BLOG: What MSPs Should Know about Cyber Threat Intelligence

Managed Service Providers are responsible for providing a range of IT services to their clients, from managing network infrastructure to ensuring data security. Cybersecurity is an increasingly critical concern for MSPs as cyber threats become more sophisticated and frequent. To effectively protect their clients, MSPs must leverage cyber threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats. 

Cyber threat intelligence can help protect MSPs by providing them with valuable information about potential cyber threats that they and their customers may face. This includes information about the tactics, techniques, and procedures that cyber criminals use, the specific vulnerabilities that they target, and the potential impact of an attack.

By having this information, MSPs can better prepare for potential threats and take proactive measures to protect their systems and their customers’ systems. For example, they can use threat intelligence to identify potential security gaps in their networks and then take steps to address these vulnerabilities before a cyber attack occurs. They can also use threat intelligence to help identify and respond to cyber attacks more quickly and effectively, thereby reducing the potential damage and downtime.

Overall, cyber threat intelligence helps MSPs stay one step ahead of cybercriminals by providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to better protect their systems and their customers’ systems from cyber threats.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has renewed its warning about the threat that managed service providers (MSPs) face from cyberattacks, which can target both MSPs and their customers. CISA identified a “widespread cyber campaign” involving the use of legitimate remote monitoring and management (RMM) software in October 2022. 

Threat actors exploit trust relationships in MSP networks and can gain access to many of the victim MSP’s customers. The use of RMM tools in cyberattacks is a top priority for many threat actors, according to experts. As a result, security awareness training for all sizes of businesses is essential. MSPs can protect themselves by joining a cybersecurity task force for access to best practices and intelligence briefings.

Cyber Threat Intelligence is the practice of gathering, analyzing, and sharing information about cyber threats. This information can be used to identify, prevent, and respond to cyber-attacks. CTI can come from a range of sources, including internal logs, open-source intelligence, commercial feeds, and law enforcement agencies.

CTI is a critical component of an effective cybersecurity strategy. By staying up-to-date on the latest threats and attack methodologies, MSPs can take proactive measures to protect their clients. CTI enables MSPs to identify vulnerabilities, detect and respond to attacks, and mitigate risks.

MSPs can derive several benefits from leveraging CTI to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Here are a few key benefits:

• Proactive Threat Mitigation: CTI allows MSPs to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats before they can cause significant damage. By staying ahead of emerging threats, MSPs can prevent attacks and reduce the likelihood of data breaches.
• Better Incident Response: CTI provides MSPs with valuable insights into attack methodologies, which can inform incident response efforts. MSPs can use this information to develop effective response plans that mitigate the impact of cyber attacks.
• Improved Vulnerability Management: CTI can help MSPs identify vulnerabilities in their clients’ networks, applications, and systems. This information can be used to patch vulnerabilities, update security protocols, and reduce the overall attack surface.
• Increased Customer Confidence: MSPs that leverage CTI to enhance their cybersecurity posture can provide their clients with greater confidence in their ability to protect their data. This can help MSPs differentiate themselves in a crowded market and attract new clients.

Best Practices for CTI Implementation

• Implementing CTI effectively requires MSPs to follow certain best practices. Here are a few key considerations:
• Identify Relevant Data Sources: MSPs should identify relevant data sources for CTI, including internal logs, commercial feeds, and open-source intelligence. MSPs should also consider the quality and reliability of each data source.
• Leverage Automation: CTI can generate a large volume of data, which can be challenging for MSPs to manage effectively. By leveraging automation tools, MSPs can process and analyze CTI more efficiently.
• Develop Incident Response Plans: MSPs should develop incident response plans that are informed by CTI. These plans should include specific procedures for responding to different types of cyber attacks.
• Share Threat Intelligence: MSPs should share threat intelligence with other organizations, such as industry associations, law enforcement agencies, and other MSPs. Sharing CTI can help build a more comprehensive picture of emerging threats and improve cybersecurity across the board.

Orpheus is an accredited cyber threat intelligence company that uses sophisticated technology to collect and analyze vast amounts of threat intelligence data from various sources. We use machine learning and expert analysts to provide processed intelligence to organizations in different forms, depending on the client’s needs. 

Orpheus’ Cyber Threat Intelligence platform provides a complete understanding of the adversaries’ intent and capability to target clients, and our expert analysts provide easy-to-digest intelligence summaries and threat actor profiles to help organizations quickly understand and respond to unknown threats. A security strategy that begins with threat intelligence is a valuable use of resources and is promoted by international regulatory bodies.

In today’s threat landscape, MSPs must leverage every tool at their disposal to enhance their cybersecurity posture. Cyber Threat Intelligence is a valuable resource that can help MSPs stay ahead of emerging threats and protect their clients’ data. By following best practices for CTI implementation, MSPs can improve their incident response capabilities, reduce risk, and build greater customer confidence.

To find out more about how Orpheus Cyber can help protect your organization, click here