Future-Proofing MSP Email Security: A Comprehensive 2025 Roadmap

For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), staying ahead of market trends isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential for survival. "Right of boom" is the worst place to be. Actively addressing issues as they happen is acceptable. Knowing what’s on the horizon provides lasting dividends.

At IRONSCALES, we understand the daily hurdles of the modern MSP and Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP). This blog highlights some of the forecasts for 2025 and offer some insights to our MSPs as planning for the next year is underway.

2024 in Review: What Sets the Stage for 2025?

With every lap around the sun, we gain more data points, new security perspectives, methodologies, emerging technologies, and more to keep threat actors at bay. The past year brought significant shifts for both cybersecurity defenders and attackers.

We saw billions of dollars thrown into mergers and acquisitions (yet again), the ongoing growth of artificial intelligence adoption (in and outside of security), as well as another election within the U.S. Threat actors increasingly exploited tools like phishing kits and deepfake technology to scale attacks, while nation-states outsourced hacking operations to fuel geopolitical conflicts.

Global cybersecurity services spending is projected to reach $184.5 billion in 2025, with managed services accounting for $92.9 billion, growing at a 15% annual rate (Canalys). To capitalize on this growth, MSPs must identify emerging trends and prepare their strategies now. It’s safe to say there was “progress” for both the defenders and attackers when looking at 2024.

Let’s Talk About Email Security

Email remains the most exploited attack vector, with 3.4 billion phishing emails sent daily (Anti-Phishing Working Group). Cybercriminals use email as a primary gateway for phishing, business email compromise (BEC), ransomware, and advanced threats.

Organizations are expected to invest $15.2 billion in email and web security in 2025, a 12% increase year-over-year. However, many still rely on outdated Secure Email Gateways (SEGs) or basic protections in Microsoft 365 (M365) and Google Workspace (GWS), which are ineffective against modern tactics such as:

• AI-driven phishing campaigns that mimic human communication patterns.
• Deepfake impersonations targeting key decision-makers.
• Sophisticated social engineering attacks that evade static defenses.

Integrated Cloud Email Security (ICES) solutions offer a robust alternative, leveraging contextual analysis, machine learning, and behavioral insights to detect threats in real-time. Unlike SEGs, ICES solutions operate seamlessly within email platforms, offering quick deployment with minimal disruption to client environments.

Key MSP Trends 2025

1. Growth of Managed Services

Managed services are outpacing product-based solutions, reflecting a shift toward proactive, holistic cybersecurity. Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services are forecast to grow by 16%, highlighting demand for 24/7 threat monitoring and rapid incident response.

MSPs are also outsourcing specialized services like SOC-as-a-Service to scale operations efficiently without significant overhead. As businesses seek cost-effective, scalable security solutions, MSPs that embrace this trend will thrive.

2. Market Consolidation

Expect a 45% increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the MSP channel. Larger service providers are acquiring smaller competitors to expand their portfolios and geographic reach. This trend underscores the importance of offering integrated, interoperable solutions that enhance client outcomes.

3. AI as a Necessity

AI adoption is no longer optional in cybersecurity. From automating routine tasks to detecting advanced threats, AI is revolutionizing MSP workflows. Although fewer than 35% of AI projects have moved beyond proof-of-concept, this gap presents an opportunity for MSPs willing to lead the charge.

Beyond threat detection, AI can transform ticket automation, client reporting, and compliance processes, reducing costs while delivering measurable value.

Where the Market is Heading

The future of cybersecurity is one of consolidation, complexity, and heightened expectations. By 2027, only four of today’s eight leading enterprise cybersecurity vendors—such as Microsoft, CrowdStrike, and Palo Alto Networks—are expected to maintain their market dominance​. This underscores the growing importance of integrated, end-to-end platforms in a market that increasingly values simplicity and efficiency.

Customer Expectations are Changing

Clients are no longer satisfied with generic cybersecurity solutions. This year MSP customers want more from their MSP and MSSP providers including:

• Tangible ROI: Reduced incident rates, faster response times, and enhanced compliance.
• Simplified Solutions: Integrated platforms that streamline cybersecurity management.
• Strategic Partnerships: MSPs must demonstrate technical expertise and deliver measurable outcomes to earn trust.

Channel Partners are Critical

In 2025, 95% of cybersecurity solutions will be sold through or in collaboration with channel partners​. This highlights the pivotal role MSPs and MSSPs play in bridging the gap between technology vendors and end-users. Successful partners will differentiate themselves by offering integrated solutions that simplify cybersecurity management for clients.

How IRONSCALES Can Help MSPs Prepare

The IRONSCALES platform is built to empower MSPs and make their lives easier in a multitude of ways. Our Adaptive AI email security platform offers the tools, flexibility, and intelligence needed to thrive in this rapidly changing market:

1. Adaptive AI for Threat Detection

Our AI-driven platform combines the power of machine learning with end-user input or human insights (H.I.) as we refer to it. Employees can flag suspicious emails, contributing to the AI’s learning process and enhancing overall detection rates. This collaborative approach ensures that AI augments, rather than replaces, human expertise.

2. Crowdsourced & AI-Driven Threat Intelligence

IRONSCALES also leverages AI to analyze email behavior in real-time, detecting phishing attempts, impersonations, and emerging threats that bypass traditional security tools. Our system continuously learns and adapts, ensuring MSPs stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Beyond our AI, our threat intelligence is kept up to date with crowdsourced insights from a network of over 25,000 global security experts – so the MSPs we work with have the most relevant information on known and zero-day attacks.

3. Scalable Incident Response Services

For MSPs aiming to expand their services, our Incident Response solutions enable security teams to swiftly and accurately identify, address, and resolve phishing threats. Built to scale alongside growing organizations, the platform’s AI-driven automation reduces manual workload, enabling teams to focus on more strategic initiatives.

4. Seamless Integrations

Our platform is designed to integrate with multi-vendor environments, enabling MSPs to provide value across diverse client environments. Whether clients rely on Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, or hybrid ecosystems, our platform ensures a consistent and robust defense.

5. We Aim for Easy

Our MSP Partner Program is designed with the MSP in mind. Between our tailored enablement sessions, MSP-focused training material, and co-branded resources, we make it simple for the MSP to showcase value. We strive to grow our MSP partners’ business without adding to their operational overhead.

Moving Forward

An MSP’s job has never been easy. I’m preaching to the choir when I say these words, but 2025 will present challenges on a macro and micro level which will require planning. MSPs that embrace innovation, invest in AI, and focus on delivering measurable results will lead the way.

By partnering with IRONSCALES, service providers can stay ahead of the curve, delivering innovative, AI-driven email security solutions that meet the needs of today’s businesses while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.

Haven’t had a conversation with one of our MSP experts at IRONSCALES? Schedule a call today to learn how we can help you prepare for 2025.

To learn more about the research I unpacked in this article, please visit the team at Canalys to discover more insights.