---
title: "MSP vs Hacker: Penetration Test Demo"
description: "Security is hard… for an MSP, it’s even more difficult.\nIn addition to the everyday security risk, MSP’s also have to focus on their customers’ networks."
image: https://blog.teamascend.com/hubfs/Blog%20Feature%20Images/100318_MSPvsHacker.jpg
---
[Skip to main content](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/msp-vs-hacker#main)
[ ](https://teamascend.com/)
- [Show submenu for Services Services](http://teamascend.com/services/)
- [Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/)
- [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/)
- [Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/)
- [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/)
- [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/)
- [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/)
- [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/)
- [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/)
- [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/)
- [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/)
- [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/)
- [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/)
- [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/)
- [Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/)
- [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/)
- [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/)
- [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/)
- [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/)
- [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/)
- [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/)
- [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/)
- [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/)
- [Show submenu for Cloud Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/)
- [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/)
- [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/)
- [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/)
- [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/)
- [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/)
- [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/)
- [Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/)
- [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/)
- [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/)
- [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/)
- [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/)
- [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/)
- [Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/)
- [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/)
- [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/)
- [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/)
- [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/)
- [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/)
- [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/)
- [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/)
- [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/)
- [Show submenu for Industries Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/)
- [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/)
- [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/)
- [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/)
- [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/)
- [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/)
- [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/)
- [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/)
- [Show submenu for Resources Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/)
- [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/)
- [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/)
- [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions)
- [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/)
- [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar)
- [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/)
- Show submenu for Company Company
- [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/)
- [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/)
- [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/)
- [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/)
- [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/)
- [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/)
- [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/)
- [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/)
Open main navigation
Close main navigation
- Show submenu for Services Services
- Services
- [Services](http://teamascend.com/services/)
- Show submenu for IT Consulting IT Consulting
- IT Consulting
- [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/)
- [Healthcare Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/healthcare/)
- Show submenu for Cybersecurity Cybersecurity
- Cybersecurity
- [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/)
- [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/)
- [Managed Detection & Response](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/managed-detection-response/)
- [Identity Protection & MFA](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/identity-protection-mfa/)
- [Email Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/email-security/)
- [Perimeter Security](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/perimeter-security-ngfw/)
- [vCISO](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vciso/)
- [Security Risk Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/security-risk-assessment/)
- [Penetration Testing](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/penetration-testing/)
- [Vulnerability Management](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/vulnerability-management-program/)
- [Security Awareness Training](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/security-awareness-program/)
- Show submenu for IT Infrastructure IT Infrastructure
- IT Infrastructure
- [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/)
- [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/)
- [VCIO](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/vcio/)
- [Managed Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/managed-infrastructure-services/)
- [Data Protection (BaaS)](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/data-protection/)
- [Onsite Rounding](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/onsite-rounding/)
- [Application Administration Services](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/application-administration/)
- [IT Infrastructure Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/it-assessments/infrastructure-assessment/)
- [Product](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/product/)
- Show submenu for Cloud Cloud
- Cloud
- [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/)
- [Ascend Cloud | Managed Private Data Center](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/edafio-cloud/)
- [Hybrid Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/hybrid-cloud-solutions/)
- [Cloud Security (CSPM)](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-security-posture-management/)
- [Cloud Assessment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-assessment/)
- [Digitial Workspace Deployment](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/digital-workspace-deployment/)
- [Cloud Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/cloud-migration/)
- Show submenu for Microsoft Services Microsoft Services
- Microsoft Services
- [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/)
- [Ascend Defend | Microsoft Security](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-security-ascend-defend/)
- [Microsoft 365 Copilot](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-copilot/)
- [Microsoft Licensing](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-licensing/)
- [Microsoft 365 Management](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-management/)
- [Microsoft 365 Migration](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/)
- Show submenu for Salesforce Salesforce
- Salesforce
- [Salesforce](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/)
- [Consulting Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-consulting-services/)
- [Implementation Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-implementation-services/)
- [Managed Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-managed-services/)
- [Embedded Experts](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-embedded-experts/)
- [Optimization Assessment](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-optimization-assessment/)
- [Salesforce AppExchange](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/salesforce-appexchange/)
- [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/)
- [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/)
- Show submenu for Industries Industries
- Industries
- [Industries](https://teamascend.com/industries/)
- [Financial Services](https://teamascend.com/industries/financial-services/)
- [Private Equity](https://teamascend.com/industries/private-equity/)
- [Insurance](https://teamascend.com/industries/insurance/)
- [Manufacturing](https://teamascend.com/industries/manufacturing/)
- [Healthcare](https://teamascend.com/industries/healthcare/)
- [Legal](https://teamascend.com/industries/legal/)
- [Accounting](https://teamascend.com/industries/accounting/)
- Show submenu for Resources Resources
- Resources
- [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/)
- [Client Success Stories](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/)
- [Events](https://teamascend.com/events/)
- [Solutions-Focused PDFs](https://teamascend.com/resources/#solutions)
- [Blog](https://blog.teamascend.com/)
- [Webinars](https://teamascend.com/resources/?_resource_type=webinar)
- [All Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/)
- Show submenu for Company Company
- Company
- [About Ascend Technologies](https://teamascend.com/about/)
- [Leadership Team](https://teamascend.com/about/team/)
- [Partners With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/)
- [Awards & Recognitions](https://teamascend.com/about/awards/)
- [Certifications](https://teamascend.com/about/certifications/)
- [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/)
- [Internships](https://teamascend.com/careers/internships/)
- [Connect](https://teamascend.com/contact/)
- [24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/)
[24/7 Client Services](https://portal-ascend.okta.com/)
Penetration Testing
# MSP vs Hacker: Penetration Test Demo
TEAM ASCEND
October 3, 2018
- [.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fmsp-vs-hacker)
- [.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fmsp-vs-hacker)
- [](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EMSP+vs+Hacker%3A+Penetration+Test+Demo%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.teamascend.com%2Fblog%2Fmsp-vs-hacker)
### ***We all know that security is hard… for an MSP, it’s even more difficult.***
In addition to balancing the everyday security risks that every business faces, MSP’s also have to focus on their customers’ networks. A lot of times, the security of customer networks take precedence for service providers... and in-house security falls short.
Ransomware attacks on MSP organizations reached an[all-time high](https://www.crn.com/news/managed-services/datto-warns-msp-attacks-are-skyrocketing-) at the beginning of 2020. While ransomware is not the only form of attack targeting MSPs, it is a [newsworthy](https://www.crn.com/news/security/-this-can-t-be-happening-one-msp-s-harrowing-ransomware-story) one.
The truth is, the bad guys have caught on to the vendor/service provider/client structure and the vulnerabilities within it. They've begun to count on unpatched vendor and MSP networks as the weak link in a supply chain, [using it to get to an organization's many customer networks](https://www.msspalert.com/cybersecurity-news/dhs-warning-msps-csps/). We're now seeing this weak link exploited at an unprecedented rate, leaving many MSPs responsible for breaches of their customers' data.
This risk is a new topic in the news cycle, but the Infogressive security experts have been aware of it and warning MSP partners for years. Knowing the severity of this vulnerability, our team consulted with one of our MSP partners and conducted a full penetration test on their network with permission. The results were shocking, and thus the "Anatomy of an MSP" or "MSP vs Hacker" roadshow presentation was born.
### ***This is a message to all MSP’s: it’s time to take security off the back burner.***
*When your network is at risk, your customers’ risk is doubled.*
*Anatomy of an MSP: Breaking & Entering *[generated buzz](https://www.iotssa.com/msps-are-you-secure-dan-wensley-passportal/) in the summer of 2018 after it was initially presented at the IOTSSA Cybersecurity Roadshow in Illinois. Now, you can hear it for yourself.
We’re excited to share the Penetration Test Demo in video form for the first time since its live debut. In this video, Security Engineer Derrick Masters dives in to show MSP’s what’s *really* at stake. Check out the one Penetration Test you’ll never forget:
[](https://content.infogressive.com/cs/c/?cta_guid=fa9e2cc5-ae74-40e6-b7cd-89ece7cf38fa&placement_guid=d9ef671c-4a96-4b1e-8ec0-39e10a36ab69&portal_id=2733374&canon=https%3A%2F%2Finfogressive.com%2Fanatomy-of-an-msp%2F&redirect_url=APefjpFlJiR3H_WjRkV3SEueevqrIzPCGBSDus97cRK9IvGpLXwAuCMEtl_RSDkaxE3_uQajMfFlP716OAVROXmABZEeCR2KRjpUZmxoiA8NS9gDdG53oV5aEQ69M8AoWbW5ngA0qmCs6Erw02nAh4tayOLC8c7ucNlQjijyJ2qrv0HnyK-AOOF9Mn_vQL9QCawMQfv2JT3alYn6T_dLpT8o7euj1KuTBkDkzo-s0svGx5RmQ3JNR4qfhPxcR0RlkcXmd-EKqUDw&click=35c8881b-6cbe-4b42-9cb7-f7f734061006&hsutk=99cdcc42cf8f60912b5140882b708f12&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Finfogressive.com%2Farchive%2F)
### Table of Contents
#### Get Insights Sent to Your Inbox
## Related Articles
Penetration Testing
### [How to Build an AI Governance Framework a Lean IT Team Can Run](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend)
September 24, 2026
[Read Now .svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/ai-governance-framework-for-lean-it-teams-ascend)
Penetration Testing
### [How to Choose the Right Salesforce Products for Your Business](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business)
September 22, 2026
[Read Now .svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-salesforce-products-for-your-business)
Penetration Testing
### [What Is Shadow AI, and Why Is It a Compliance Risk Right Now?](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries)
September 17, 2026
[Read Now .svg)](https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/shadow-ai-compliance-risk-regulated-industries)
[](https://teamascend.com/)
Contact
833-639-2285
-
-
-
-
-
- Company
- [About](https://teamascend.com/about/)
- [Services](https://teamascend.com/services/)
- [Testimonials](https://teamascend.com/client-success-stories/)
- [Partner With Us](https://teamascend.com/about/partner-with-us/)
- [Resources](https://teamascend.com/resources/)
- [Contact](https://teamascend.com/contact/)
- [Careers](https://teamascend.com/careers/)
- Services
- [IT Consulting](https://teamascend.com/services/strategic-consulting/)
- [Cybersecurity](https://teamascend.com/services/cybersecurity/)
- [IT Infrastructure](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/)
- [Cloud](https://teamascend.com/services/cloud-computing/)
- [24/7 Support Desk](https://teamascend.com/services/infrastructure/support-desk/)
- [Microsoft Services](https://teamascend.com/services/microsoft-365/)
- [Salesforce Services](https://teamascend.com/salesforce-services/)
- [HubSpot Services](https://teamascend.com/services/hubspot-services/)
- [App Development](https://teamascend.com/services/application-development/)
### Empowering Technology. Powered by People.
Technology is critical to businesses across all industries. Today's technology must be smart, reliable, adaptable, and secure. At Ascend Technologies, we deliver solutions at the highest level, from cloud computing to proactive cybersecurity strategies to Salesforce excellence. And the team? As impressive as the tech. Our practical support is focused on one thing: your success. Let's see what we can do together.
[Contact Us](https://teamascend.com/contact/)
©2026 Ascend Technologies, LLC, All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://teamascend.com/privacy-policy/)
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "WebPage",
"breadcrumb" : {
"@type" : "BreadcrumbList",
"itemListElement" : [ {
"@type" : "ListItem",
"item" : "https://blog.teamascend.com",
"name" : "Home",
"position" : 1
} ]
},
"dateModified" : "2022-08-26T15🇲🇲49",
"description" : "Security is hard… for an MSP, it’s even more difficult.\nIn addition to the everyday security risk, MSP’s also have to focus on their customers’ networks. ",
"name" : "MSP vs Hacker: Penetration Test Demo",
"primaryImageOfPage" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/2733374/Blog%20Feature%20Images/100318_MSPvsHacker.jpg"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://content.teamascend.com/hubfs/Ascend-Technologies-HubSpot-Logo.png"
},
"name" : "Ascend Technologies",
"url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com"
},
"url" : "https://blog.teamascend.com/blog/msp-vs-hacker"
}
```