Stay Ahead of Emerging Cyber Threats and Trends

Small businesses often assume that if they have an IT provider, they are “covered” from a cybersecurity standpoint. Unfortunately, this is one of the biggest misconceptions in the industry — and one of the main reasons small organizations remain vulnerable to ransomware, phishing, data theft, and business-stopping cyber incidents.

IT support and cybersecurity serve two completely different purposes.

This article breaks down the difference between traditional IT support and modern Managed Cyber Defense™, and explains why most Maryland organizations now require both.

1. What IT Support (MSP) Actually Does

Traditional IT support — also known as an MSP (Managed Service Provider) — focuses on keeping your technology running.

Typical MSP responsibilities include:

• Managing computers, printers, and network equipment
• Troubleshooting employee issues
• Setting up new devices
• Installing applications
• Maintaining Wi-Fi and internet access
• Managing backups
• Ensuring productivity tools work properly
• Responding to support tickets

In other words:

IT Support = Keeping your business running smoothly.

IT support is essential, but it does not replace cybersecurity.

2. What Managed Cyber Defense™ Does

Managed Cyber Defense™ (cybersecurity service) is completely different.

It focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to cyber threats — not fixing day-to-day IT issues.

Managed Cyber Defense™ includes:

• 24/7 threat monitoring
• Managed EDR/MDR
• Cloud & identity security (Microsoft 365, Google, Azure)
• Zero Trust protection
• Phishing detection & analysis
• Security awareness training
• Incident response
• Compliance alignment (HIPAA, CJIS, CMMC, FTC Safeguards)
• Vulnerability management & patch enforcement
• Forensics and containment

In simple terms:

Managed Cyber Defense™ = Protecting your business from cyber attacks.

Without it, a single phishing email or outdated device can lead to thousands of dollars in damage.

‍

3. Why IT Support Is Not Cybersecurity

Many businesses believe their MSP “takes care of security.”
But MSPs are designed for operations, not security defense.

Here are the key differences:

IT Support (MSP)

• Fixes issues when something breaks
• Improves productivity
• Helps employees work
• Manages hardware/software
• Works business hours
• Reactive by nature

Managed Cyber Defense™ (MSSP)

• Prevents cyber attacks
• Detects threats 24/7
• Responds to incidents instantly
• Protects identities, data, and cloud apps
• Runs 24/7 SOC monitoring
• Proactive and threat-focused

The gap between MSP and MSSP responsibilities leaves most businesses exposed without realizing it.

4. Why Most Cyberattacks Slip Past Traditional IT Support

Attackers know MSPs don’t monitor:

• Suspicious login attempts
• MFA bypass attempts
• Admin privilege abuse
• Fileless malware
• Ransomware behavior
• Zero-day threats
• Malicious mailbox forwarding
• Cloud configuration abuse
• Insider threats

Without real-time detection, a breach can spread for hours, days, or even weeks before anyone notices.

By the time ransomware detonates, it’s too late.

5. Why Small Businesses Need Both MSP + Managed Cyber Defense™

Think of your technology like a building:

• The MSP is the property manager
  They maintain the building, handle repairs, keep the lights on, and help tenants.
• Managed Cyber Defense™ is the security team
  They monitor cameras, watch for intruders, lock down entrances, and respond to emergencies.

Both are essential — but neither replaces the other.

Small organizations that rely solely on IT support are essentially:

Running a building with maintenance but no security team.

This is why cyberattacks on SMBs continue to rise every year.

6. Do You Need Managed Cyber Defense™?

You likely need Managed Cyber Defense™ if you:

• Store sensitive or private data
• Use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• Have remote employees
• Are subject to HIPAA, CMMC, CJIS, or FTC Safeguards
• Have not implemented Zero Trust
• Rely on basic antivirus or firewalls
• Do not have 24/7 threat monitoring
• Would struggle to recover from a cyber attack

If any of these apply, relying on IT support alone is risky.

7. Maryland Businesses Face Unique Cyber Risks

Maryland organizations are frequently targeted because of:

• Proximity to government agencies
• Healthcare and legal data density
• High-value small businesses
• Remote workers across multiple counties
• New CMMC, HIPAA, and CJIS enforcement pressure

Combining IT support with Managed Cyber Defense™ gives Maryland organizations a complete, compliant, and resilient security posture.

IT support keeps your business running.
Managed Cyber Defense™ keeps your business safe.

Most modern organizations — especially in Maryland — need both to reduce risk, maintain compliance, and protect operations from cyber threats.

If your business is relying solely on IT support, or if you’re unsure whether your cybersecurity is strong enough, Kemeski Systems™ can help.

Book a cybersecurity readiness consultation today.

‍