Ransomware Reality Check: Why MSPs Can’t Afford to Stand Still 

Ransomware

Ransomware Reality Check: Why MSPs Can’t Afford to Stand Still 

Time to read

4 minutes

Author

Salvador Garcia
Acronis Sales Specialist

Date published

October 2025

Despite years of investment in cyber security tools and training, ransomware remains one of the most prevalent and financially damaging threats facing managed service providers in 2025 – and a growing obstacle to maintaining profitability. The bad news? It’s getting smarter, faster and more targeted. 

In the first half of the year alone, ransomware gangs like Akira and Lynx have ramped up their attacks. Akira has claimed more than 220 victims, many of them MSPs and their downstream customers. Lynx, borrowing code from other notorious ransomware families, has hit 145 organisations, mostly in the SMB space, right in the heart of the MSP customer base. 

Why MSPs? Simple. One breach can unlock access to dozens, even hundreds, of client environments. It’s a high-reward strategy for attackers, and it’s working. 

Unfortunately for MSPs, every hour of downtime, every recovery effort, and every customer lost to a breach hits the bottom line – a reminder that security and profitability are now inseparable. 

The new attack playbook 

The tactics are changing. 

In 2025, AI-powered phishing is now the top initial access method, accounting for 52 per cent of breaches, up from 30 per cent last year. Attackers are also exploiting VPN vulnerabilities, stolen admin credentials, and unpatched third-party software, especially tools MSPs rely on daily. 

Once inside, they’re not just encrypting files. They’re disabling security tools, deleting backups, and using legitimate admin tools to stay under the radar. One recent campaign even saw attackers exploit SimpleHelp RMM to deploy ransomware across utility billing systems, crippling operations in minutes. 

This reinforces the importance of tool selection, integration, and automation. A secure, well-integrated security stack not only strengthens defences but reduces manual overheads, protecting margins while improving response times. 

The cost of compromise 

It’s no longer a question of if – but when. 

Nearly half of MSPs now keep a dedicated ransomware fund, according to IT Security Guru. That’s a stark reflection of the pressure MSPs are under, not just from the financial fallout, but from the reputational damage that follows. 

The financial impact extends well beyond ransom payments. Lost contracts, higher insurance premiums, and reduced recurring margins all add up. Repeat attacks are also becoming more common, and once you’re on a ransomware group’s radar, you’re likely to stay there. 

What MSPs can do now 

2025 is proving that ransomware isn’t going away, it’s just getting more sophisticated. But with the right strategy, you can stay one step ahead. 

That starts with getting the basics right. Layered security, proactive monitoring, and patch discipline are non-negotiable pillars of a robust, scalable security framework. MSPs need to double down on: 

  • AI-aware phishing defences  
  • Credential hygiene and MFA everywhere  
  • Regular patching of RMMs and third-party tools  
  • Immutable backups and tested recovery plans  
  • 24/7 threat detection and response 

These fundamentals aren’t just about defence, they’re markers of operational maturity that build customer trust, improve retention, and help maintain profitability. 

The Giacom Advantage: Essential. Enhanced. Elite. 

MSPs need more than just tools, they need a framework that grows with their customers and protects their margins. 

That’s why we’ve built the Essential–Enhanced–Elite Security Framework, designed to help you deliver scalable, profitable cyber security services: 

  • Essential: Core controls like MFA, patching and user training, your starting point for every customer.  
  • Enhanced: Compliance tooling, automation and risk management, ideal for growing businesses.  
  • Elite: Strategic services like SOCaaS, penetration testing and AI-driven threat detection, for high-value clients and regulated sectors. 

This layered approach gives you repeatable propositions, clear upsell pathways, and stronger customer lifetime value. It’s not just about protection, it’s about positioning your MSP for growth. 

Ready to take the next step? 

Cyber threats aren’t slowing down, and neither should your growth. 
With our framework and support, you can position your business as a leading provider, stand out from the competition, and unlock new revenue streams. 

Contact us today at cybersecurity@giacom.com.

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