July 31, 2025
Key Takeaways
- Cybersecurity isn't optional—even for small businesses. Your MSP should deliver enterprise-grade protection by default.
- The right provider offers not just tools, but guidance, compliance support, and continuous monitoring.
- Use this checklist to evaluate your current MSP and close any gaps before they become liabilities.
If you run a small to midsize business, odds are you think you're too small to attract cybercriminals. Unfortunately, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses—and most of those businesses lack the resources to recover.
This is why your managed service provider (MSP) must do more than just reset passwords or manage your network. They should be your front line of defense, your security strategist, and your ongoing compliance partner.
Below is a cybersecurity checklist your MSP should already have in place for your business. If they don't, it may be time to rethink your partnership.
Cybersecurity Checklist
1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Across All Systems
MFA prevents 99% of credential-based breaches. Your MSP should enforce it for logins to email, cloud apps, remote desktops, and admin accounts.2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Traditional antivirus is no longer enough. EDR tools detect, isolate, and respond to suspicious activity in real time, even on remote devices.3. Data Encryption
All sensitive data—whether at rest or in transit—should be encrypted. Your MSP should ensure that email, file storage, and backups meet industry encryption standards.4. Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC)
Not every employee needs access to every system. Your MSP should limit access based on job roles and review those permissions regularly.5. Regular Security Patching
Unpatched software is one of the top entry points for attackers. Patching should be automated and logged for audit purposes.6. Secure Backup and Disaster Recovery
Your MSP should implement a 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies, 2 formats, 1 offsite) and regularly test your recovery process.7. Phishing Simulation and User Training
Human error is a top threat vector. Your MSP should provide regular security awareness training and test your staff with simulated phishing campaigns.8. Firewall and Network Segmentation
Your firewall should be actively managed and logs monitored. Internal systems should be segmented to prevent attackers from moving laterally.9. Compliance Readiness
Whether it's HIPAA, FTC Safeguards, or NY DFS regulations, your MSP should know which apply to you and help you stay compliant with documentation and audits.10. 24/7 Monitoring and Alerting
Cyberattacks don't follow a 9-5 schedule. Your MSP should be monitoring your environment around the clock and ready to respond to threats in real time.
What to Ask Your MSP
When evaluating your current provider—or exploring new ones—ask the following:
- Which security tools do you manage directly, and which are outsourced?
- How do you respond to incidents after hours?
- Can you show me our current patching, backup, and MFA enforcement reports?
- Do you offer documented compliance assistance for our industry?
The answers will tell you if your MSP is proactive or simply putting out fires.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
When small businesses fall victim to a cyberattack, the consequences are often more severe than they expect. According to recent reports, the average cost of a data breach for a small business can exceed $200,000. That number doesn't include reputational damage, loss of client trust, or the potential for litigation.
Many small businesses never recover. What starts as an email compromise or ransomware attack can snowball into regulatory fines, financial loss, and operational downtime.
This is why cybersecurity must be baked into your operations—not tacked on after an incident. An MSP that doesn't prioritize prevention leaves your business exposed.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Small businesses face the same threats as large enterprises, but without the same resources. That's why choosing the right MSP is one of the most important business decisions you can make.
At CNS Data, we don't believe cybersecurity should be an afterthought or an upsell. It's foundational. That's why our security stack—from MFA to compliance support—comes built into every engagement.
Because protecting your business shouldn't depend on how tech-savvy you are. It should depend on having the right partner.
The Future of Small Business Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity isn't static. As threat actors become more sophisticated and regulations evolve, small businesses must continuously adapt. The MSPs that lead in this space are already thinking ahead.
Expect greater use of AI and automation for real-time threat detection. Zero trust architecture will become the new standard, and cyber insurance providers will demand documented controls like MFA, employee training, and segmentation. Those who can't provide proof of protection may see rates spike or lose coverage altogether.
By investing in the right cybersecurity foundation today, your business won't just avoid risk—you'll be ready for what's next.
If you're unsure whether your business is adequately protected, we can help. Click Here or give us a call at 929-523-2921 to Book a FREE Call With Our CEO
