Closing the compliance gap: how MSPs can strengthen cybersecurity and prevent risk

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are key players in helping businesses keep their sensitive data safe and stay on top of compliance regulations. However, many MSPs don’t fully understand the compliance risks that can seriously impact their clients and their own businesses. Overlooking these risks can create weaknesses that threaten data security and expose them to legal and financial trouble. By taking the initiative to spot and tackle compliance issues, MSPs can build their reputation as reliable partners, boosting their services and paving the way for success for their clients and themselves.

How compliance supports a strong cybersecurity foundation 

While InfoSec compliance alone doesn’t guarantee security, it provides a structured framework for implementing and maintaining cybersecurity best practices, which are then verified by a third-party auditor regularly. The goal is not just checking boxes, but creating layers of protection that actively prevent data breaches, system compromises, and reputational damage.

As an MSP, it’s essential to implement robust cybersecurity frameworks that both satisfy compliance requirements and provide genuine security value. This starts with clearly defining and documenting what falls under your control versus your customer’s responsibility. Without this clarity, dangerous gaps can form between what your MSP actually manages and what customers believe you manage—exposing both parties to not just compliance violations, but real security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

The compliance gap: a significant risk for MSPs

One common (and costly) scenario occurs when customers fill out cyber insurance forms, assuming their MSP has specific protections. If the MSP isn’t aware of what the customer has documented under their control, misalignment can lead to liability issues, denied claims, and reputational damage.

Even if your MSP follows best security practices, failing to communicate responsibilities to clients proactively can create significant compliance pitfalls. That’s why being proactive rather than reactive in cybersecurity is key to protecting your business and customers.

Why MSPs should offer compliance-as-a-service (CaaS)

Many MSPs already support clients with compliance frameworks like SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS, but far fewer have these certifications. Without these credentials, MSPs risk losing business to competitors who can position themselves as compliance experts.

Adding compliance-as-a-service (CaaS) to your offerings, you help clients navigate complex regulatory requirements, strengthen their credibility, reduce liability, and create a new revenue stream.

Get ahead of the compliance curve with Thoropass

Building a compliance practice comes with real challenges – from training staff across multiple frameworks to managing complex client requirements. Thoropass helps MSPs transform these barriers into opportunities, building a strong cybersecurity compliance posture for both themselves and their clients. Our service partner program provides:

• Training and expert guidance to strengthen your team’s knowledge
• Automated compliance tools to streamline audits and assessments
• Co-marketing opportunities to help your MSP stand out
• A flexible sales model that lets you drive revenue while adding value

Ready to take control of cybersecurity compliance? Let’s connect and explore how we can help. Schedule a strategy review today.