Current PC Matic MSP Solution
PC Matic MSP has made several updates over the last few months, and enhancements will continue to be made throughout the second quarter of 2017. The recent changes made to the software includes the ability to detect file-less ransomware. Traditional malware, including ransomware, required an executable to infect PCs. PC Matic MSP’s whitelist was, and still is, effective in blocking malicious executable attacks. However, file-less ransomware is not initiated with an executable. Instead, malicious scripting is used. PC Matic MSP has been conducting endless studies regarding the file-less ransomware infection process from beginning to end. By doing so, PC Matic developers were able to implement a solution within their program to effectively block file-less infections. PC Matic MSP is the only security program that offers, not only a real-time, global whitelist solution, but protection from scripting attacks as well.
Unlike traditional security solutions which allow unknown files to execute, PC Matic MSP will block anything that is unknown until appropriate testing can be completed to determine if it is safe or malicious. Users of PC Matic MSP do have the option, if they know the file or program is safe, to add it to their local whitelist, thus making it available immediately. However, the PC Matic malware research team will still test the unknown file and categorize it accordingly. If deemed safe, it will be added to the global whitelist. This means if another PC Matic user attempts to execute that same program, it will run immediately as it has been tested and proven safe for PCs. PC Matic Vice President of Cyber Security, Dodi Glenn, states,
“We believe we have entered a phase where it’s better to treat our networks and programs as unfriendly until proven otherwise.”
What’s to Come
PC Matic MSP developers are also working on an automated technology to seamlessly replace alternative security solutions with PC Matic MSP. This will assist our MSPs to not only expedite the conversion process, but also decrease the workload for the MSP themselves. Although this technology is not currently available, it is slated to be completed by the end of June, 2017.
PC Matic MSP FLIP Program
PC Matic MSP is offering an additional incentive to their MSPs, called the FLIP program. This program is in addition to the standard MSP compensation. The program was recently rolled out and offers $10 for every converted endpoint, within the 90-day FLIP program.
To put this in perspective, assume an MSP signs up for the FLIP program on May 1, 2017. They will have all of May, June and July to flip as many endpoints as possible. For every confirmed endpoint flipped to PC Matic MSP, that MSP will earn $10. For example, if they successfully convert 1,500 endpoints within their 90 days in the FLIP program, they will receive a check for $15,000 in August.
Mike Sexton, Vice President of MSP Sales for PC Matic, states,
“There’s cost in conversion and there’s work that MSPs have to do. They have to go out and spend time with their customers explaining the change, uninstall the customer’s current solution and reinstall our product. We want to be sure they’re compensated for their time.”
When MSPAlliance CEO, Charles Weaver first heard of the FLIP program, he said,
“I like the approach because of the consideration for the MSP. PC Matic MSP is probably one of the first companies to acknowledge there is a cost the MSP has to bear for making the switch and here’s something to make it a little easier.”
