ESET World 2025 is officially underway. The event, hosted in Las Vegas, is bringing together cybersecurity leaders, researchers, and IT service providers for a comprehensive look at where digital defense is headed. I’ll be here at the Aria Resort & Casino from March 24-27 to share everything the channel news and insights that come from the event.
With AI-driven threats evolving fast and client expectations rising even faster, this event is a timely opportunity for MSPs to rethink their security strategy, evaluate the latest tools, and hear directly from cyber defense experts. Whether you’re building out a managed detection and response offering or tightening up endpoint protection, ESET World is delivering the kind of real-world guidance MSPs can act on right now.
“We are excited to bring ESET World to North America, ensuring that we create meaningful connections with ESET’s customers, partners, and technology thought leaders,” said ESET CEO Richard Marko in a prepared statement.
AI Is Reshaping Cybersecurity. Here’s How It Affects MSPs
Even with ongoing cyber threats and tightening budgets in some sectors, MSPs are showing up more focused and resilient than ever. They’re adapting and actively reshaping how to deliver security services.
This year’s event spotlights the biggest drivers of MSP growth: automation, AI, next-gen endpoint defense, and elevating the customer experience. Every conversation, keynote, and breakout reinforces one message. These are the areas where MSPs can set themselves apart and drive real profitability.
Marko’s opening keynote address kicked things off with a big question: Is cybersecurity the ultimate AI battlefield? The short answer? Yes, and MSPs are on the front lines. AI is making cyber threats more efficient, but it’s also improving security — if you know how to use it right.
AI-powered attacks are scaling up phishing, deepfake scams, and automated exploitation faster than ever. The tools to fight back are improving, too, but they require better integration into existing security stacks.
Key Takeaway: If your security offering doesn’t include AI-powered defenses (like behavioral detection, AI-driven phishing protection, and automated response), you’re falling behind.
Key Topics and Insights from Expert Speakers
The ESET World 2025 agenda is packed with expert-led sessions addressing some of the most pressing topics in the industry.
Some standout themes include:
- Modern Endpoint Defense Requires More than Prevention: MSPs must move beyond traditional AV and adopt real-time detection and automated response through MDR and XDR capabilities.
- AI and Automation Are Foundational for Scale and Efficiency: ESET speakers emphasized the role of AI-powered protection, threat intelligence automation, and cloud-native tools in reducing manual workloads and improving service margins.
- Threats Are Adaptive, Targeted, and AI-driven: From deepfake scams to real-time learning malware and supply chain attacks, MSPs must stay vigilant against fast-evolving attack vectors.
- Zero Trust Is Not Optional: Treat every user, device, and vendor as a potential risk. Trust must be earned and verified continuously.
- Performance Matters when Securing at Scale: Hardware-accelerated security, like ESET on Intel Core Ultra processors, enables faster detection with minimal system impact. This is crucial for growing MSP environments.
The Power of a Vibrant Cybersecurity Community
Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions, ESET World 2025’s true strength lies in making connections throughout the venue. ESET partners are engaged in the educational process and eager to share their own best practices.
With cybersecurity evolving at breakneck speed, there’s unmatched value in hearing how others in the channel are adapting, overcoming challenges, and growing their businesses. These conversations often spark the most actionable ideas.
Lessons from ESET World: What Should MSPs Do Next?
With Day 1 wrapped up, here are the biggest takeaways for MSPs:
- Re-evaluate your security stack partners and their AI capabilities. ESET is a leader in this space, so if you haven’t vetted them as a potential partner, you should.
- AI-powered security is the future but it needs proper oversight. MSPs must balance AI automation with human expertise.
- Prevention-only security models are outdated. Response capabilities (MDR, XDR, threat intelligence) must be part of your stack.
- MSPs are a prime target for attackers. If you’re not securing your own infrastructure, you’re putting every client at risk.
- Efficiency matters. Scaling security services through automation and hardware optimization can make a huge difference in margins.
With Day 2 set to dive deeper into AI security, private-public partnerships, and compliance, MSPs should pay close attention. 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging years yet for cybersecurity. But with the right strategies, MSPs can turn those challenges into financial opportunities.
Images: iStock, Jonathan Browning
