Why security-centric MSPs will find success in 2021.
Last year, as companies were abruptly thrust into work-from-home and remote work scenarios, IT security took on a new urgency. Outside the office network and corporate firewall’s perceived safety, it rapidly became apparent to many organizations that their approach to data protection and security was woefully outdated. For those who allowed some employees to work from home or on the road, the gaps in the security infrastructure suddenly looked like gaping holes.
MSPs with existing security expertise and offerings scrambled to help their clients adjust to this new way of working while simultaneously helping shore up their security profile. As a result, it looks like 2021 may very well be the year of the security-centric MSP.
Being security-centric is more than just offering basic email protection or a traditional firewall. Security-centric MSPs take a different view on both their business opportunities and their accountability to deliver IT security services. In this environment, an MSP’s success will be gauged by its ability to continuously assess client security postures, identify opportunities to improve and to address security risks, and ensure that data is safe no matter where it is or how it’s used.
In 2020, this type of security posture was critical for MSPs to successfully aid their clients and remain profitable. In 2021, as businesses begin to return to the office, these MSPs will need to step up their efforts to protect their clients’ remote and hybrid work environments fully.
How can MSPs adopt this security-centric operational model? Here are a few ways:
For MSPs that learned the right lessons in 2020, there is ample opportunity to expand their footprint with existing clients and bring in new business by taking a security-first approach to their product suite. Combining multi-layered security, visibility and automation will not only keep client data and networks safe and operational, but also increase revenue for your managed services business.
Brian Babineau is Senior Vice President and General Manager for Barracuda MSP. In this role, he is responsible for the company’s managed services business, a dedicated team focused on enabling partners to easily deliver affordable IT solutions to customers.
This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.
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