Network Defenses Every Managed Service Provider Should Benchmark

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are vital for maintaining secure networks for their clients, especially as cyber threats continue to evolve in 2025. However, they face mounting pressure to deliver robust, scalable, and future-proof network defenses for their clients.

This means MSPs must keep pace with sophisticated cyber threats while navigating a complex marketplace of security solutions, regulatory requirements, and client expectations. Let’s explore the essential network defense technologies every MSP should benchmark when preparing for 2025 contracts and the critical criteria for evaluating vendors.

Monitoring and Logging

Monitoring and logging act as the network’s vigilant senses, providing real-time awareness. They provide visibility into system activities, monitor user behavior, and identify deviations and potential threats.

For MSPs, monitoring and logging help identify anomalies, unauthorized access attempts, and unusual network traffic in real time. They also enable rapid investigation and mitigation, provide detailed records for forensic analysis, and build client trust through transparency and accountability.

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Benchmarks for Monitoring and Logging

Here are the benchmarks and best practices MSPs must implement to ensure effective monitoring and logging:

• Retain logs for a minimum of 6 months or more to support compliance and forensic analysis. Focus on logs for critical systems and high-risk activities, including privileged account usage.
• Log all key system activities, including network traffic, user access, system changes, and security events.
• Implement Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions to consolidate, link, and scrutinize log data from diverse environments.
• Provide segregated logging for MSP and client environments to prevent cross-contamination and ensure data integrity.
• Conduct regular log reviews to identify misconfigurations, gaps in coverage, or emerging patterns.
• To achieve continuous threat detection and real-time response, establish round-the-clock surveillance.
• Integrate with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services for enhanced threat hunting and response capabilities.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication bolsters security by obliging users to present at least two distinct verification elements for identity confirmation. This makes it significantly harder for attackers to exploit stolen credentials and access your clients’ privileged systems.

For MSPs, MFA prevents unauthorized access, protects privileged accounts, and mitigates remote access risks. Using MFA prevents attackers from leveraging compromised credentials to launch devastating breaches where access spans multiple client networks.

Benchmarks for MFA

Here are the best practices MSPs should implement to ensure comprehensive protection for their clients using MFA:

• Mandate multi-factor authentication for every remote access entry point, encompassing VPNs, cloud-based applications, and administrative credentials. This includes MFA for all MSP accounts accessing client environments, treating them as privileged accounts.
• Use strong MFA factors that combine passwords or PINs with authenticator apps or biometrics to ensure only authorized users have access.
• Secure MFA re-enrollment processes to prevent attackers from registering new devices.
• Include MFA requirements in client contracts, ensuring both MSP and client systems enforce it. Verify compliance during onboarding and conduct periodic MFA audits.
• Log all MFA attempts, including successes and failures, for auditing and threat detection.
• Educate MSP staff and clients on MFA best practices, including secure storage of tokens and recognizing phishing attempts targeting MFA credentials.

Network Segregation

Network segregation ensures MSPs can build resilient networks that withstand sophisticated threats. Effective network compartmentalization necessitates the deployment of firewalls and mechanisms such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA). Combined with rigorous monitoring and testing, it typically results in a reduced attack surface and enhanced client trust.

Segregation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments to restrict access, reduce the attack surface, and contain potential breaches. Since MSPs manage multiple client environments, segregation helps contain breaches, protect client data, and mitigate insider threats.

Benchmarks for Network Segregation

Key benchmarking metrics for network segregation include:

• Implement logical and physical separation of client environments from each other and the MSP’s internal network. This also isolates critical systems within each client’s network to limit exposure.
• Use unique credentials per client across client environments to prevent credential compromise from affecting multiple networks. This involves dedicated accounts for each client, tied to role-based access controls (RBAC).
• Create secure access methods like dedicated Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for MSP access to client networks.
• Establish network boundaries to detect unauthorized connections or misconfigurations.
• Include network segregation requirements in client contracts, detailing how data and systems will be isolated.
• Routinely perform penetration testing to validate the efficacy of compartmentalization.

DNS Filtering and Web Control

DNS filtering represents a critical first line of defense against web-based threats, malware, and inappropriate content access. By controlling DNS queries and responses, MSPs can prevent users from accessing malicious websites, block command-and-control communications, and enforce acceptable use policies across client networks.

Effective DNS filtering solutions provide real-time threat intelligence, customizable filtering policies, and comprehensive reporting capabilities. Modern DNS filtering and web control platforms offer granular control over web access, helping MSPs protect their clients from evolving online threats while maintaining productivity.

Benchmarks for DNS Filtering

Essential benchmarks for DNS filtering implementation include:

• Deploy comprehensive threat intelligence feeds that provide real-time updates on malicious domains and IP addresses.
• Implement granular filtering policies based on categories, user groups, and time-based restrictions.
• Ensure minimal latency impact while maintaining high availability and performance.
• Deliver comprehensive reports and analytical insights for adherence and security oversight.
• Encrypted DNS protocol compatibility is essential to thwart circumvention and uphold security.
• Seamless compatibility with established security utilities and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.

Account and Infrastructure Management

Account and Infrastructure Management ensures that only authorized accounts and systems remain active, thereby reducing vulnerabilities and preventing unauthorized access. It involves maintaining an accurate inventory of user accounts, devices, and systems while ensuring they are secure, up-to-date, and aligned with operational needs.

With proper account and infrastructure management, MSPs reduce the attack surface, prevent unauthorized access, and support incident response capabilities.

Benchmarks for Account and Infrastructure Management

Here are critical benchmarks for account and infrastructure management:

• Immediately disable accounts when personnel leave the MSP or when client contracts end. This includes regularly reviewing and deactivating dormant or obsolete accounts.
• Identify and decommission obsolete hardware, software, or systems that no longer meet security or operational standards. This also includes secure wiping and removal of retired systems from the network.
• Develop and consistently update a comprehensive inventory of all accounts across both Managed Service Provider (MSP) and client ecosystems.
• Implement automated account lifecycle management to streamline provisioning and deprovisioning processes.
• Perform routine access audits to confirm that permissions correspond with present roles and duties.
• Establish clear documentation for all infrastructure components and their security configurations.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, MSPs must implement comprehensive network defenses that protect both their operations and their clients’ critical assets. By benchmarking these essential security components—monitoring and logging, multifactor authentication, network segregation, DNS filtering, and account management—MSPs can build resilient security frameworks that meet the demands of 2025 and beyond.

Success in today’s threat landscape requires not just implementing these technologies, but continuously evaluating and improving them through regular assessments, client feedback, and staying current with emerging security trends. MSPs that prioritize these benchmarks will be better positioned to deliver superior security outcomes and maintain competitive advantages in an increasingly complex market.