These fundamental measures create a strong baseline that enhances security posture and protects against common attack vectors like phishing, credential theft, and unpatched vulnerabilities. Without these basics in place, more advanced tools won’t be as effective.
As MSPs scale their operations, their attack surface expands, making them more attractive targets for cyber threats. A small team handling a handful of clients may have been able to manage security manually, but as the business grows, that approach quickly becomes unsustainable. To maintain a strong security posture, MSPs must adopt proactive strategies, leverage automation, and forge strategic partnerships. Here’s how industry experts suggest MSPs can effectively strengthen their cybersecurity as they grow.
1. Build a Strong Cybersecurity Foundation
Dawn Sizer
“Start with basic cybersecurity hygiene, like patching, MFA, and endpoint protection before layering on more advanced solutions,” said Dawn Sizer, CEO of 3rd Element Consulting.
2. Standardize and Automate Security Processes
Brian Weiss
As MSPs scale, they must ensure security controls are consistent across all clients and environments. Brian Weiss, CEO and CAIO of ITECH Solutions, advised, “The more you can automate security processes and create repeatable frameworks, the easier it is to scale without compromising protection.”
Key Automation Opportunities Include:
- Regular vulnerability scans and patch management
- Automated compliance reporting
- Threat detection and response workflows
- Standardizing security processes ensures every client receives the same level of protection, regardless of their size.
3. Leverage Strategic Vendor Partnerships
(from left): John Michael Gross moderates a panel featuring Dawn Sizer, Brian Weiss, and Avi Solomon at ThreatLocker Zero Trust World.
No MSP can handle every aspect of security alone. Avi Solomon, CIO of Orlando law firm RumbergerKirk, underscored the importance of collaboration:
“Investing in the right partnerships and vendor relationships can make all the difference. MSPs don’t have to do everything alone. Leveraging expertise from trusted security providers allows them to scale effectively while maintaining strong defenses.”
Strategic partnerships with cybersecurity vendors can strengthen security posture by providing access to managed detection and response (MDR), threat intelligence, and compliance support, enabling MSPs to offer enterprise-grade security without hiring a large in-house team.
4. Adopt a Zero Trust Approach and Continuous Monitoring
As MSPs grow, their attack surface increases — more endpoints, more users, and more potential vulnerabilities. Hector Monsegur, former hacker and co-host of the “Hacker and the Fed” podcast, recommended:
“Understanding your attack surface is key. Investing in penetration testing, Zero Trust frameworks, and proper user education can help prevent breaches before they happen. Security isn’t a one-time fix; it’s an ongoing process of adaptation and resilience.”
Zero Trust principles — such as least privilege access, continuous authentication, and strict segmentation — help limit lateral movement in the event of a breach. Regular penetration testing ensures security measures remain effective as the business evolves.
5. Join a Community for Support and Knowledge Sharing
Wayne Selk
Smaller MSPs often struggle with knowing where to start. Wayne Selk, vice president of cybersecurity programs at GTIA (Global Technology Industry Association), highlighted the value of community engagement:
“Regardless of the size of your MSP, even solopreneurs need to have a good foundational security program. The biggest challenge I find with most MSPs is they don’t know how to get started, and unfortunately, that becomes a major hurdle. Cybersecurity isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey, and no one has all the answers. That’s where having a community, like GTIA, can help.”
By participating in peer groups, security forums, and industry associations, MSPs can strengthen their security posture.
Attending ChannelPro events also provides a valuable opportunity to connect with industry experts, gain insights into the latest cybersecurity trends, and discover practical solutions to enhance security and scale effectively.
6. Stay Proactive, Not Reactive
Complacency is one of the biggest risks. Chris Tarbell, former FBI special agent and co-host of “Hacker and The Fed,” warned:
“MSPs need to adopt a mindset of continuous vigilance. Cyber threats evolve daily, so having a proactive security strategy — regular patching, strong authentication, and real-time monitoring — is critical to staying ahead. Complacency is the number one mistake we see. The threats aren’t slowing down, and MSPs must stay proactive rather than reactive.”
A proactive security stance means continuously refining policies, monitoring for threats in real time, and preparing for potential incidents before they happen.
Note: Some of these responses were collected from presentations at ThreatLocker Zero Trust World 2025.
Next Steps For Boosting Your Security Posture
As MSPs grow, their cybersecurity approach must mature with them. Security is an ongoing process of assessment, improvement, and adaptation. By focusing on strong foundations, automation, partnerships, Zero Trust principles, and proactive defense, MSPs can scale their business while keeping clients secure.
- To get more helpful guidance on this topic, check out our Cybersecurity Answer Center.
- Have a question for our experts? Send it to editors@channelpronetwork.com
ChannelPro has created this resource to help busy MSPs streamline their decision-making process. This resource offers a starting point for evaluating key business choices, saving time and providing clarity. While this resource is designed to guide you through important considerations, we encourage you to seek more references and professional advice to ensure fully informed decisions.
Featured image: iStock
