assessing your practices, strengthening defenses, and prioritizing security, you reinforce your credibility as a provider who truly understands what's at stake.
Start with this checklist to evaluate your cybersecurity posture and enhance your resilience in the face of growing threats. Building a "defense-in-depth" strategy is an investment in your MSP’s future success.
Is your MSP’s cybersecurity strategy robust enough to handle today’s threats? Discover how LogMeIn Resolve protects both your MSP and your customers’ data with a free 14-day trial today.