Study: Nearly All SMBs Would Consider Switching to a New IT Service Provider with the ‘Right’ Cybersecurity Solution

Published On: October 5, 2020Categories: Buzz, Uncategorized

Cybersecurity remains a top priority for SMBs worldwide, as revealed in a survey conducted by Vanson Bourne and commissioned by ConnectWise, a Tampa-based software/services company. The company’s second annual ConnectWise SMB State of Cybersecurity report found that more than three-quarters of the respondents worried they will be the target of an attack in the next six months, and 91% of SMBs said they would consider using or moving to a new IT service provider if it offered the “right” cybersecurity solution.

Sixty-eight percent of respondents said the “right” offering means having confidence in an MSP’s ability to respond to security incidents, while 58% stated it’s having confidence in an MSP’s ability to minimize damage or loss.

“There is an increased market opportunity for MSPs who participate in an ongoing basis in cybersecurity training, remain current on the latest threats, and become versed in cybersecurity technology,” said Jay Ryerse, CISSP, vice president of cybersecurity initiatives for ConnectWise. “As MSPs raise their understanding across the entire cybersecurity discipline, they find themselves strongly positioned for growth in a post-pandemic economic recovery, emerging from the experience stronger and more agile, and with customers better prepared for the cybersecurity challenges that lie ahead.”

With 86% of SMBs placing cybersecurity within the top five priorities for their organization, six in 10 will invest more in cybersecurity because it reduces risk for their organization. The research also highlights that over half of SMBs surveyed (52%) agree they lack the in-house skills necessary to properly deal with security issues, and 49% of SMBs find more cybersecurity expertise as an added benefit of working with an MSP.

While COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in the number of cyberattacks, the pandemic did not significantly impact respondents’ views towards prioritizing cybersecurity. However, COVID-19 has raised new concerns for SMBs, with 79% of respondents worrying about their remote devices or remote employees being breached.

The study was carried out between June and July 2020 and gathered information from 700 IT and business decision makers who are involved in cybersecurity in their organization.

Channel Impact®
This interest in cybersecurity investment suggests SMBs are seeking out MSPs to help close the skills gap and presents a growing market opportunity for MSPs to protect clients against the expanding threat landscape. As SMBs continue to explore and expand their remote workforce, this can also present areas of growth for MSPs.

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