2024-12-17 - Version 2

Ring in the New Year Securely: A Guide for MSPs to Tackle Holiday Cyber Threats

Main Takeaways

Holiday Cyber Threats are No Joke: Learn how phishing scams are evolving during the festive season and the proactive steps MSPs can take to mitigate these risks.
Anticipating 2025’s Challenges: Differentiate your services, enhance your marketing strategies, and solidify client relationships in a highly competitive landscape.
Harness Community Support: Collaborate with fellow MSPs to share insights, best practices, and strategies for overcoming industry hurdles.

As 2024 comes to a close, MSPs are entering 2025 with a mix of opportunities and challenges. The holiday season isn’t just a busy time for retail and services; it’s also a high-risk period for cybersecurity, with attackers exploiting festive distractions. Beyond the holidays, MSPs must address a competitive market, refine their value propositions, and reinforce client trust. This blog covers it all—holiday threats, year-round challenges, and strategies to win in 2025.

Holiday Cyber Threats: A Gift to Hackers

The holiday season brings joy and an uptick in cyber threats. Businesses often operate at reduced capacity during the holidays, leaving gaps in their defenses. Meanwhile, employees are bombarded with emails promoting last-minute sales or urgent holiday tasks, creating fertile ground for phishing scams.

Phishing Scams: The “Exclusive Discount” Trap

In December 2023, a global SMB lost over $500,000 when employees unknowingly entered sensitive information into a fake website mimicking a well-known e-commerce retailer. The phishing email included a “time-sensitive” coupon for holiday deals, creating urgency and bypassing employees’ usual caution.

For MSPs, these attacks represent a dual challenge:

Protect Clients: Ensure their systems and employees are prepared to detect and avoid phishing schemes.
Safeguard Operations: Strengthen internal security measures to avoid becoming a stepping stone for attackers targeting your clients.

Guardz AI-Powered Phishing Simulation

To help MSPs and their clients combat this threat, Guardz offers an AI-powered phishing simulation tool. This tool replicates real-world phishing attempts, teaching employees to identify malicious emails and reducing the likelihood of human error. By incorporating this into your services, you can provide clients with a robust defense against phishing—a particularly valuable offering during the holiday season.

The MSP Landscape in 2025: Challenges and Opportunities

As the calendar turns to 2025, MSPs face three primary challenges: increased competition, the need for smarter marketing, and the battle to retain clients.

1. Rising Cyber Threats: Beyond the Holidays

While phishing dominates the holiday season, cyberattacks are evolving year-round. In 2024, ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) surged, with SMBs being a primary target. For example:

Case Study: A small healthcare clinic in California suffered a ransomware attack in March 2024, resulting in the loss of sensitive patient data and $250,000 in recovery costs. The attackers exploited vulnerabilities in outdated software—a gap that proactive MSPs could have addressed.

How MSPs Can Help:

Conduct regular vulnerability assessments.
Offer advanced endpoint protection and real-time monitoring.
Provide ongoing security awareness training, including Guardz’s phishing simulations.

2. Staying Competitive in a Crowded Market

The MSP market is expected to grow significantly in 2025, making differentiation more critical than ever. It’s no longer enough to offer generic IT support—MSPs must position themselves as strategic partners.

Strategies to Differentiate:

Specialized Services: Focus on verticals like healthcare, education, or retail, where you can build deep expertise.
Holistic Solutions: Emphasize bundled offerings like Guardz’s Secure and Insure, which combines cybersecurity and insurance.
Outcome-Focused Messaging: Frame your services in terms of measurable results, such as reduced downtime or improved compliance.

3. Marketing Smarter, Not Harder

Effective marketing remains a challenge for many MSPs, but it’s essential for growth in 2025. The key is to stand out with targeted, high-value campaigns.

Practical Marketing Tips:

Content is King: Publish blogs, videos, and webinars that address your target audience’s pain points.
Leverage Data: Use analytics to understand client needs and tailor your messaging.
Collaborate with Vendors: Partner with companies like Guardz for co-marketing opportunities and resources.
Explore Niche Platforms: Don’t underestimate the power of communities like Reddit or LinkedIn groups to reach decision-makers.

Retaining Clients in 2025: Building Long-Term Trust

Client retention is more critical than ever, as the cost of acquiring new clients continues to rise. To keep clients loyal, MSPs must consistently demonstrate value and adapt to their evolving needs.

Retention Strategies:

Proactive Communication: Schedule quarterly reviews to showcase your successes and propose improvements.
Innovative Offerings: Keep your services fresh by integrating new tools like Guardz’s AI-powered platform for real-time threat detection and response.
Client Education: Equip your clients with the knowledge to recognize threats, using tools like phishing simulations to reinforce their defenses.

Guardz: Your Partner in the Journey

At Guardz, we understand the unique challenges MSPs face, and we’re here to help you navigate them. Our unified platform is designed to empower MSPs with tools like real-time threat detection, automated response capabilities, and phishing simulations, making it easier to deliver unparalleled value to your clients.

Beyond technology, we’re committed to fostering a thriving MSP community. Join the conversation on our Guardz Online Community on Reddit, where you can connect with peers, share insights, and seek advice on everything from cyber threats to marketing strategies.

Looking Ahead to a Secure 2025

As we step into 2025, the stakes for MSPs have never been higher. From holiday cyber threats to year-round challenges like competition and client retention, success will require vigilance, adaptability, and collaboration.

Guardz is here to support you with cutting-edge tools and a robust community. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make 2025 a year of growth and success for MSPs.

Ready to tackle the new year? Join the Guardz community and let’s secure the future together.

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

2024 Guardz

Cybercrime Takes Flight: The Case of the Dual-Drone Hack

For a while, it seemed like drones were everywhere – you couldn’t spend a day at a park or go to an outdoor event without hearing the familiar whir of propellors starting up and buzzing over the crowd. Cool concert footage not withstanding, drone operators have often faced some contention with their right to fly, particularly with some notable incidents like the time a drone crashed into a bike race, causing one cyclist to crash (thankfully with only minor injuries,) or the time a drone operator buzzed a police helicopter during a manhunt. Then the FAA stepped in, and there was less danger of a drone colliding with a commercial airliner. However, there are still concerns about drones just falling from the sky and knocking you unconscious.

Despite all the concerns that led to regulations on where and how to fly drones, one thing that was not addressed was the concerns about drone security. Not the drones themselves being hacked—although that is actually upsettingly easy—but about using them to infiltrate networks.

Enter the threat from above

As reported in The Register, it started with unusual activity on an internally hosted confluence page. When security personnel spotted this, they traced it to a MAC address on their corporate WiFi….that happened to match one logged in on a network several miles away. After verifying that the user was, in fact, working from home, they used a WiFi signal tracer to follow the signal this device was attached to….and it led them to the roof.

There, much to their surprise, they discovered a pair of drones.

One of them had a WiFi Pineapple. Unlike the delicious fruit, this is a device used by security testers to test WiFi networks for weak spots. Unfortunately, it’s also very useful to hackers who want to use it as a rogue access point. Apparently, this particular drone had made a prior visit, during which it discovered a temporary, less-than-secure Wifi network that it was able to snoop on to get an employee’s credentials and MAC address. Then, a couple of days later, it came back with a friend that had almost $15,000 of spying and hacking equipment with it – including a Raspberry Pi, a 4G modem, a laptop, and several extra battery packs. The credentials the first drone had stolen a few days earlier were hard-coded into all of these tools.

Thanks to their exceptionally vigilant security team, the attackers did not get much, including their drones back.

Are the drones coming for all of us?

Realistically, probably not….this wasn’t a cheap endeavor, nor was it simple to plan and execute. All told, the hackers spent a lot of money and put a lot of time and effort into this operation. With the amount of customization, research, and lucky timing, it’s unlikely that this could be easily replicated. The fact that the target of this hack was an unnamed financial institution suggests that it was only worth it to the hackers for the potential of an exceptionally large payout. Of course, this isn’t to say it couldn’t happen, but it’s not likely that armies of drones will be filling the skies to perch on the roof of your building and spoof your WifFi network any time soon.

What you SHOULD be worried about is that hackers rarely have to go to this much trouble to breach your network. When you look at other high-profile breaches like Okta and Cisco, the hackers simply had to gain access to an employee’s Gmail account. When Target was breached in 2013, it was via malware installed on an HVAC contractor’s laptop (not even an actual Target employee!). The sad truth is, with 81% of all data breaches caused by stolen, weak, or re-used passwords, hackers don’t have to put that much effort into getting access to your network.

The lesson here is not that this happened, but that good security will protect you no matter where the threat comes from. Thanks to the vigilant efforts of the security team who noticed the odd activity right away, it didn’t happen – ultimately, the hackers didn’t really get anything of value.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

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How to remember your password: 8 different ways

SIDE NOTE: The techniques we’re about to share will help you remember your passwords, but just a heads up—many of them aren’t the safest ways to STORE your passwords, so keep that in mind.

1. Check your browser’s saved passwords

If you’ve ever clicked “Save Password” on a login screen then you know that Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other popular browsers can save passwords for your convenience (if you allow them to). So, if you can’t remember your password but know you saved it in your browser, just go to your browser’s settings, find the “Saved Passwords” or “Password Manager” section, and you’ll be able to see your password. It’s quick, easy, and often overlooked. Remember, though—using your browser for password storage isn’t the most secure option. A dedicated password manager offers better security and organization.

2. Search through old notes, documents, or emails

If you’re someone who writes everything down—whether in a notebook, on sticky notes, or in your phone’s Notes app—there’s a good chance your password is somewhere in your archives. Don’t stop there, though! Dig through your old emails for account setup confirmations or past password reset requests—they might also hold the clues you need.

3. Try commonly used passwords

Do you have that one password (or a slight variation of it) that you lean on a little too often for “less important” accounts? Think back: is it that go-to password with a familiar number combo at the end? Maybe you just added an exclamation mark to your usual choice. Try a few of your staples—but proceed carefully if the account has lockout limits for failed attempts.

4. Try your other passwords

A lot of people reuse passwords—it’s convenient and reduces the chance of forgetting them. If this sounds like you, try using a password from one of your other accounts to see if it works.

If it does, make sure to change it immediately. Cybercriminals know that people often reuse passwords, so if they gain access to one account, they will try the same password to compromise others. Updating your password ensures better security and minimizes the risk of further breaches.

5. Try your name or other personal details

Sometimes, people get sentimental when creating passwords. Names of pets, children, partners, or even favorite fictional characters often make the cut. Maybe you threw in a birthday or anniversary date for good measure. For instance, if you’re a fan of coffee and your dog’s name is Charlie, maybe the password is “CharlieLatte123.”

Start by thinking about when you created the account—were there specific events, places, or phrases in your life that could have inspired your password? Try brainstorming combinations of hobbies, favorite words, or recurring themes in your life at the time. If you used a password hint, revisit it with a fresh perspective—it might just click! Just don’t share this guessing game with friends because they might crack it faster than you can!

6. Use the “Forgot Password” option on websites

This method feels like a lifeline when you’re locked out. Simply click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page and follow these steps: check your email or phone for a reset link or verification code; follow the instructions provided in the link to create a new password; and ensure your new password is both strong and unique (think random combinations of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.)

Keep in mind that the reset link might expire, so act quickly. And don’t forget to double-check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see the email right away.

7. Contact support

When all else fails, it’s time to call in the professionals. Customer Support teams are trained to help you regain access while keeping your account secure. You’ll need to verify your identity, so have information like your email address, recent transactions, or security answers on hand. They’ll work their magic and get you back in. However, make sure you’re reaching out to the official support channels to avoid phishing scams.

8. Use a password manager to never forget your passwords again

Here’s the ultimate solution to avoid ever forgetting a password again: using a password manager. Tools like NordPass are designed to store, organize, and even generate passwords for you. NordPass offers secure storage for all your login details, encrypted and accessible only to you. It also comes with the autofill functionality, so you’ll never have to type in passwords manually again

Best of all, you only need to remember one Master Password. With the NordPass password manager, you’ll save time and avoid stress the next time you’re faced with a login screen.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.