In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to cyberattacks. A recent report from the Five Eyes alliance highlights a critical issue: state-linked actors and cybercriminals continue to exploit known vulnerabilities in IT systems, many of which could be easily prevented through regular patching and updates. The report People’s Republic of China-Linked Actors Compromise Routers and IoT Devices for Botnet Operations outlines how vulnerabilities published dating back several years are still being exploited and used against organizations in Canada and the US.
For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), staying on top of these vulnerabilities can be challenging, but Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a powerful solution.
The Persistent Threat of Unpatched Systems
Cyber actors, including those linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), are using botnets built from compromised devices such as Routers, Security Cameras, NAS Storage and generic IoT hardware. These botnets rely on vulnerabilities that have long been known, and yet they persist simply because businesses fail to patch their systems. As a result, tens of thousands of devices across the globe remain exposed to attacks. Vendors listed in this latest advisory include Cisco, Fortinet, F5, QNAP, Juniper, Zyxel, Ubquiti, Netgear, and D-Link – this shows that no matter what hardware you run there will be exploits eventually released from your vendor.
For many SMBs, keeping up with the flood of security updates for all hardware and software can feel overwhelming. But ignoring these updates leaves organizations open to attacks that could disrupt operations, steal data, and erode customer trust. That’s where MSPs can make a significant difference.
How MSPs Like Next Dimension Protect and Empower Businesses
Partnering with a Managed Service Provider like Next Dimension offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity that SMBs often struggle to implement on their own. Next Dimension provides businesses with the following key benefits:
Proactive Patching and Updates: We automate the process of applying critical patches across an organization’s entire IT environment, ensuring that no device or system is left vulnerable. This automation ensures that updates are applied promptly, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers.
Expertise Across Devices: From Servers and Desktops to Routers and Switches, Controls Networking and IoT devices; Next Dimension has the specialized knowledge needed to secure a wide range of technologies. SMBs benefit from this expertise without having to hire dedicated staff, making it cost-effective and efficient.
Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: Next Dimension monitors our client systems 24/7, identifying and patching vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This real-time visibility empowers businesses to stay ahead of threats rather than reacting to incidents after they happen.
Vendor Management and Upgrades: We ensure that businesses are informed about end-of-life products and can plan upgrades or replacements to keep their systems secure. This prevents businesses from unknowingly using unsupported devices that are no longer receiving security patches.
By outsourcing IT maintenance and cybersecurity to Next Dimension, businesses free themselves to focus on growth and innovation. They gain peace of mind knowing their systems are being maintained and updated by experts, reducing the risk of becoming the next victim of a cyberattack.
Conclusion: Empower Your Business with Next Dimension For organizations of all sizes, staying protected from cyber threats requires vigilance, expertise, and regular maintenance. MSPs like Next Dimension provide this level of security and more, allowing businesses to stay ahead of threats and focus on what matters most: growth and success. By partnering with Next Dimension, businesses gain the proactive support they need to secure their future in a world of persistent cyber risks.