Five Reasons Why Every Business Needs Proactive Vulnerability Management 

Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for most business leaders as the fear of unknown risks drives organizational leaders to take action. A recent research report found that security resilience is a high priority for 96% of executives, which is justified by the 62% of respondents indicating their organization experienced a recent breach. With global experts predicting financial damages from cybercrime will hit $10.5 trillion in 2025, businesses are increasingly turning to managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), and other IT services firms to improve their data and network protection.  

Even so, despite organizations making annual investments to improve cybersecurity measures, these efforts can still fall short without the support of cybersecurity experts. It’s important that people and companies adopt a cyber-resilient mindset and take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, which includes keeping up with updates and patches, as missed ones can increase the risk of cyber attacks. 

Give Businesses the Best Protection Possible 

Most organizations need help to address weaknesses and the biggest concern is often the unknowns. These gaps increase risks and management anxieties, even for companies with internal IT teams that may lack the time, skills, and tools to address potential threats in real-time. MSPs and MSSPs with expertise in proactive vulnerability management can help organizations identify, assess, report, manage and remediate risks across their IT ecosystems.  

Proactive vulnerability management evens the playing field for the business community by enabling providers to address both known and imperceptible threats before cybercriminals can exploit them. Organizations need solutions that continuously scan networks for undiscovered assets and vulnerabilities and instantly notify the appropriate people (i.e., MSPs, MSSPs) of the specific issue 24/7/365. 

What are the advantages of adding threat intelligence and operational insight-related tools to an MSP’s portfolio?

Proactive vulnerability management:  

1. Amplifies protection. A major benefit of proactive vulnerability management is a greater ability to monitor and respond to potential issues to prevent a much costlier incident. An annual penetration test is a snapshot in time, but continuous oversight ensures 24/7/365 protection and compliance.   

2. Improves efficiency. The proactive nature of vulnerability management allows MSPs to continuously review and strengthen processes. From scanning and patching to remediating identified weaknesses, automating the manual steps reduces labor requirements - a major savings considering the payroll costs for IT and cybersecurity professionals.  

3. Addresses compliance requirements. Organizations must show they have complete visibility and control of their IT ecosystems, including offsite devices and data. In today’s WFH and hybrid workforce environments, that job is more complex, but a proactive vulnerability management approach with the right processes and tools can ease the job for MSPs. For example, Nodeware® helps address their clients’ compliance requirements for NIST Data Gathering, CIS 18 Controls 1 and 7, and other frameworks. With real-time reporting capabilities, these scanning solutions provide organizations with up-to-the-minute details on patches and other critical system protection activities.  

4. Reduces response time. Speed is the linchpin to a solid cyber defense. Tools that continuously scan and monitor the entire IT ecosystem, including networks and devices, allow MSPs to quickly identify and remediate each potential threat. Nodeware even provides links to actionable resources for eliminating vulnerabilities to simplify and expedite the process.

5. Improves client visibility. Real-time reports and alerts for MSPs and internal IT teams, as well as other key leaders in a customers’ business, keep everyone on the same page. Clients with greater insight into their cybersecurity operations, including patching deficiencies and remediation steps, are more likely to invest in new tools and services to tighten their defenses. MSPs can leverage the reporting capabilities of vulnerability management tools to keep clients “in the know” on current concerns and future needs.     

Improve Collaboration with an IT Services-Centric Vulnerability Management Solution 

Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity protection increases an MSP’s value to the business community. With the growing number of threats and rising complexity of the attacks today, every organization needs systems and people in place to continuously monitor for the most concerning threats-things they do not know. Instant identification of suspect devices, missing patches and other systems irregularities allows providers to quickly resolve potential issues before they turn into disruptive and costly problems.   

In today’s high-risk environment, a robust cybersecurity tool with real-time reporting capabilities like Nodeware fosters information sharing and communications, tightening engagements and relationships between MSPs and clients. Proactive vulnerability management with continuous patching and detailed remediation paths not only raises the cybersecurity bar, but nurtures greater trust and confidence with these critical business alliances.