Why MSPs Must Shift from Tools to People: Tackling Cybersecurity's Biggest Risk

Cybersecurity is often viewed as a battle fought with firewalls, encryption, and sophisticated tools—but what if the biggest vulnerability isn't in your software, but in your people? 

Small businesses are increasingly relying on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to protect them from the growing threat of cyberattacks. In fact, with last year marking a tipping point—where a majority of small businesses experienced some form of cyberattack—cybersecurity has never been more important. Yet, many MSPs are missing a key opportunity by focusing too much on technical tools and overlooking a far larger vulnerability: the human element.

The Overlooked Human Factor

It’s widely known that human error is responsible for a significant portion of cybersecurity incidents. In fact, nearly 85% of all breaches stem from mistakes like falling for phishing scams, using weak passwords, or accessing company systems from unsecured devices. This "human factor" is often overlooked by MSPs, who tend to prioritize tech over people.

But the truth is, no matter how sophisticated your security software, one careless click can bring a company to its knees. MSPs have an opportunity to shift their approach by focusing on training and awareness. Teaching employees to recognize phishing attacks, encouraging strong password practices, and ensuring secure remote access can dramatically reduce the risk of breaches. By addressing the human side of cybersecurity, MSPs can offer a more comprehensive defense for their clients.

The Importance of Frameworks

Another common pitfall for MSPs is the over-reliance on security tools alone. Tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and detection systems are essential, but they aren't a complete solution. Many MSPs neglect the foundational frameworks and processes that ensure long-term security success.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about deploying the latest tool—it’s about building a strategy. This includes setting up robust policies, educating employees, continuous monitoring, and having clear incident response plans in place. MSPs should help clients understand that strong security comes from a balanced approach, not just from using more technology.

Managing Complexity: Why Simplification Matters

A common frustration for MSPs—and their clients—is the complexity of managing multiple security tools from different vendors. These tools often don’t work seamlessly together, leading to integration headaches, overlapping functionalities, and increased costs.

Instead of patching together a multitude of tools, MSPs can adopt integrated platforms that simplify cybersecurity management. By using comprehensive, all-in-one solutions, MSPs can save time, reduce costs, and improve the overall security posture of their clients.

Making Cybersecurity Accessible for All

In an increasingly competitive market, MSPs face the dual challenge of attracting new clients and retaining existing ones. Focusing on foundational cybersecurity frameworks—those that are affordable, effective, and easy to deploy—can be a game changer. Newer, consolidated platforms like Lockwell offer MSPs the chance to help businesses get secure faster and at a lower cost.

By offering foundational frameworks that address the human factor, simplify management, and reduce costs, MSPs can position themselves as proactive partners in their clients' cybersecurity journey. This not only helps win new customers but also builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships with existing ones.

Lockwell: Taking the Complexity Out of Cybersecurity So You Don’t Have To

At Lockwell, we believe that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve designed our services with small businesses in mind, taking on the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. From the moment you sign up, our team guides you through every step of the process. We handle everything—from initial onboarding to ongoing monitoring—ensuring your business is protected without burdening your internal team.

Lockwell's platform integrates effortlessly into your existing workflows, meaning you don’t need a dedicated IT staff or expensive consultants to keep your systems secure. We offer 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat detection, so if an issue arises, we’re already on it before it can impact your business.

Our service goes beyond just tools. We help set up robust security protocols like multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure password management, and tailored training for your team to prevent the very human errors that lead to most security breaches. 

With Lockwell, you get more than just cybersecurity tools—you get a trusted partner dedicated to your digital safety, managing everything from device protection to real-time threat intelligence. Our hands-on support means you can focus on running your business while we handle the rest, giving you peace of mind in a complex cyber landscape.

Seizing the Cybersecurity Opportunity

In a rapidly evolving threat landscape, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have a vital role in protecting small businesses from cyberattacks. But to truly succeed, MSPs need to rethink their approach—shifting from a reliance on technical tools to addressing the human factor, simplifying security management, and adopting holistic frameworks.

By embracing this shift, MSPs can become trusted advisors who help clients not just patch vulnerabilities but prevent them from happening in the first place. Companies like Lockwell are already leading the way by offering fully managed, affordable, and accessible cybersecurity solutions that handle all the heavy lifting, making it easier than ever for businesses to stay secure.

The opportunity is clear: MSPs that take action now will not only protect their clients better but also stand out in a crowded marketplace. It’s time to stop focusing solely on the technology and start empowering people—because in cybersecurity, the strongest defense starts with understanding where the real risks lie.