2026 MSP Threat Report

How modern attacks abuse trust and identities

In 2025, ransomware hit record levels, but attackers didn’t break in; they logged in. Threat actors consistently abused trusted identities, software, automation, and user behavior to bypass defenses and move quickly to impact.

The 2026 MSP Threat Report, based on real-world investigations by the ConnectWise Cyber Research Unit™ (CRU), breaks down how modern attacks succeeded and what MSPs must do to stop them earlier in the attack lifecycle.

In this report, you’ll learn:

• How attackers gained access without exploits by abusing identity, VPNs, and trust
• Where traditional defenses failed to detect attacks early
• How techniques like ClickFix bypass endpoint and email security
• What security controls MSPs should prioritize to reduce risk and impact 

Created specifically for MSPs, this report translates threat intelligence into practical insights.