Why native RMM and security integration is essential for MSP 3.0 evolution

Acronis
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud
for Service Providers

MSPs are undergoing a significant transformation. As cyberthreats grow in volume and complexity, MSP clients now expect more than just reactive IT support — they demand proactive protection. In the MSP 3.0 era, security is no longer optional. It’s an integral service offering.

But delivering enterprise-grade cybersecurity is easier said than done. Tools like EDR (endpoint detection and response) require specialized expertise and come with added costs, creating major barriers for small and midsize MSPs. Hiring and retaining cybersecurity talent is tough, managing disconnected RMM and security tools is inefficient and clients aren’t always willing to pay more.

To stay competitive, MSPs must adapt without overwhelming their teams or disrupting operations.

The answer: Convergence of RMM and cybersecurity in a single platform

Native integration of remote monitoring and management (RMM) and cybersecurity is now becoming the standard for future-ready MSPs. Instead of juggling multiple tools, MSPs are adopting unified platforms that bring patch management, remote access, monitoring, threat detection and remediation together under one roof.

Here’s why this convergence matters:

  • It closes security gaps faster by aligning detection with remediation workflows.
  • It reduces costs by consolidating the management and licensing of multiple tools.
  • It boosts technician productivity through automation and a single interface.
  • It simplifies operations so IT generalists can handle more without needing a SOC.
  • Ultimately, native integration enables a more holistic approach to protection — one that aligns with the NIST cybersecurity framework by combining proactive, active and reactive defenses.

But what does that look like in practice?

How Acronis delivers: RMM and EDR

Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud brings the vision of native convergence to life, delivering RMM and EDR within a single platform, console and agent.

What makes it special

As a result, it delivers two major categories of benefits to MSPs:

Reduced cost and complexity

  • Cost and complexity reduction: Integrated RMM and EDR eliminate the need for separate licenses and tools.
  • Talent shortage: Generalists can handle patching, monitoring and low-risk incidents, freeing security specialists for more advanced tasks.
  • Time savings: Automation reduces manual workloads and speeds up incident response.

Proactive security — not just reactive firefighting

  • Holistic protection: Integration supports proactive, active and reactive defense, strengthening the full NIST Cybersecurity Framework — especially in prevention.
  • Stop threats early: Automatically patch vulnerabilities before they’re exploited using fail-safe patching.
  • Respond faster: Remediate threats with AI-assisted scripting, patch affected machines and access isolated endpoints via built-in remote desktop.
  • Protect Microsoft 365: Manage Microsoft 365 security posture across tenants, monitor compliance and automate risk remediation.

Features the native integration enables

The following capabilities are possible due to the native integration between Acronis RMM and EDR:

Threat remediation in EDR tab

  • Patch affected endpoints directly from the “Incidents” view.
  • Remediate with AI-generated scripts.
  • Use secure remote desktop to analyze and recover isolated machines.

Secure and reliable automation

  • Scan software packages for malware and validate digital signatures before installation.
  • Run scripts safely with built-in self-defense mechanisms.
  • Monitor anti-malware and firewall status from the same console.
Acronis
Figure 1: Patching as part of response actions within EDR’s "Incidents" view
Acronis
Figure 2: Software deployment package management with automatic digital signature verification

Conclusion: The future is unified

Disjointed tools create silos, increase overhead and slow response. Native integration between RMM and security solves these challenges. It empowers MSPs to deliver stronger protection, more efficiently, without needing to reinvent their business models.

With Acronis RMM and EDR, MSPs can scale cybersecurity services profitably — while staying ahead of threats, talent shortages and client expectations.

About Acronis

A Swiss company founded in Singapore in 2003, Acronis has 15 offices worldwide and employees in 50+ countries. Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is available in 26 languages in 150 countries and is used by over 21,000 service providers to protect over 750,000 businesses.

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