BLOG: Threat Actors Targeting MSP Access to Customer Networks

As the use of managed service providers (MSPs) continues to grow, so too do the threats targeting MSP access to customer networks. More businesses rely on managed service providers to manage their IT infrastructure and systems, and MSPs have become a prime target for threat actors looking to gain access to customer networks. These attackers may use a variety of tactics to target MSP access, including phishing attacks, malware infections, unsecured remote access, insider threats, and physical security breaches.

Phishing Attacks

A common method that threats actors utilize to target MSPs is phishing attacks. These attacks involve sending fraudulent emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as customers or partners, asking the recipient to log in to a fake website or download a malicious attachment. MSP employees who succumb to these scams may inadvertently give attackers access to the MSP’s systems and potentially to their customers’ networks. They may use phishing emails to gain access, and MSP employees may receive emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as customers or partners, asking them to log in to a fake website or download a malicious attachment. These emails can be difficult to distinguish from genuine ones, and if an employee falls for the trick, the attacker can gain access to the MSP’s systems and potentially to their customers’ networks as well.

Malware

Another way that threat actors may try to compromise MSPs is through malware infections. MSP employees may inadvertently download malware onto their systems while browsing the internet or opening attachments from unknown sources. This malware could allow an attacker to gain access to the MSP’s systems and potentially to their customers’ networks. MSPs need to have robust security measures in place to prevent malware infections and to regularly update and patch their systems to reduce the risk of an attack.

Insider Threats

Unsecured remote access can also be a vulnerability for MSPs. If MSPs do not have proper security measures in place for remote access to customer networks, attackers may be able to exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access.

Insider threats are another concern for MSPs. Threat actors may try to compromise MSPs from the inside by targeting employees with access to sensitive information or systems. This could include social engineering tactics such as phishing attacks or physical access to MSP offices or data centers. After the REvil ransomware attack in 2021 that targeted more than 40 MSPs in a single day, ransomware operators increased their focus on attacking MSPs directly. Cyber researchers observed a 10-15% increase in ransomware incidents by a quarter in 2021, with 56% of all incidents occurring in the second half of 2021.

According to researchers in a March 2022 report on the threat landscape, MSPs are under more pressure than ever before. Cybercriminals are paying close attention to these developments and are continuously looking for easier ways to monetize their activities. A reported 9 out of 10 MSPs have suffered a successful cyberattack in the last 18 months. The same amount has seen the number of attempted attacks increase every month and 46% of managed service providers that suffer cyberattacks end up losing business as a result.

Physical Security Breaches

Physical security breaches are also a risk for MSPs. Attackers may try to gain physical access to MSP offices or data centers to compromise their systems and access customer networks. MSPs need to have robust security measures in place to protect against these types of threats and to regularly train employees on how to identify and prevent attacks. This may include using secure remote access protocols, implementing strong password policies, and regularly updating security software. By taking these precautions, MSPs can help protect their customers’ networks from threats and maintain their trust.

Unsecured remote access can also be a vulnerability for MSPs. If proper security measures are not in place for remote access to customer networks, attackers may be able to exploit these vulnerabilities to gain access. MSPs should ensure that they have security protocols in place for remote access and that they regularly update and review these protocols to ensure that they are still effective.

Insider Threats

Insider threats are another concern for MSPs. Threat actors may try to compromise the company from the inside by targeting employees with access to sensitive information or systems. MSPs should have policies in place to prevent insider threats and should regularly train employees on how to identify and prevent attacks.
Finally, physical security breaches are a risk that MSPs need to be aware of. Attackers may try to gain physical access to MSP offices or data centers to compromise their systems and access customer networks. MSPs should have robust physical security measures in place to prevent this type of attack.
In conclusion, MSPs need to be aware of the various ways that threat actors may try to target their access to customer networks. By implementing robust security measures and regularly training employees, MSPs can protect themselves and their customers from these types of threats.

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