In today’s threat landscape, small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are becoming ground zero for cyberattacks, and pressure is mounting on Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to be their first line of defense.
The good news? This challenge presents a massive opportunity.
According to market forecasts, the SMB cybersecurity market is projected to grow from $76 billion in 2022 to $109 billion by 2026 — a 43% increase. With limited resources and growing compliance requirements, SMBs are turning to MSPs to provide enterprise-grade cybersecurity without the enterprise budget. The opportunity has never been greater for MSPs ready to evolve from basic IT support to full-scale security leadership.
But to seize this moment, MSPs need more than antivirus and firewalls. They need a defined strategy, the right partner ecosystem, and a platform purpose-built for the SMB space. That’s exactly what The MSP Advantage: Building a Profitable Security Practice in the SMB Space, a whitepaper by Channel Futures and Coro, is designed to help MSPs achieve.
Here’s a look at the key takeaways from this powerful resource — and how you can get started building a more profitable security practice today.
Why SMBs Need MSPs More Than Ever
Despite their size, SMBs face the same cyber threats as large enterprises — but without the same depth of defenses. Many operate with a single IT generalist responsible for everything from email management to firewall configuration. Some don’t have a dedicated security staff at all.
Hackers know this. Many now prefer to target SMBs precisely because they’re easier to breach. As a result, SMBs are increasingly seeking security solutions that are:
- Comprehensive: Going beyond patchwork tools to cover all threat vectors.
- Compliant: Aligned with frameworks like HIPAA, GDPR, and NIST.
- Cost-effective: Delivering maximum protection with minimal overhead.
That’s where MSPs can step in — not just as service providers, but as true cybersecurity partners.
Building a Security Practice with Staying Power
To truly serve SMB clients and grow profitably, MSPs must move beyond basic protection and build a cybersecurity practice grounded in three key pillars:
- Protect Client Systems and Data: From endpoints to cloud environments, SMBs need full-spectrum protection.
- Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Help clients navigate complex requirements from SOC 2 to GDPR.
- Deliver Strategic Value: Establish stronger client relationships by managing risk and safeguarding operations.
Of course, becoming a trusted cybersecurity advisor means having the right foundation. That includes:
- Defining your cybersecurity strategy: Select a framework (like NIST) to standardize your services.
- Understanding your ideal customer profile: Consider verticals like healthcare, retail, or legal, where compliance is critical, and security is top-of-mind.
- Assessing client risks and gaps: Conduct in-depth audits to evaluate current tools, controls, and vulnerabilities.
- Deploying tailored solutions: Build service bundles that align with risk levels, business size, and compliance needs.
- Training your team: Upskill existing staff with resources from (ISC), CompTIA, and CISA to fill the cybersecurity talent gap.
Why the Right Vendor Partner Makes All the Difference
No security practice can thrive without a reliable platform and strong vendor support. The market is flooded with options, but MSPs need solutions that are:
- Scalable: To grow with your business and client base.
- Modular: You can deliver services à la carte or as a complete package.
- Manageable: Centralized visibility and control to streamline operations.
Coro is designed with these needs in mind.
Founded in 2014, Coro is a cybersecurity leader for the SMB space, trusted by MSPs worldwide. Our platform is modular, AI-driven, and intuitive, giving small IT teams enterprise-grade security without enterprise complexity.
Coro offers 14 plug-and-play modules, including:
All are managed through a single pane of glass and are fully compliant with leading standards like HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, and more.
Turn Cybersecurity Into a Growth Engine
Your clients expect you to protect them. The only question is — are you ready?
MSPs already manage IT environments, making them uniquely positioned to lead the cybersecurity conversation. But transitioning from reactive support to proactive protection requires more than good intentions. It takes a clear strategy, the right tools, and a partner invested in your success.
Coro’s partner-first model includes:
- A flexible four-tier partner program
- Training and certifications to upskill your team
- MDF, co-marketing opportunities, and deal sharing at the top tiers
Whether you serve law firms, clinics, government contractors, or retail SMBs, Coro equips you to deliver reliable security outcomes profitably and at scale.
Ready to Grow Your Security Practice?
This guide is your starting point if you’re looking to build a cybersecurity practice that scales with demand, grows your margins, and delivers meaningful impact to your SMB clients.
Download the full whitepaper: The MSP Advantage: Building a Profitable Security Practice in the SMB Space
It’s time to transform cybersecurity from a checkbox service into a competitive advantage.
Final Thoughts
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, SMBs are turning to MSPs not just for support, but for leadership. Those who invest in building a focused, scalable security practice today will be tomorrow’s trusted advisors.
With the right strategy, tools, and partner, MSPs can unlock a high-growth, high-impact opportunity in cybersecurity. Looking to take the next step? Join Coro’s Partner Program today →
