vCISOs: Cynomi CEO talks AI trends for MSP/MSSPs in 2025
AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Although much of the buzz is surrounding Gen AI and threat detection being offered as a service, managed service providers (MSPs) and managed security service providers (MSSPs) are quietly poised to benefit significantly.
The promise of smarter, more adaptive security measures is particularly critical as organisations worldwide grapple with increasingly complex threats and perimeters become harder to defend.
But just how will AI be used by providers to offer new security capabilities?
To uncover how AI is shaping the future of cybersecurity and the challenges and opportunities it presents, we spoke with David Primor, Co-Founder and CEO of Cynomi.
AI and proactive cybersecurity
AI’s ability to predict and pre-empt cyber threats is revolutionising cybersecurity.
David believes this shift will define the landscape in 2025, particularly for MSPs and MSSPs.
“In 2025, I believe AI will drive a shift toward proactive cybersecurity for MSPs and MSSPs, allowing for quicker identification of emerging threats and more efficient incident response and recovery,” David explains.
He highlighted how AI models, by learning from extensive datasets, will detect anomalies and behavioural patterns with increasing precision.
This means cybersecurity strategies will become less reactive and more anticipatory, potentially reducing the impact of breaches before they occur.
David also foresees MSPs and MSSPs leveraging AI for client-specific solutions.
These tailored approaches will enhance responsiveness and efficacy, making cybersecurity a competitive advantage rather than a basic necessity.
Transforming vCISO services
The concept of virtual Chief Information Security Officers (vCISOs) is gaining traction, especially among small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that lack in-house cybersecurity expertise.
“AI will make vCISO services more accessible and scalable,” David states.
He pointed to the automation of complex tasks like compliance checks, which allows SMBs to access enterprise-grade cybersecurity services at a fraction of the cost.
This democratisation is critical for smaller organisations, which often face resource constraints but remain attractive targets for cybercriminals.
AI-driven tools will also reduce the barrier to entry by providing actionable insights with minimal human input.
David adds, “This will empower MSPs and MSSPs to deliver high-quality vCISO services, bridging the cybersecurity gap for smaller organisations.”
Automation will play a crucial role in scaling these solutions. By taking over repetitive tasks such as risk assessments or threat analysis, AI allows vCISOs to focus on strategic priorities, enhancing their value to MSPs and their clients alike.
Addressing ethical and regulatory challenges
As AI becomes embedded in cybersecurity, the industry must grapple with significant ethical and regulatory challenges.
David identifies data privacy and algorithmic bias as two critical concerns.
“Ethical concerns around data privacy and bias in AI decision-making will need to be addressed,” he notes.
Regulatory bodies are expected to impose stricter standards on data handling and transparency, ensuring AI does not compromise user privacy or inadvertently reinforce discriminatory practices.
The solution, David believes, lies in explainable AI, systems that make their decision-making processes transparent.
“The industry will need to invest in explainable AI and develop frameworks to audit and verify AI models’ compliance with regulatory requirements,” he explains. Such measures will help foster trust in AI-powered cybersecurity tools while aligning them with evolving legal standards.
A vision for 2025
The integration of AI into cybersecurity marks a significant turning point for MSPs and MSSPs.
By shifting from reactive to proactive defence strategies, AI enables faster threat detection and more efficient incident management. Its potential to enhance vCISO services by automating complex tasks is particularly beneficial for smaller organisations, bridging critical cybersecurity gaps.
However, as AI-driven solutions gain prominence, ethical and regulatory challenges, such as data privacy and algorithmic transparency, must remain a priority.
For MSPs and MSSPs, embracing these innovations offers not just an opportunity, but a necessity to stay ahead in the battle against cyber threats.
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