Think about this:

  • Ransomware attacks have surged by 73% over the past year.
  • Your clients are more likely to fall victim to ransomware than to be pulled over for speeding.
  • Ransomware damages are expected to top $30 billion globally by the end of this year.
  • Supply chain attacks—where hackers exploit weaknesses in third-party vendors—have jumped by 42%

BOTTOM LINE: It’s no longer a question of if organizations will get hit, but when. The only question left to answer now is HOW HARD will your client get hit?

These are all unsettling facts, but I’m going to throw one more at you: there’s a critical gap in your security approach that’s leaving your clients, and your business, vulnerable to catastrophic events. If you think you’re doing everything to protect them, think again.

The Unseen Gaps in Your Security Stack

You’ve implemented firewalls, antivirus software, endpoint detection, and maybe even multi-factor authentication. So why aren’t you fully secure? The problem is that many MSPs are still stuck in the mindset of yesterday’s security, focusing only on the basics. Yesterday’s defenses aren’t enough to combat today’s sophisticated threats.

Here’s where it gets dangerous: ransomware and supply chain attacks exploit weaknesses in areas you might not be monitoring closely. These attacks don’t target just the obvious vulnerabilities—they seek out the cracks that most MSPs overlook, like poorly secured third-party vendors or outdated backup systems. By the time you realize there’s a problem, it’s too late.

The hidden threat in your security stack often lies in underestimating how quickly attackers adapt and evolve their tactics. Hackers are patient, methodical, and always looking for the weak link—whether it’s through a vendor in your client’s supply chain or a misconfigured cloud service. They don’t need to hit your client directly to wreak havoc; they can slip in through a back door that you didn’t even realize was open.

The Ransomware Problem: More Than Just an IT Issue

Ransomware isn’t just about locking your clients’ systems until they pay a ransom. The aftermath can be far worse than the attack itself. After the initial breach, you’re facing major downtime, lost revenue, and serious reputational damage. But the worst part? Lawsuits and regulatory fines. More than 1 in 5 ransomware attacks lead to legal action, and failing to properly protect client data could leave you, the MSP, liable.

That’s why it’s crucial to go beyond just fighting the technical threats. Your clients expect you to provide comprehensive protection, and if you don’t, you’re putting not just their business at risk, but yours as well.

Supply Chain Attacks: The Blind Spot You Can’t Ignore

Supply chain attacks are the perfect example of how a breach can occur from an unexpected angle. These attacks come through the vendors and partners your clients trust, making them extremely hard to detect and prevent. In 2023, supply chain attacks surged by 42%, as attackers realized they could compromise many businesses at once by targeting a single, vulnerable vendor.

Think about it: even if your security is tight, if your client’s vendors aren’t on the same page, you’re still exposed. It’s like locking the front door but leaving the back door wide open. Many MSPs overlook this risk because it’s harder to control what third parties do. But if you’re not vetting and securing your clients' supply chains, you’re inviting hackers in.

How to Close the Gaps and Protect Your Business

You can’t afford to be reactive anymore. In today’s environment, you need to be proactive—constantly evolving your security stack to stay ahead of these rapidly growing threats. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Harden Your Security Stack: You need more than just the basics. Invest in advanced threat detection tools, regularly audit your systems for vulnerabilities, and focus on continuous monitoring. Ransomware doesn’t play by the old rules, and neither should your defenses.
  2. Vet Your Vendors: The security of your clients’ vendors is now your responsibility. Start holding third-party vendors to the same security standards you apply to your own operations. Conduct regular assessments, enforce strong contractual security requirements, and ensure they’re following best practices.
  3. Strengthen Backup and Recovery: Backups are your last line of defense, but only if they’re secure. If your backup systems aren’t isolated from the main network or are vulnerable to attack themselves, you’re in trouble. Make sure you have clean, secure, and regularly tested backups that can withstand a ransomware attack.
  4. Client Education: Your clients are your partners in this fight. They need to understand that the threats are real and growing. Regular training and communication about the evolving threat landscape are key to keeping them—and you—protected.

Ignoring These Threats Will Cost You

The numbers don’t lie. Ransomware and supply chain attacks are increasing at a pace that should alarm every MSP. If you’re not closing the gaps in your security stack, you’re leaving your clients, your reputation, and your business exposed to massive risks.

But here’s the bottom line: you still have time to fix this. By taking action now—strengthening your defenses, securing your vendors, and educating your clients—you can protect both your clients and your business from the devastating consequences of these attacks. The threats are growing, but so are the opportunities to stay ahead of them.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The risk is real, and the time to act is now.