The evolution of cybersecurity: from internal teams to managed service providers

Recent research by WatchGuard Technologies indicates a shift in how companies tackle cybersecurity. Businesses are increasingly turning to managed service providers (MSPs) for strengthening defences against the sophisticated threats powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Despite adequate staffing, the complexity, speed, and scale of modern threats present a challenge for internal teams alone.

Findings reveal that 91% of organisations express concern over AI-driven cyberattacks. Coupled with 75% experiencing at least one incident in the past year, there is growing recognition of the need for external expertise. A majority of 54% lack the capacity for round-the-clock monitoring and response, while 67% seek additional support for rising compliance demands. These figures underscore the necessity of a redefined approach to cybersecurity delivery and responsibility.

With internal teams nearing their operational limits, many organisations (48%) are already utilising MSPs to complement their cybersecurity measures. This signifies a shift towards regarding MSPs as chief security partners rather than auxiliary support. Internal efforts, though significant, are now viewed as unsustainable without external assistance.

AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape by enhancing the sophistication of attacks and driving demand for more intelligent countermeasures. The appetite for AI-powered detection is growing, with 44% of companies willing to invest more in these solutions. This highlights a change in expectations from protection to measurable security outcomes.

Additionally, as AI's role in cybersecurity expands, there is a shift in how security partners are evaluated. Metrics such as uptime and service delivery are now being superseded by targets focused on faster incident detection and proactive threat prevention, leading to greater operational resilience.

While different regions exhibit varied adoption models, there is a universal trend towards priorities that include 24/7 monitoring, faster response times, AI-driven capabilities, and comprehensive compliance support.

Countries such as the United States and France exhibit a higher reliance on managed services, whereas other regions like Mexico favour value-added resellers, and Canada is more inclined towards consulting-based approaches. Despite these variations, a shared focus on continuous monitoring and AI-enhanced defences prevails globally.

Cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as a mission-critical investment rather than a periodic expense. Over 75% of organisations plan to escalate their cybersecurity budgets over the next two years, with an emphasis on services that promise continuous protection and deliver clear outcomes.

This marks a pivotal moment for the cybersecurity industry as companies shift from fragmented, reactive tools to integrated, always-on security services. Simultaneously, this opens doors for MSPs to evolve from mere IT support providers to essential cybersecurity partners, adept at delivering the scale, speed, and intelligence required for modern threats.