77% of MSPs Struggle with Juggling Multiple Cybersecurity Solutions, Guardz Survey Finds

In a recent survey conducted by Guardz, over 260 US-based Managed Service Providers (MSPs) shed light on the significant challenges they face while protecting their small business (SMB) clients from the growing cyber threat landscape. The findings reveal a complicated picture for MSPs as they juggle a vast array of cybersecurity solutions, manage overwhelming data, and strive to keep up with rapidly evolving threats.

Here are the key takeaways from the survey:

• 77% of MSPs are managing between 4 to 10 cybersecurity point solutions to protect their clients, with 12% managing more than 10.
• 47% of MSPs are overwhelmed by the large volumes of security data, contributing to alert fatigue and making it harder to focus on what matters most.
• 42% report challenges in implementing advanced threat detection technologies, highlighting the complexity of managing modern cybersecurity tools.

The Complex Reality for MSPs

The role of an MSP in today’s digital-first, remote-working world has become increasingly difficult. SMBs often rely on MSPs to manage their cybersecurity needs since they lack the internal expertise and resources to protect themselves effectively. However, for MSPs, this responsibility comes with its own set of hurdles, particularly the need to juggle multiple cybersecurity solutions at once.

Understanding the Biggest Threats MSPs are well aware of the risks their clients face daily. According to the Guardz survey, the most critical threats to client cybersecurity are:

• 37% cited data leakage as the most significant concern.
• 28% pointed to phishing attacks, a persistent and adaptable threat.
• 23% highlighted ransomware, known for its devastating financial and operational impacts.

These statistics reveal the diverse nature of cybersecurity threats that MSPs must contend with. Data leakage, phishing, and ransomware are distinct challenges that require varied tools and strategies to combat effectively. For MSPs managing multiple clients with differing levels of awareness and resources, this trifecta of threats poses a significant test to their operational agility.

Guardz’s survey uncovered that 65% of MSPs are juggling between 4-9 cybersecurity point solutions, while a further 12% are using 10 or more solutions simultaneously. Each platform comes with its own set of alerts, data streams, and integration challenges. As a result, MSPs are tasked with manually piecing together insights and managing vast quantities of information while striving to keep their clients secure and grow their businesses.

Business Growth and Staff Challenges

Running a successful MSP business involves more than just technical know-how. 45% of respondents said new client acquisition was a top business challenge, while 44% highlighted the difficulty in expanding and scaling their services, and 43% pointed to client retention and satisfaction as persistent issues.

Adding to these hurdles, 44% of MSPs reported resistance to change among their staff when integrating new technologies. This is likely tied to the 41% who pointed out a lack of training for each platform they manage. Without comprehensive training, teams struggle to use the tools effectively, impacting the quality of service and operational efficiency.

Guardz’s Commitment to Empowering MSPs

These survey results confirm that MSPs need support that goes beyond just more tools. Guardz recognizes that what MSPs need is a platform that can unify their cybersecurity operations, streamline data, and provide an integrated approach that addresses multiple challenges at once. Guardz’s AI-driven solution helps MSPs cut through the noise, reduce the need for numerous point solutions, and simplify their cybersecurity approach while staying adaptable to new threats.

Dor Eisner, CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz noted, “Despite the challenges of utilizing multiple-point solutions, few individual cybersecurity tools can address the entire range of an SMB’s needs. Many solutions are designed for larger enterprises and are far too complex or cumbersome for small businesses, leaving them vulnerable. At Guardz, we aim to empower MSPs with an all-encompassing, AI-powered platform that is tailor-made for the specific needs of SMBs.”

Guardz: Empowering MSPs with AI-Powered Solutions

At Guardz, we recognize these challenges and are committed to providing solutions that streamline cybersecurity for MSPs and help them deliver best-in-class protection for SMBs. Our mission is to simplify the complex landscape that MSPs must navigate, offering a unified, AI-powered cybersecurity platform that integrates advanced threat detection, response capabilities, and the necessary insurance to help protect their clients from both breaches and the financial impact of cyber incidents.

With many existing cybersecurity solutions designed for larger enterprises, the MSP community has found it difficult to apply these tools effectively for SMBs. Guardz is changing that by providing an agile platform specifically designed to be effective, easy to implement, and efficient for the MSP community.

The Data Overload Problem

One of the survey’s most surprising findings is that 47% of MSPs are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of security data they must process daily. These vast quantities of alerts and logs contribute to what’s known as “alert fatigue”—when cybersecurity professionals are bombarded with so much information that they become desensitized to it. This can lead to missed or delayed responses to actual threats, putting their SMB clients at greater risk.

Managing and making sense of this data is a time-consuming process that distracts from proactive security management. As a result, many MSPs find themselves reacting to issues after they’ve occurred rather than preventing them.

To counter this, Guardz’s AI-powered solution offers automated data analysis and filtering capabilities, allowing MSPs to focus on real threats while reducing false positives. This automation empowers MSPs to spend less time sifting through data and more time growing their businesses and delivering value to their clients.

Advanced Threat Detection: The Need for Simplicity

The cybersecurity threat landscape is evolving at an unprecedented rate, and MSPs are acutely aware of this fact. A significant 42% of respondents noted that keeping up with advanced threat detection technologies was a major challenge. These technologies are critical for identifying and stopping new, sophisticated attacks before they cause significant harm to SMBs.

However, many of these advanced tools are difficult to implement and manage. MSPs are often faced with the task of integrating these solutions into their existing cybersecurity stacks, which may not be compatible. This adds another layer of complexity to an already intricate cybersecurity ecosystem.

Guardz addresses this challenge by providing MSPs with a unified platform that simplifies the deployment of advanced threat detection technologies. By offering out-of-the-box integration and an intuitive interface, Guardz ensures that MSPs can easily manage and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity tools without the usual friction associated with legacy systems.

Financial and Logistical Challenges: Too Many Costs, Too Little Training

The survey also revealed that 58% of MSPs struggle with the high costs associated with managing multiple cybersecurity solutions, while 56% reported integration issues with their current platforms. Financial and logistical constraints are a key factor in why many MSPs find it difficult to adopt new technologies regularly. Additionally, 41% of MSPs highlighted a lack of training for each platform they use, compounding their struggles.

Guardz is designed to alleviate these burdens by consolidating multiple cybersecurity functions into a single platform. This reduces overall costs for MSPs by eliminating the need to purchase and maintain multiple solutions. Furthermore, Guardz offers extensive training and support for its platform, ensuring that MSPs can hit the ground running with minimal disruption to their day-to-day operations.

Misconceptions Among SMBs: A False Sense of Security

Interestingly, the survey found that many MSPs believe their SMB clients have a false sense of security when it comes to their cybersecurity posture. 53% of MSPs said their clients underestimate the severity of cyber threats, and 50% noted that many SMBs rely too heavily on a single security solution, believing it’s enough to protect their business.

Additionally, 36% of MSPs reported that their customers fail to recognize the importance of cyber insurance, which could protect them financially in the event of a breach. And nearly half of the respondents (49%) said their clients mistakenly assume that compliance with industry regulations is synonymous with being secure.

At Guardz, we recognize that education is a crucial component of cybersecurity. We’re committed to helping MSPs communicate the importance of a holistic cybersecurity approach to their clients, emphasizing the need for both proactive defense and financial protection through cyber insurance.

Conclusion: Guardz’s Ongoing Commitment to MSPs

The challenges highlighted in Guardz’s survey underscore the need for MSPs to have access to tools that simplify cybersecurity management while addressing the unique needs of SMBs. At Guardz, we’re proud to partner with MSPs to provide a solution that streamlines their operations, reduces alert fatigue, and equips them with advanced, AI-powered protection.

Our commitment to the MSP community is steadfast, and we’ll continue to innovate and deliver solutions that enable MSPs to thrive while keeping their clients safe in an increasingly complex digital world. Read more about our survey findings and how Guardz can empower your MSP business today!