Sophos research finds 83% of organisations’ cybersecurity budgets will increase in the coming 12 months, and 50% will increase spend with MSPs
Sophos, a global leader in innovative security solutions, has released its Cybersecurity Playbook for Partners in Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) in collaboration with Tech Research Asia. The report highlights business priorities for the next 12 months and underscores opportunities for partners to support organizations in achieving their cybersecurity goals.
“The ongoing prevalence of cyber threats has compelled organizations to reassess and enhance their cybersecurity strategies,” stated Cameron Reid, Director of Channel Sales MSP for Sophos Asia Pacific and Japan. “Our findings show that the top three priorities for businesses include bolstering cybersecurity measures in financial operations, improving risk management capabilities, and ensuring robust security to support digital transformation initiatives. When organizations invest in new technologies, securing potential attack surfaces remains a top priority.”
AI-Augmented Attacks: A Rising Concern
As businesses advance their digital transformation efforts with technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), concerns over cybercriminals leveraging similar tools have surged. The report identifies AI-augmented cyberattacks as the most alarming threat for organizations across the region, with the exception of Australia, where credential theft and phishing/social engineering rank higher.
Despite these concerns, only 45% of surveyed APJ organizations feel equipped to handle AI-related threats, and just 22% report having a comprehensive AI and automation strategy in place. To address these gaps, 45% of organizations plan to outsource to partners for support, while 49% aim to upskill their teams through partner-backed training and education programs.
Growing Demand for Managed Security Services
The report reveals a strong demand for managed security service providers (MSPs) in the region. Over the next 12 months, 83% of APJ organizations anticipate increasing their cybersecurity budgets, with half planning to allocate more resources to third-party managed security services. These investments aim to streamline tech stacks, enhance security capabilities, and reduce the burden on in-house teams.
Sophos’ playbook emphasizes the vital role of MSPs and partners in helping businesses navigate evolving threats, implement innovative solutions, and ensure a secure digital transformation journey.
This collaborative approach signals a significant opportunity for cybersecurity partners to address challenges, enhance skillsets, and deliver tailored solutions for businesses across the Asia Pacific and Japan.
The top product and solution areas attracting increased budgets are:
● Infrastructure and network security (62% are increasing budgets)
● Threat detection and response (61%)
● Application and security (56%)
● Identity access management (53%)
● Incident response and recovery (50%)
The latest findings from Sophos underscore a significant shift in the cybersecurity strategies of organizations in Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ). The report reveals that only 20% of surveyed organizations rely on a single vendor for their cybersecurity needs, while a third (33%) already use three or more vendors. This trend towards multi-vendor environments is expected to grow in the coming year as businesses prioritize flexible and tailored solutions from their partners.
The Demand for Skilled and Trustworthy Partners
Organizations are increasingly seeking partners with robust security capabilities. Nearly 60% of respondents indicated they are unlikely to engage with a partner that has experienced a security breach. For those willing to work with breached partners, 81% require additional performance clauses and specific service level agreements to ensure accountability.
“Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and it is crucial for organizations to secure the necessary support to address all aspects of cybersecurity,” said Cameron Reid, Director of Channel Sales MSP for Sophos Asia Pacific and Japan. “The research highlights that businesses recognize the need for continuous improvement in cyber resilience and are turning to skilled partners to fill in-house gaps. This creates a significant opportunity for MSPs to demonstrate their technical expertise, threat landscape awareness, and ability to provide robust defenses. By doing so, MSPs can help customers focus on achieving their operational and strategic goals.”
Opportunities for MSPs
As businesses navigate increasingly complex cyber landscapes, the role of managed service providers (MSPs) becomes indispensable. Sophos’ findings emphasize the potential for MSPs to build and maintain strong client relationships by showcasing their security expertise and proactive approach to mitigating threats.
To learn more about how MSPs can support organizations in defending against cyber threats, visit the Sophos MSPs program.
