Cybersecurity's Business Shift: EU MSPs Leverage Regulations as Criminal Cartels Grow

Managed service providers (MSPs) across Europe are turning new cybersecurity regulations, notably the EU's NIS2 and the financial sector's DORA, into commercial opportunities. Rather than merely offering protection, MSPs are helping clients translate compliance obligations into practical roadmaps, documentation and evidence that can lower insurance costs and satisfy auditors. This advisory approach is seen as a way to differentiate services, build deeper client relationships and drive growth, especially for smaller providers that can simplify complex requirements for SMEs.

At the same time, cybercriminal groups have evolved into highly structured multinational enterprises. Their operations mirror legitimate corporations with dedicated human‑resources, finance, technical, and customer‑support divisions. They use corporate tools such as CRM platforms and even request Know‑Your‑Customer documentation to build trust with victims, treating fraud campaigns as sophisticated sales funnels. The rise of these so‑called cyber cartels underscores the increasing business‑like nature of both the defensive and offensive sides of the cybersecurity landscape.