For manages service provider (MSP) customers, the promise of comprehensive cybersecurity protection often comes with an unexpected burden: managing their ever-expanding collection of security tools that don’t talk to each other.
What starts as a strategic approach to layered defense quickly evolves into a complex web of disconnected solutions that drain resources, create blind spots and ultimately compromise the very security the MSP is meant to provide.
In this blog, we explore the cost of a fragmented security stack and how the BarracudaONE artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cybersecurity platform eliminates tool sprawl.
The state of security sprawl in 2025
When Barracuda surveyed 2,000 senior security decision-makers across nine countries, we found that 52 percent of organizations turn to MSPs specifically because their security tools have become unmanageable. Clearly, businesses are experiencing a significant operational burden from trying to make frequently disconnected solutions work together effectively.
For MSPs serving multiple clients, the problem is magnified. Each client’s unique security stack becomes another layer of complexity to manage, creating operational challenges that extend far beyond the initial purchase price paid by the customer.
The everyday impact of fragmented stacks
For many MSPs:
- Each security tool they handle operates in its own silo, with unique interfaces, alert systems and reporting mechanisms.
- A typical incident response might require logging into multiple dashboards, correlating data from different sources and manually piecing together a comprehensive picture of what’s happening across the network.
- This constant context switching slows down response times and increases the likelihood of human error.
The training burden alone is considerable. Every new tool requires initial training, ongoing education and specialist knowledge to operate effectively. If you’re managing multiple client environments, this means maintaining expertise across dozens of different platforms, each with its own quirks, integration challenges and update cycles.
The result is a perpetual learning curve that leaves security teams always playing catch-up – and always needing to add to their security spending.
Delivering what clients really want
The top reason organizations engage MSPs for security services isn’t to access cutting-edge technologies. It’s to help manage tool sprawl that has already gotten out of hand.
This creates a significant opportunity for forward-thinking MSPs. Successful MSPs are no longer focused on competing based on the sheer number of tools in their arsenal. Instead, they stand out by delivering streamlined, integrated solutions that offer comprehensive protection without the burden of complex management.
The demand for this approach is backed by client willingness to pay. Our survey found that 92 percent of organizations are prepared to pay more for security tool integration support, with 94 percent willing to invest additionally in AI and machine learning capabilities that can help automate and simplify their security operations.
The path forward? Unified security platforms
Security tool sprawl can be effectively addressed by consolidating capabilities into unified platforms. These platforms maintain robust security while significantly reducing operational complexity. This is how integrated cybersecurity platforms like BarracudaONE that maximize protection and cyber resilience are changing the game for MSPs and their clients.
What is BarracudaONE?
BarracudaONE represents a fundamental shift from the traditional approach of bolting together disparate security tools. MSPs don’t have to manage multiple vendor relationships, licensing agreements and integration projects. Instead, BarracudaONE unifies cybersecurity solutions in a centralized dashboard, The AI-powered platform protects email, data, applications, and networks, and is strengthened by a 24/7 managed XDR service.
How does BarracudaONE help reduce security sprawl costs?
For MSPs, BarracudaONE addresses the core operational challenges that make security tool sprawl so costly. A centralized dashboard provides unified visibility across all client environments, while integrated reporting tools demonstrate the value MSPs deliver to their customers.
Perhaps most importantly, the reduced complexity allows security professionals to focus on what they do best: detecting threats and protecting clients rather than wrestling with tool integration.
The platform approach also addresses the scalability challenges that MSPs often face when using fragmented security stacks. Adding new clients extends existing capabilities to new environments through a consistent, familiar interface.
The strategic advantage BarracudaONE delivers
The benefits of unified security platforms extend beyond operational efficiency. Our research shows that MSPs using integrated platforms can:
- Demonstrate clearer return-on-investment ROI to clients
- Provide more consistent service delivery
- Scale their operations more effectively
Each translates into stronger client relationships and more predictable revenue streams.
MSPs operating in an increasingly competitive market face mounting pressure to stand out. Their ability to deliver comprehensive security services without the complexity of tool sprawl has become a powerful competitive advantage. Clients want to be sure their MSP has their security handled efficiently and effectively. BarracudaONE is a great way to prove that.
Talk to us about simplifying sprawling cybersecurity stacks
The hidden costs of fragmented security stacks are real and growing. For MSPs, the choice is clear: continue down the path of ever-increasing complexity or embrace unified platforms that deliver comprehensive protection without the operational burden.
As our research shows, clients are ready to pay for this simplification. The question is whether your MSP will seize the opportunity to solve it.
See how BarracudaONE simplifies security.
Photo: gorodenkoff / Shutterstock
This post originally appeared on Smarter MSP.