The future of managed cybersecurity: MSPs’ new role in 2025

Cybersecurity in 2025 is marked by a more complex, dynamic, and decentralised environment. Threats have not only become more sophisticated but also act faster, supported by technologies including artificial intelligence and a fragmented geopolitical context. Against this backdrop, the latest IDC report* on the state of cybersecurity in 2025 brings to the table a paradigm shift in how protection is provided, with what resources and under what structures. 

In this context, managed service providers (MSPs) have an opportunity to provide visibility and responsiveness from a flexible and scalable perspective to thus become the key strategic partners for today’s cybersecurity. 

MSPs’ new role in enterprise cybersecurity

MSPs no longer simply provide technical support and manage infrastructure: today, they are expected to help their clients anticipate risks, guarantee operational continuity, and deliver measurable results in terms of digital protection. 

The 4 key priorities that are defining this evolution are detailed below:

1. Booming local and regional demand for managed services 

With the weakening of international cooperation on threat intelligence, many organisations need to seek closer, more reliable alternatives adapted to their reality. In the report, IDC discusses a shift towards decentralisation in which regional structures must take on more responsibility for cybersecurity, often without sufficient resources. This situation presents an opportunity for MSPs to strengthen their presence in the public sector, SMEs and regulated environments, offering protection that is contextualised, scalable, and in line with the local regulatory framework. 

2. Proactive response to advanced threats

According to the report, ransomware attacks have affected more than 2,000 victims and 74 active groups. This is in addition to credential leaks and lateral movements based on legitimate logins. For MSPs, this means evolving towards a more proactive and contextual approach, capable of identifying anomalous patterns even when no malware is present. Incorporating threat intelligence, signal correlation and behavioural detection becomes key to pre-empting impact, minimising response times and containing incidents before they escalate.

3. Artificial intelligence, automation and visible metrics

Clients are no longer satisfied with knowing that they “are protected” ‒ they expect clear data. How long does it take to detect a threat? Have false positives been reduced? What impact did the implemented solution have? MSPs that incorporate AI and automation into both their platforms and their internal operations are able to provide this kind of transparency. They also let their clients see the real impact of cybersecurity on their business, with clear and easily communicable KPIs. 

4. Savings and efficiency, what clients expect

Despite budgetary pressures, investments in security and compliance remain priority areas. This reflects a clear expectation on the part of organisations; they expect investments in technology to generate operational efficiencies and real savings. By means of automation and AI, MSPs can provide that pathway to optimise processes, reduce costs, and deliver tangible value, reducing the operational burden and generating return on investment. 

The IDC report makes it clear that cybersecurity is no longer simply a matter of defense, but of business strategy. Companies are looking for partners who can adapt to the new global context, anticipate risks, and demonstrate tangible results. In this scenario, MSPs are in a key position to lead the change with a flexible approach. Supported by automation and AI, they can deliver the visibility, efficiency, and trust that their clients need as essential partners in the digital future.

*Source: IDC report titled Cybersecurity 2025 Update: Miscellaneous Musings from IDC's Security and Trust Team by Frank Dickson, Monika Soltysik, Craig Robinson, Christopher Kissel, Jaclynn Anderson