The MSPs Playbook for Modernizing SMB Network Security with Timus SASE

In today’s hyperconnected world, SMBs are more vulnerable than ever. At the same time, 62% of SMBs admitted in a CISA survey that they rely on outdated firewall or VPN setups, exposing them to avoidable risks. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are in a pivotal position to change this narrative. The key? Moving away from patchwork legacy systems and embracing Timus SASE—a purpose-built Secure Access Service Edge solution engineered for MSPs and their SMB clients.

This playbook outlines how MSPs can modernize network security across their client base using Timus SASE, combining always-on zero-click access, phishing protection, and real-time threat intelligence into a unified cloud-native platform.

Why Traditional Security Fails Today’s SMBs

Legacy firewalls and VPNs were designed for a perimeter-based model—office-centric and hardware-heavy. But today’s SMB environments are cloud-first, remote-hybrid, and highly distributed. According to the 2025 Verizon DBIR, 74% of breaches involved the human element, often due to misconfigured or manually operated security tools like traditional VPNs.

MSPs using legacy tools face increasing challenges:

• Users forget to activate VPNs
• Patch management is inconsistent across endpoints
• Remote workers circumvent controls
• Phishing and credential theft bypass firewalls

Step 1: Implement Zero-Click, Always-On VPNs for Frictionless Security

With Timus SASE, MSPs can deploy zero-click VPNs that automatically connect devices to the network with identity-aware and posture-aware policies. Users don’t need to take any action, and administrators don’t need to worry about lapses in protection.

Key Benefits:

• Always-on, context-driven connectivity
• No credentials to steal or reuse
• Simplifies client onboarding and support

Step 2: Eliminate Phishing Risk at the Network Layer

In 2024, phishing accounted for 36% of successful attacks on SMBs. Timus solves this with integrated secure web gateway (SWG) functionality that filters malicious websites, blocks phishing attempts, and enforces category-based browsing rules.

Capabilities include:

• Real-time URL reputation analysis
• Protection against newly registered domains
• Geo-restricted content filtering

For MSPs, this means fewer support tickets, fewer incident response calls, and measurable client risk reduction.

Step 3: Enforce Zero Trust with Dynamic Access Control

Zero Trust is no longer a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Timus provides identity-based network access, enforcing granular controls by user role, location, time, and device posture.

This dramatically reduces the risk of lateral movement inside compromised environments—a tactic used in over 85% of ransomware attacks, according to Palo Alto Networks.

Step 4: Centralize Management and Visibility

Timus’ multi-tenant partner portal gives MSPs a centralized dashboard to monitor security posture, push policies, generate reports, and respond to alerts across all client tenants.

Advantages:

• Unified view across all SMB clients
• Device-level visibility and posture tracking
• One-click isolation of compromised endpoints

This empowers MSPs to operate like enterprise SOCs without the overhead.

Step 5: Enable Seamless Compliance Reporting

Regulatory compliance isn’t optional. From HIPAA to PCI DSS, SMBs face growing scrutiny. Timus makes it easy to attain and stay compliant, and delivers detailed audit logs, access records, and endpoint telemetry that MSPs can use to prepare clients for regulatory audits.

Outcomes:

• Reduced time spent on documentation
• Demonstrable value in quarterly business reviews
• Increased client confidence and contract retention

Step 6: Monetize Security-as-a-Service

By bundling Timus SASE into their service stack, MSPs can move from break-fix to recurring revenue models. Timus offers:

• Usage-based pricing aligned to SMB needs
• Co-brandable portals and alerts
• Flexible tiering for premium offerings

This lets MSPs package advanced security into scalable, profitable managed service plans that set them apart from competitors.

The Result: Scalable, Future-Proof Security for MSPs

Timus SASE is the only dedicated SASE platform built exclusively for the MSP channel. That means every feature, interface, and integration was designed with the MSP workflow in mind—not retrofitted from an enterprise product.

By adopting Timus, MSPs can:

• Stay competitive in a crowded marketplace
• Streamline operations with cloud-only deployments
• Deliver consistent security across hybrid workforces
• Demonstrate ROI and improve customer satisfaction

1. How does Timus help MSPs eliminate VPN complexity?

Timus replaces outdated, manually operated VPNs with always-on zero-click VPN tunnels that connect users automatically and securely. There’s no need for users to log in or remember passwords, and no VPN client maintenance. MSPs gain back hours of support time while ensuring that client networks stay secure. Device posture and identity-based access control also ensure that the VPN is only active when compliance conditions are met. This delivers security that’s both stronger and simpler.

2. What kind of phishing protection does Timus provide?

Timus uses real-time web threat intelligence and URL-based web filtering to block phishing domains, newly registered fake websites, and malicious links. This helps prevent credential theft before it happens. MSPs can also define browsing policies by role or client type. The result is a drastically lower risk of ransomware and user compromise.

3. How does Timus help with compliance documentation?

Timus logs all user activity, access events, and device status in real-time. MSPs can generate automated reports relevant to many compliance needs, like cyber insurance T&Cs and claims, HIPAA, SOC 2, PCI-DSS, SEC, and more. These reports make it easy to satisfy auditor requests without compiling data manually. You also gain defensible proof of access control enforcement. This turns compliance from a cost center into a trust signal for your clients.

4. Is Timus only for remote work scenarios?

No. While it excels at remote access, Timus also protects in-office and hybrid users. Its network segmentation, identity-driven access, and browser-based filtering work across all environments. Whether your client’s staff is in the office, on the road, or at home, the same security policies apply. That consistency improves user experience and simplifies support. Timus helps MSPs protect modern work—wherever it happens.