Cloud Management Platforms can help Managed Service Providers increase security for their customers.
Strategies to Boost MSP Client Security in the Public Cloud
As migration to public cloud accelerates, managed service providers (MSPs) play a crucial role in securing client environments and workloads. However, the public cloud introduces new security challenges that traditional tools and teams often struggle with. MSPs need to leverage cloud-native security best practices and continuously optimize defenses to protect clients.
Developing Cloud Security Expertise
Making cloud security a core competency is key for MSPs. Having specialists focused on cloud threat intelligence, security tools, and hardening techniques ensures optimal client protections. Staying updated on emerging threats targeting cloud infrastructure, serverless, containers is also critical.
Implementing Robust Cloud Architectures
MSPs should implement layered defenses by leveraging native security controls, third-party tools, and sound architecture patterns like zero trust. Essentials include microsegmentation, encrypting data in transit and at rest, granular access controls, vulnerability management, and activity logging.
Providing 24/7 Monitoring and Alerting
Continuous security monitoring is crucial in clouds given their dynamic nature. MSPs must monitor client environments around the clock to identify risks like suspicious user behavior, misconfigurations, unauthorized changes, and policy violations. Advanced analytics can provide alerts for immediate response.
Automating Repetitive Security Tasks
Tedious security tasks like system hardening, asset discovery, compliance report generation can be automated using workflows. This increases efficiency while minimizing risks from human errors. Automation also enables continuous optimization as changes occur.
Guiding Clients on Cloud Compliance
Regulatory compliance is challenging to navigate. MSPs should invest in compliance expertise across sectors like finance, healthcare and government to guide clients on meeting industry-specific obligations in the cloud.
Conducting Proactive Assessments
MSPs should perform proactive audits, threat modeling, vulnerability scans, and penetration testing for clients to identify security gaps. Remediation advice should be provided, along with reports that demonstrate improved security posture over time.
Providing Incident Response Services
Despite best efforts, breaches can occur. MSPs need proven incident response playbooks tailored to cloud environments for rapid containment, eradication and recovery after attacks. Post-incident reviews help improve defenses against similar threats.
Training Client Teams
Lack of cloud security awareness results in misconfigurations, data exposure and breaches. MSPs should conduct context-specific training for client teams to learn proper cloud security hygiene and prevent common pitfalls.
Becoming a trusted cloud security advisor provides a major business opportunity for MSPs in the current landscape. Following cloud-specific security best practices, providing 24/7 vigilance and continuous optimization are key ways MSPs can effectively secure client cloud environments.
