Survey Shows 92.5% of MSSPs Cite AI as Primary Growth Factor in Cybersecurity

?? AI Surpasses Contract Flexibility as Key Growth Driver for MSPs & MSSPs

A significant 92.5% of MSPs and MSSPs report AI investment and AI security services as major growth drivers over the next 12 months, according to OpenText Cybersecurity Global Managed Security Survey 2024.

This key finding comes from the software company’s OpenText Cybersecurity Global Managed Security Survey 2024, which surveyed over 1,500 MSPs and MSSPs worldwide.

Over 80% of respondents offer AI-related security services, with 62% planning to introduce these services in the next year.

In a shift from 2023, where contract flexibility was the top demand, expertise in security and AI now leads, with 27% preferring single vendors for all IT solutions.

?? AI Security Services

The survey underscores the critical role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity, as criminals increasingly leverage AI for attacks. With cyber threats escalating, the demand for AI-powered solutions has grown by more than 10% in 2024.

AI security tools offer numerous advantages:

• Real-time analysis of large data sets to detect breaches.
• Automation of threat detection and response, reducing mitigation times.

More than three-quarters (83%) of MSPs/MSSPs reported increased business driven by interest in AI security tools.

With a chronic shortage of cybersecurity professionals and rising cost pressures, AI is seen as a way to augment, not replace, security teams.

However, Prentiss Donohue, Executive VP at OpenText Cybersecurity, stresses the need for balance.

“Amid the growing excitement for AI, it’s crucial not to overlook the foundational need for composable security, which adapts to changing needs,” says Donohue.

“MSPs and MSSPs are integrating AI-powered threat intelligence services to safeguard customer data while ensuring the benefits of AI are fully realized without compromising security.”

?? Challenges

The survey highlights the pivotal role AI will play in future cybersecurity.

However, challenges remain:

• 34% of respondents cited AI integration as the biggest hurdle for their customers.
• Digital transformations and change management for staff continue to pose difficulties.

Despite these challenges, AI is viewed as a tool to enhance security platforms and talent rather than replace them.

As threats evolve, businesses will need to find the balance between leveraging AI's benefits and maintaining robust security foundations.

Source: ( https://cybermagazine.com/articles/opentext-ai-main-driver-of-growth-for-msps-mssps )