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Who is this for? MSP/MSSP Partners, Security Leaders
December 14, 2023 · ContraForce Team · 4 min read As we approach 2024, the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Here are our top five predictions for the year ahead and what they mean for managed security service providers.

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1. AI Will Transform Security Operations

Artificial intelligence will move from nice-to-have to essential for security operations:
  • Automated triage — AI will handle the initial assessment of most alerts
  • Investigation assistance — AI-powered tools will accelerate analyst workflows
  • Response automation — More organizations will trust AI to execute response actions
For MSSPs: Providers who invest in AI-powered tools will gain significant operational advantages. Those who don’t will struggle with scale.

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2. Consolidation Will Accelerate

Organizations will continue consolidating their security stack:
  • Platform plays — Major vendors expanding capabilities through acquisition
  • Integration demand — Customers want fewer vendors, better integration
  • Cost pressure — Economic conditions driving efficiency focus
For MSSPs: Platform expertise becomes more valuable. Deep knowledge of consolidated platforms (like Microsoft) creates differentiation.

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3. Identity Will Be the New Perimeter

Identity-based attacks will increase in sophistication:
  • MFA bypass — Attackers finding ways around multi-factor authentication
  • Token theft — Session hijacking becoming more common
  • Identity sprawl — Multiple identities per user creating attack surface
For MSSPs: Identity monitoring and response capabilities will be essential. Customers will expect rapid response to identity-based threats.

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4. Ransomware Will Evolve

Ransomware operators will adapt their tactics:
  • Extortion over encryption — Data theft becoming primary leverage
  • Supply chain focus — Targeting service providers for downstream access
  • Smaller ransom demands — More frequent, lower-value attacks
For MSSPs: Prevention alone won’t be enough. Detection and response capabilities are essential. Customers will expect demonstrated ransomware resilience.

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5. Regulatory Pressure Will Increase

New regulations will impact how security is delivered:
  • Incident reporting — Faster disclosure requirements
  • Third-party risk — Scrutiny of service provider security
  • Board accountability — Security becoming board-level concern
For MSSPs: Compliance capabilities become competitive advantage. Demonstrable security practices (SOC 2, ISO 27001) will be table stakes.

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What This Means for 2024

For managed security providers, 2024 will reward those who:
  • Embrace AI and automation
  • Build deep platform expertise
  • Focus on identity security
  • Demonstrate ransomware resilience
  • Maintain strong compliance posture

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Quick Summary

  • AI will become essential for security operations, handling triage, investigation, and response.
  • Security stack consolidation will accelerate, making platform expertise more valuable.
  • Identity-based attacks will increase, requiring rapid monitoring and response capabilities.
  • Ransomware tactics will evolve toward data theft and supply chain targeting.
  • Regulatory pressure will make compliance capabilities a competitive advantage.

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