Rise of MSP Industry Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) -

Three MSP-centric technology companies -- Datto, SecureAuth and Webroot -- have hired chief information security officers (CISOs) in recent weeks. Why's that? Because it pays to have an expert who strives to deliver peace of mind -- both internally and externally -- on the cybersecurity front.

The latest move: Webroot hired Gary Hayslip as CISO in early April 2017. Hayslip will guide the company’s information security program and contribute to product strategy. He arrives to Webroot with serious security credentials. Indeed, Hayslip has served in several major IT security organizations — including the National InfraGard Program.

Other recent CISO hires include:

Datto, which is extending from business continuity to networking and unified threat management services for MSPs, named Ryan Weeks as CISO.

SecureAuth, which specializes in multi-factor authentication and single sign on, hired CISO Danielle Jackson.

We're aware of at least two more potential hires on the CISO front.

Hackers Target MSP Software Industry

The CISOs arrive at critical times for each technology company and their MSP ecosystems. Organized hacker groups including APT10, allegedly operating from China, have specifically targeted MSP networks to access customer networks. In response, pundits like Ian Trump (formerly of SolarWinds MSP) have called on MSPs to take these additional security steps.

Meanwhile, many MSP software and hardware companies believe they can more effectively bake security directly into their systems and services. For instance, Continuum CEO Michael George has hinted that the company may launch a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) for its MSP partners.

In the meantime, more and more CISOs are surfacing at MSP technology companies. No doubt, they're looking to lock down internal systems -- while also striving to provide peace of mind to MSPs worldwide.