AI is changing industries, offering both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As artificial intelligence becomes an integral part of business operations, MSPs need to consider whether they are prepared to handle the new risks associated with AI adoption.
The Challenge of Exposing Sensitive Data
AI platforms are becoming essential tools for businesses and are often adopted without a full understanding of how data is stored and processed.
This lack of awareness can lead clients to inadvertently expose sensitive or proprietary information, putting them at risk of data breaches and non-compliance with regulations like GDPR or CCPA. MSPs need to step up and educate their clients on secure AI usage. Implementing policies that prevent the uploading of sensitive data to AI tools is crucial for safeguarding client information.
The Shadow IT Dilemma
The rise of shadow IT is another pressing issue.
Employees may use unauthorized AI tools to boost productivity, but this introduces serious risks, such as using poorly secured applications and sharing data with untrusted sources.
To counter this, MSPs should conduct regular IT audits and deploy application discovery tools to identify and manage unsanctioned applications within client organizations.
AI-Powered Phishing Threats
AI isn’t just a tool for business; it’s also being weaponized by cybercriminals. Sophisticated phishing attacks powered by AI use deepfake audio and video to impersonate executives, making them harder to detect and easier for unsuspecting employees to fall for.
MSPs can combat these threats by offering security awareness training to help clients recognize and respond to AI-driven threats effectively.
The Solution Lies in Proactive Security
The key to addressing these challenges lies in adopting a proactive security stance.
By leveraging JumpCloud’s for MSPs, you can discover, manage, and secure access to every SaaS tool within your clients’ organizations. JumpCloud provides a single source of truth, allowing users to access authorized SaaS tools securely and with ease, while offering secure alternatives to unapproved applications.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
AI is a powerful tool, but it has its risks. MSPs who equip themselves with the right tools and strategies can turn these challenges into opportunities, keeping their clients safe while enjoying the benefits of AI.
With solutions like JumpCloud, you can establish your brand as an industry leader, ready to handle AI’s complexities directly. Discover what JumpCloud can do for MSPs today, and provide your clients with secure, easy access to the tools they need.