GoT Cybersecurity? (as featured on Channel Futures) 

Defendify’s article on three things MSPs can learn about cybersecurity from Game of Thrones was recently published on Channel Futures. Read our summary, introduction, and thoughts for cybersecurity providers below, then check out the full article to help prevent a bad ending.

We saw our first snowflakes of the season at the Defendify office this week, and you know what that means: winter is coming. We’d all but forgotten that the phrase used to simply mean any time August through December (at least for fellow New Englanders!)—it’s now irreversibly associated with a show that captured millions.

Game of Thrones isn’t just an iconic drama, we found it as an interesting lens to look at cybersecurity through. Here are a few lessons Small Business cybersecurity providers can learn from Game of Thrones to help avoid a bad ending:

1. Defend Your Kingdom

In today’s world, cyberattacks can target any business, even the most tech-savvy. While cybersecurity providers are well-versed in how their customers can strengthen their cybersecurity posture, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve at your own organization as well. After all, if you’re not protecting your own kingdom, how can you defend your customers?

A strong cybersecurity program is especially important for providers as you likely have high-level access to your customers’ networks. That means that if you do experience a breach, your customers are also at risk: Attackers can sometimes pivot from your network to gain access to many of your customers with just one step. Additionally, small businesses are starting to realize how important it is to select vendors who prioritize cybersecurity in their own organizations and are dedicated to keeping their company’s sensitive data safe.

A holistic cybersecurity approach is key to protect your business. Additionally, providers should pay careful attention to security steps that directly affect their customers, such as:

• Requiring two-factor authentication on accounts with customer access
• Employing the least privilege principle for new hires and accounts
• Following and documenting offboarding procedures when employees leave the company

2. Move Beyond the (Fire)wall

Firewalls and antivirus are two important security measures that businesses should take, but they far from provide complete protection. Cybersecurity is about more than just technology, and the ruling provider knows to set their customers up with a comprehensive, holistic cybersecurity program. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: cybersecurity isn’t a project, it’s a posture. It needs regular, ongoing attention just like ones’ health.

Going beyond the wall means employing multiple layers of cybersecurity protection that align with cybersecurity controls and frameworks from the likes of NIST and the Center for Internet Security (CIS). An effective program includes foundational policies and plans, employee education and testing, and regular scanning.

3. Prepare for Battle

As a provider, part of your job is to guide your customers through the world of technology—a world which increasingly includes cybersecurity. And your comprehensive cybersecurity offering is a huge opportunity to differentiate yourself in the IT market.

Think of it this way: Your customers are facing third-party risk assessments, ransomware, phishing, and more. By offering enhanced, comprehensive protection, you’re helping them stay battle-ready for whatever comes their way—not all providers can make that claim. The peace of mind they get from working with you can’t be matched.

Read the original scroll on Channel Futures.

Stay Safe,

Your Friends @ Defendify