How MSPs Can Help Industries That Need Cybersecurity

With the global cost of data breaches rising each year, organizations of all sizes and sectors must invest in security measures to protect their information.

Managed service providers (MSPs) are key partners in this process. This guide provides advice to help MSPs better serve clients in their target industries.

Cybersecurity Essentials Across Industries

Cybersecurity in different industries varies based on each sector's needs, but the fundamental components of a cybersecurity plan are consistent for all businesses:

• ​Information security: Sensitive information must remain confidential, intact, and available to authorized users. This safeguards data from unauthorized access and theft by focusing on protecting the data itself rather than just the systems storing it.
• ​Security controls: Organizations can implement preventive, corrective, deterrent, and directive controls over their networks to prevent unauthorized access. The specific tools used will depend on the organization's requirements.
• ​Zero trust: Zero trust architecture assumes that automatically trusting users is a risk. It requires users to authenticate before accessing systems and data.
• ​IT professionals: IT departments—or MSPs for organizations with limited resources—are responsible for maintaining and testing cybersecurity measures to ensure continuous protection.

5 Industries Most Vulnerable to Cyber Threats

While all industries should invest in cybersecurity, some face greater risks than others. The following industries are particularly vulnerable:

1. Health Care

Health care organizations manage vast amounts of patient data, including names, addresses, and sensitive financial information. This makes them appealing targets for cybercriminals. In 2024, 721 breaches exposed more than 500 records across health care organizations of various sizes. The threat extends beyond data; hackers may disrupt treatment by targeting medical devices.

2. Government

Government agencies handle sensitive information about citizens and confidential operations. Well-designed cybersecurity tools are essential for maintaining security at federal, state, and local levels. Keeping individual agencies secure against unauthorized access is critical.

3. Banking and Financial Services

The financial industry is a major target for cybercriminals, especially as digital banking grows in popularity. Financial institutions must protect:

• ​Customer names and addresses
• ​Credit card numbers
• ​Banking information
• ​Social Security numbers

Investing in managed information and data security solutions, such as identity and access management (IAM) technologies, helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

4. Education

Cyberattacks against educational institutions rose dramatically in 2023. Higher education institutions are valuable targets due to their student and faculty records, research data, and financial information. MSPs can help by managing cybersecurity tasks and maintenance, allowing institutions to allocate more resources to education.

5. Manufacturing and Retail

Manufacturers possess trade secrets valuable to scammers. Hackers can disrupt operations by accessing manufacturing equipment. The rise of e-commerce and digitization in retail increases the amount of consumer data collected, making these sectors attractive targets. MSPs can help identify vulnerabilities and improve cybersecurity in these industries.

Securing Businesses of All Sizes

Investing in cyber attack and threat management solutions is essential for protecting businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often easier targets due to limited resources, while enterprises typically have in-house IT and cybersecurity staff. Both can benefit from MSPs, but SMBs usually require more assistance.

Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures for Organizations

Tips for MSPs to help clients enhance their security posture:

Security Awareness Training

A lack of security skills is a major contributor to cyber vulnerabilities, especially for SMBs. Security awareness training helps employees understand key cybersecurity roles and teaches them how to recognize and respond to potential threats.

Cybersecurity Compliance

Common data security regulations include:

• ​HIPAA: Requires administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect electronic health information.
• ​PCI DSS: Outlines how companies accepting credit card payments must protect this information from breaches.
• ​GLBA: Requires financial institutions to protect all personal financial information they retain.

Adhering to these regulations is often the bare minimum. Training and cybersecurity technologies should be used alongside these requirements.

Help Your Clients Stay Secure With Phin Security

Phin Security offers a training platform for MSPs serving any industry. Their phishing simulation platform tests employees on recognizing and responding to phishing messages, with immediate feedback through Learning Moments. Advanced reporting and analytics help track progress and identify risk areas.

Phin helps MSPs enhance their cybersecurity capabilities.