It doesn't matter what kind of business you are. Everything is data-driven. For MSPs, they are responsible for the collection, storage, and analysis of data to make sure uptimes are maintained, performance is optimized, and threats are guarded against. Originally considered mere service providers, they have evolved to be critical data custodians, protecting not just devices but the lifeblood of digitally transformed businesses.

With this in mind, you can see why cybersecurity-related MSP statistics are such a big deal. And if you're an MSP and reading this, there are a few warning signs and red flags you should be paying attention to.

Interpreting managed service provider trends

In CyberSmart's 2026 survey of 350 MSP and MSSP leaders in the UK and Ireland, 75% said their organization had experienced at least one breach in the previous 12 months. More than half (54%) reported two or more breaches, while 32% reported three or more. The survey includes breaches of varying severity, so these figures shouldn't be read as a measure of major incidents alone. 

Here are some recent trends: 

• Supply-chain risk: Two in five surveyed MSPs—or their customers—experienced a supplier-related incident in the previous 12 months; among those incidents, 55% involved the MSP in some way.

• Huntress telemetry: RMM abuse rose 277% year over year and appeared in nearly a quarter of Huntress-investigated incidents. 

So, what does this mean? Cybercriminals are adapting quickly, and MSPs need to do the same. 

That said, the situation isn't hopeless. Trends also show an increased adoption of advanced threat detection, a growing interest in managed SOC services, and a renewed focus on cybersecurity training.

Proactive MSPs are turning the tide in their favor, benefiting not just their own businesses but, most importantly, the customers who have entrusted their digital ecosystem to them. 

MSP Insights for better decision-making 

Staying ahead of the cybercriminal curve involves tapping into actionable MSP insights. These aren't just fun facts either. They're an absolute need-to-know if you want to stay in business. 

Here's what you should know as an MSP: 

• Threat patterns: Be aware of which threat vectors are trending and which systems are most vulnerable. 

• Response times: Understand how rapidly incidents can escalate and evaluate how quickly you can detect and resolve them. 

• Client impact: Fully comprehend what's at risk—a single breach can dramatically affect clients' operations and your reputation. 

• Operational maturity: Assess your current tech stack and roster of employees and objectively determine if you have the right resources to scale with client needs.

Remember when we said, "Proactive MSPs are turning the tide?" This is precisely what we meant—MSPs use these insights to anticipate risks and threats rather than respond, which is where the real advantage over threat actors lies.

At Huntress, we've made it our mission to help MSPs punch above their weight class. We offer threat detection, response, and managed SOC services that protect you and your clients, even when threat actors try to get cute.

With Huntress, you get:

• A 24/7 human-led Security Operations Center that actively investigates and responds to real threats.

• Tools that were explicitly built for MSPs.

• Clear, concise reporting that means something to you and your clients.

• A partner who's just as invested in your success as you are.

The statistics show why MSPs need to protect their own operations, not just their clients. Use free internal-use Huntress licenses to experience proactive threat detection, human-led response, and clear reporting in your own environment.