MSPs already deal with the monumental task of managing IT and security for hundreds of client businesses. They juggle countless systems, logins, and permissions, working tirelessly to stay ahead of new cyber threats. And if it feels like the challenges are mounting, that’s because they are.
Cybersecurity experts like Michael Roth, CEO of Evo Security, are seeing a clear trend: bad actors are increasingly targeting the mid-market and SMBs. These malicious actors understand the role MSPs play and the potential damage they can cause by infiltrating a single provider with access to numerous companies. This puts MSPs in a difficult position — their security practices can either be the shield that protects their clients or the weak point that exposes them to attack.
To make matters more challenging, insurance companies and regulators are raising the bar. They’re demanding higher security standards from businesses of all sizes, putting pressure on MSPs to ensure their and their clients’ systems are in order.
Therefore, Identity and Access Management (IAM) is no longer a "nice-to-have". MSPs now have to implement these measures to not only keep their clients safe but also to stay compliant.
This guide will demystify IAM for MSPs. It will explore why it's so essential and provide clear steps to develop a strategy that safeguards their businesses and their clients.
Why IAM is Non-Negotiable for MSPs
At its core, IAM is about controlling who has access to what. It's like a digital gatekeeper, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data and systems, while keeping unauthorized users out.
For MSPs, this function is vital. As Michael emphasizes, an MSP’s network is interconnected with the systems and sensitive data of multiple clients. This interconnectedness means a vulnerability in an MSP's systems could have disastrous consequences, potentially impacting numerous businesses. A strong IAM strategy is essential for client data protection, meeting compliance standards, and fortifying the MSP's own security posture.
But effectively managing identity and access for multiple clients presents a unique set of challenges. MSPs don't have the luxury of a single, defined IT environment like many businesses. Instead, they're tasked with managing access across a diverse array of client systems, applications, and security protocols, including both domain-joined and non-domain joined scenarios, Windows and Mac machines, and remote work setups.
All of this makes striking a balance between robust security and a user-friendly experience for technicians and clients a constant challenge for MSPs.
Key Challenges and Emerging Threats
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, and their tactics are increasingly difficult to anticipate.
One alarming trend is malicious actors deliberately targeting mid-market companies and SMBs. As Michael points out, these criminals now understand what an MSP is and what they do. They also realize that they can cause more damage by hacking into one company with access to many others. This makes MSPs prime targets for attacks like phishing campaigns, malware, and ransomware, which aim to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.
In addition to these external threats, MSPs also face mounting pressure from insurance providers and regulatory bodies. As cybersecurity incidents become more common and costly, insurance companies are tightening their requirements, demanding stricter security controls from the businesses they cover. This often translates into higher cybersecurity insurance premiums for MSPs who can't demonstrate robust security practices.
Similarly, industry regulations, like HIPAA in healthcare, are evolving, mandating compliance with stricter security standards. This puts additional pressure on MSPs to not only meet these standards but also prove their compliance through audits and assessments.
Another growing concern for MSPs is the increasingly complex task of managing identity and access in a world of remote work and cloud-based services. Michael highlights the need for MSPs to secure a vastly expanded attack surface, encompassing a mix of devices, operating systems (including domain-joined and non-domain joined scenarios), and applications used both within and outside traditional office environments.
Building a Future-Proof IAM Strategy
Traditionally, MSPs have cobbled together a patchwork of different tools and vendors to address their identity and access management needs. This approach, while perhaps necessary in the past, is becoming increasingly unsustainable in the face of new threats and demands.
Michael points out the headaches this siloed approach creates: managing multiple vendors, juggling multiple billing systems, dealing with multiple support desks, and trying to wrangle insights from a patchwork of dashboards. This isn't just inconvenient; it's a drain on resources, time, and energy, ultimately detracting from an MSP's ability to focus on core business goals and, more importantly, effectively protect their clients.
When MSPs are bogged down by disjointed security tools, it takes their attention away from what matters most: staying ahead of threats and providing exceptional service.
A more modern and effective approach is to shift towards a consolidated IAM platform, ideally one designed specifically for the unique requirements of MSPs. These all-in-one solutions aim to simplify security management by centralizing functions like single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), help desk verification and privileged access management (PAM) under one roof. This centralized approach leads to cost savings, reduced complexity, and easier management — all critical factors for busy MSPs.
Beyond consolidation, embracing automation is another cornerstone of a future-proof IAM strategy. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, relying on manual processes for tasks like user provisioning, de-provisioning, and password resets simply isn’t enough. By automating these routine tasks, MSPs can free up valuable time for their technicians while reducing the risk of human error.
This is where purpose-built solutions like Evo Security's Privileged Access (for technician and end user elevation) and Identity Management (for streamlined SSO and MFA) come in. These tools are specifically designed to simplify and strengthen IAM for MSPs, helping them navigate the challenges of today's security landscape.
Looking Ahead
The message is clear: for MSPs, a robust IAM strategy is no longer optional. It’s essential. Increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, stricter regulatory scrutiny, and complex IT environments make proactive identity and access management critical for MSPs to build a secure and successful future.
As Michael emphasizes, MSPs have a unique opportunity to become trusted security advisors to their clients. By embracing consolidated IAM platforms and automation, MSPs can overcome the operational challenges of siloed solutions, free up valuable time and resources, and position themselves as strategic partners who are actively helping clients navigate an increasingly dangerous world of cybercrime.
This shift in mindset — from IAM as a cost center to IAM as a value driver — is critical. When MSPs prioritize and excel at identity and access management, they enhance their security posture, improve their compliance standing, and build stronger, more trusted relationships with their clients.
Evo Security is dedicated to empowering MSPs with the tools and support they need to make this vision a reality. Learn about Evo Security's IAM solutions, built just for MSPs.
