MSP Cybersecurity Checklist for Ransomware and Other Threats

Managed services providers and their clients are becoming increasingly popular cyberattack targets. Particularly, ransomware criminals have identified MSPs and their customers as ideal targets for extortion, and they have modified their tactics to create nightmare scenarios.

Instead of simply encrypting the MSP's systems, the attackers use compromised MSP employee credentials to hijack the MSP's software tools and disseminate ransomware to all of the MSP's customers simultaneously.

Many of today’s attacks are designed to land and expand throughout victims’ networks. To prevent that you need to establish barriers between your users and assets.

Here is a checklist for MSPs to follow in order to enhance cybersecurity and prevent ransomware and other threats:

Conduct a thorough security assessment:

Before implementing any security measures, it is important to conduct a comprehensive security assessment to identify vulnerabilities and risks in the system.

Implement multi-factor authentication:

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts and systems to add an extra layer of security and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Regularly update software and systems:

Ensure that all software, operating systems, and hardware are updated with the latest security patches and updates. Outdated software can make systems vulnerable to attack.

Deploy firewalls:

Deploy firewalls to protect networks from unauthorized access and prevent malicious traffic.

Use antivirus and anti-malware software:

Install antivirus and anti-malware software to protect systems from malware and other malicious software.

Educate end-users:

Conduct regular cybersecurity training for end-users to educate them on how to identify and prevent cyber attacks.

Conduct regular backups:

Implement regular backups of all critical data and systems to ensure that data can be quickly restored in the event of a ransomware attack.

Enable intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS):

Deploy an IDPS to monitor networks for suspicious activity and block any attempts to infiltrate the network.

Implement security incident response plan:

Develop a security incident response plan to ensure that the organization is prepared to respond to any cyber attacks.

Engage a reputable cybersecurity provider:

Partner with a reputable cybersecurity provider to ensure that the organization is implementing best practices and is up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity threats and trends.

By following this checklist, MSPs can help protect their clients' systems from ransomware and other cybersecurity threats.