As cyber threats evolve in complexity and become more adept at avoiding detection, small and midsized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming prime targets. Cyberattacks against SMBs are less likely to receive government and media attention, leaving managed service providers (MSPs) on the front lines. Over three-quarters (78%) of MSPs said they were worried that a serious attack could put them out of business. As a result, about 83% said they plan to invest more in cybersecurity in the next 12 months.
Traditional security models, such as VPNs and firewalls, can no longer keep pace with the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape. For MSPs and SaaS providers, adopting a proactive, scalable approach to cybersecurity—one that provides continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and real-time response—is crucial. By leveraging Cybersecurity-as-a-Service (CSaaS), businesses can access enterprise-grade security without the need for extensive in-house expertise. This model not only enhances threat detection and mitigation but also ensures compliance with evolving cybersecurity regulations.
As recent cybersecurity trends highlight, CSaaS is emerging as the most effective solution for MSPs and SaaS providers looking to protect both their operations and their customers.
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Ransomware Tactics Are Shifting
Ransomware tactics have seen significant shifts over the past year, especially with the disruption of Lockbit, one of the most notorious ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations. The FBI’s coordinated efforts to dismantle the group’s key infrastructure, which were not without complications, were successful. However, it directly impacted the RaaS model.
As a result, attackers are increasingly targeting smaller businesses with insufficient cybersecurity measures. Globally, SMBs are facing heightened risks, as cybercriminals shift their focus to organizations with fewer resources to defend against sophisticated attacks. Data extortion—cybercriminals threatening to leak sensitive data rather than encrypt it— as a standalone tactic is also on the rise, with groups like RansomHub embracing this model.
These evolving tactics underscore the urgent need for MSPs to adopt more comprehensive data protection strategies to safeguard customer data against today’s cyber threats.
Increased Targeting of Edge Devices
Edge devices — including firewalls, VPNs, RDP gateways, and cloud edge solutions — continue to be prime targets for cybercriminals. Research highlights their critical role as gateways to ransomware and other cyberattacks. The security of these devices directly impacts the integrity of the entire network, as they are the first line of defense.
Legacy software, outdated edge devices, and unpatched services remain particularly vulnerable. High-profile breaches, such as the Moveit vulnerability, highlight how attackers exploit obsolete systems to gain unauthorized access and cause significant financial and data losses.
Common attack methods include targeting RDP Gateways, VPNs, SSH, and misconfigured cloud services using brute-force attacks or stolen credentials. Misconfigurations in firewalls and open ports have also led to major breaches, such as the Citrix appliance exploit, which allowed attackers to bypass authentication and seize administrative control.
To defend against these threats, MSPs should prioritize strategies for securing edge devices. Zero-trust network architectures, regularly patching vulnerabilities, and continuous monitoring will be paramount for protecting the network perimeter and preventing malicious access.
EDR Evasion Techniques Are Advancing
As attackers bypass edge security systems, their next move often involves disabling or evading endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. Threat actors understand that neutralizing EDR tools allows them to establish and maintain long-term access, ensuring their malicious activities remain undetected.
EDR evasion methods range from tampering with EDR configurations to exploiting vulnerabilities within the solutions themselves. For example, attackers have repurposed Kaspersky’s TDSSKiller, a legitimate rootkit r****** tool, to evade EDR detection by manipulating kernel operations and disabling security defenses. By manipulating its low-level system interactions, ransomware operators use scripts and batch files to mask malicious activity, complicate forensic investigations, and maintain persistence in compromised systems.
Relying solely on EDR is no longer sufficient for MSPs and SaaS providers. As attackers continue to refine their techniques, organizations must adopt a layered, proactive security approach. Implementing behavioral analytics, threat intelligence, and continuous monitoring enhances visibility into suspicious activities. For instance, real-time surveillance can proactively scan environments for ongoing and/or new threats, helping organizations to quickly identify risks by level of severity and where to prioritize remediation efforts.
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Resurgence of Drive-by Attacks
In addition to refining their EDR evasion tactics, attackers are increasingly turning to drive-by attacks. Often launched via malicious websites or compromised legitimate sites, drive-by attacks exploit vulnerabilities in browsers, plugins, or client-side software to deliver malware with little user interaction.
In 2024, drive-by compromises were a component of initial access in 22% of all the incidents we reviewed in the MSP Threat Report. This included the usual cast of threats, in addition to a new variation: ClickFix, a social engineering scheme that tricks victims into executing malicious commands under the guise of resolving software issues. Once initiated, ClickFix triggers a chain of malicious downloads and payload executions, exploiting common software vulnerabilities.
This resurgence reflects a broader trend of attackers pairing delivery methods with advanced post-compromise tactics. To mitigate these threats, MSPs and SaaS providers must strengthen endpoint security with proactive patch management, advanced threat protection, and regular employee security awareness training. Building resilience against evolving threats requires a multi-layered defense strategy that minimizes vulnerabilities and enhances overall cyber readiness.
Why Cybersecurity-as-a-Service is the Solution
The increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats necessitate a proactive and scalable approach to security. CSaaS offers a flexible solution by outsourcing critical security functions to specialized providers. This ensures continuous monitoring, threat intelligence, and incident response without the need for extensive in-house resources. As cyber threats evolve, CSaaS providers continuously update their tools and techniques, ensuring we stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities.
CSaaS enhances our ability to protect sensitive data and allows us to confidently focus on core business operations. As threats evolve, CSaaS providers continually update their tools and techniques, ensuring companies stay ahead of emerging vulnerabilities.
Additional benefits of a managed cybersecurity approach include scalability, real-time protection, and compliance support. Automation and AI-driven security enhance detection and response capabilities, minimizing human intervention while improving accuracy. Additionally, Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services ensure real-time threat mitigation, while compliance support helps organizations meet regulatory requirements.
Embracing CSaaS is essential for maintaining a robust security posture in an increasingly complex digital landscape.
