75% of IT execs 'worried' about being targeted in cyber-attack

More than 75% of IT decision-makers say they are worried about being the target of a cyber-attack in the next six months.

That's according to a new report from ConnectWise, which commissioned a survey finding that, because of this concern, 91% of SMB executives would consider moving to a new IT service provider if it offered the 'right' cybersecurity solution.

The survey, conducted by Vanson Bourne, quizzed 700 IT executives 'involved' in cybersecurity in their organisation.

"There is an increased market opportunity for MSPs who participate in an ongoing basis in cybersecurity training, remain current on the latest threats, and become versed in cybersecurity technology," says ConnectWise vice president of cybersecurity initiatives Jay Ryerse.

"As MSPs raise their understanding across the entire cybersecurity discipline, they find themselves strongly positioned for growth in a post-pandemic economic recovery, emerging from the experience stronger and more agile, and with customers better prepared for the cybersecurity challenges that lie ahead.

The report also found that 68% of respondents believe the 'right' offering means having confidence in an MSP's ability to respond to security incidents. In comparison, 58% stated it's having confidence in an MSP's ability to minimise damage or loss.

The place of cybersecurity as crucial to an organisation is shifting upwards in 2020, with 86% of SMBs placing it within the top five priorities for their organisation.

A further 60% said they would invest more in cybersecurity - likely because many (52%) concede that they lack the in-house skills necessary to deal with security issues adequately.

The research found that MSPs are increasingly being sought out to help close the skills gap.

"The survey's findings show what we know to be true: Confidence remains a key factor for SMBs in choosing the 'right' MSP offering for their business needs," says Ryerse.

"Currently, only 13% of SMBs are having regular cybersecurity-related conversations with their MSP.

"Even more worrisome is the fact that 29% of SMBs talk to their MSP about cybersecurity only after they have suffered an incident.

While COVID-19 has resulted in an increase in the number of cyberattacks, the pandemic did not significantly impact respondents' views towards prioritising cybersecurity, according to the research.

However, COVID-19 has raised new concerns for SMBs, with 79% of respondents worrying about their remote devices or remote employees being breached.

"It's clear that MSPs must work to reinforce that confidence and build closer relationships with their clients," concludes Ryerse.