Why MSPs Shouldn’t Fear Data-Centric Security

Today, managed service providers (MSPs) have a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on growing demand for cybersecurity and data-centric security services. In fact, according to Canalys, 90% of cybersecurity solutions will be delivered by channel organisations in 2025—that translates to over £200 billion in revenue.

In spite of the size of this opportunity, many MSPs are reluctant to expand their involvement in the data-centric security market. In most cases, this fear comes from the perceived complexity of delivering data security-related services. But it’s important for MSPs to understand that, unlike in-house security teams at smaller organisations, they have access to the critical expertise, staff, and technology needed to deal with the challenges of securing data in the age of AI, which has created new security risks (87% of organisations faced an AI-driven cyberattack last year, according to one study). That’s why the complexity of data-centric security is really an opportunity for MSPs, and here’s how they can work to expand their businesses effectively in years to come.

Why Data-Centric security Complexity Means Opportunity for MSPs

Before the arrival of the cloud, cybersecurity professionals and teams were broadly focused on perimeter security (securing the periphery of their environments from external threats) which meant adding protections to assets like user accounts, infrastructure, and on-premises servers. This was a logical and sound approach 10, 15, or 20 years ago, when the threat landscape was radically different from what it is now. While this approach is still important, the rise of AI and cloud collaboration, the evolution of insider threats, and the arrival of an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape has shifted the focus of cybersecurity inward to the data itself. 

Why? Data-centric security poses a fundamentally new set of challenges. Instead of simply trying to protect infrastructure from malicious external actors, data-centric security is much more focused on controlling who has access to data, regulating the flow of data within a particular organisation, protecting data from both accidental and malicious insider threats, and other related issues, which also include highly advanced external threats including AI-driven malware or ransomware, social engineering attacks, and more.

Many organisations rightly view this work as complicated and may lack the skills, technology, and expertise to navigate it effectively in-house. However, most MSPs don’t face these same challenges. Unlike their customers, MSPs have specialised staff, expertise, and (importantly) technology to navigate the complexities of today’s data-centric security challenges. 

This is why MSPs shouldn’t fear complexities of data-centric security in the same way as their customers: they have the tools needed to tackle these challenges in a safe, effective, and profitable way.

How MSPs Can Solve Today’s Data-Centric Security Problems

Given the shortage of in-house skills, expertise, and technology needed to deal with today’s increasingly sophisticated data-centric security threats, MSPs must now play a critical role in addressing today’s data-centric security challenges. 

To effectively safeguard their clients, MSPs should adopt a proactive and layered approach, including continuing to execute the fundamentals of perimeter, system, device and user account protection. Simulated phishing exercises and , security awareness training are vital in minimising human error, which accounted for a staggering 95% of security breaches in 2024, according to a report from Mimecast. But they must now go further to include measures which protect the data itself. 

Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) tools and data governance techniques such as detection and remediation of overshared data, ROT (redundant, obsolete or trash) data, unclassified data, regular access reviews and workspace renewals are all becoming essential for ensuring that security defenses remain robust against new and emerging threats related to the arrival of AI technology.

MSPs should also prioritise educating their clients on best practices for data-centric security. Initiatives like appointing data owners within the business, supporting them to take responsibility for the data they are closest to, and framing the ongoing governance of data as a responsibility that must be shared between the business and IT. Put simply, "security is everyone’s responsibility” needs to be more than just a cliché! Shared accountability is crucial for data-centric security to be effective. By equipping their clients with knowledge and enforcing secure behaviors, MSPs can help create a culture of vigilance.

Automated tools for managing compliance and data-centric security posture are also key for meeting regulatory standards like GDPR and the EU AI Act. MSPs can leverage DSPM tools to help their clients stay audit-ready. This not only reduces risks but also strengthens client trust. By combining expertise, automation, and education, MSPs can rise to meet the growing challenges of clients’ data-centric security while reinforcing their value as indispensable partners in safeguarding sensitive information.

It’s Up to MSPs to Secure the Future of Data

In an era of increasingly complex data-centric security demands, MSPs are uniquely positioned to turn challenges into opportunities. By combining advanced technologies, specialized expertise, and proactive client education, they can not only address today’s sophisticated threats but also build lasting trust and business growth. The path forward lies in embracing the intricacies of data-centric security as a realm where MSPs can differentiate themselves and thrive as indispensable allies to their clients.