Would you happily board a plane if you knew the crew skipped safety checks?

Every pilot, mechanic, and crew member relies on detailed checklists to confirm every step has been completed properly. These checklists ensure that nothing is overlooked, and every flight is as safe as possible. Without the discipline of following and documenting these procedures, aviation would come to a standstill.

For MSPs, documentation plays the same critical role. Just like the aviation industry relies on maintenance logs and flight records to ensure safety and accountability, MSPs need to document every cybersecurity effort. Without it, you expose your business to unnecessary risks from client disputes to regulatory penalties.

The Cost of Neglecting Documentation

How does $1 million sound?  That’s the price tag that an MSP in California paid when their client sued them after a breach.  The client said that the MSP failed to protect them, and the MSP had no proof of the steps they’d taken.

What are you doing to do when a client experiences a data breach, and they demand to know what steps you took to protect them? If you can’t produce clear records such as patch logs, monitoring efforts, or risk assessments, how can you prove your diligence? Without documentation, the blame will fall squarely on your shoulders, regardless of the truth.

If you fail to document what you’re doing for your clients, here’s what you open the door up to:

  • Increased liability: A lack of records means you’ll struggle to defend your actions if a client files a lawsuit.
  • Compliance challenges: Regulations like HIPAA, PCI, or GDPR require evidence of adherence to cybersecurity best practices.
  • Loss of trust: Clients rely on MSPs to mitigate risks, and incomplete records undermine that trust.

In short, poor documentation isn’t just a missed opportunity.  It’s a business risk.

Lessons from Airplane Safety: Checklists and Accountability

In the aviation industry, every maintenance task is logged in detail. If a plane malfunctions, those records provide accountability and clarity. This disciplined approach ensures the safety of passengers while protecting mechanics and airlines from unnecessary blame.

MSPs need the same mindset. Think of your logs as your "black box," capturing every step you take to secure client environments. Whether it's patching systems, responding to threats, or providing security awareness training, documented actions provide proof of your professionalism and commitment.

It’s Easier Thank You Think

At Galactic Advisors, we help MSPs build stronger documentation habits. Documentation isn’t just a box to check.  It’s a vital defense against compliance issues and legal risks. By incorporating easy-to-follow processes and best practices, Galactic empowers MSPs to:

  • Record their cybersecurity efforts in real time.
  • Create evidence-based reports for clients and auditors.
  • Strengthen client trust with transparent documentation.

This isn't just about meeting requirements. It's about protecting your business and demonstrating value to your clients. MSPs that document effectively stand out in a competitive market, gaining a reputation for reliability and expertise.

Protect Your Business with Proactive Documentation

Airline safety thrives because of a culture of accountability. If you want to succeed, you need to embrace the same discipline. With resources from Galactic Advisors, you can create a documentation process that shields your business from liability, builds client trust, and ensures compliance.

Don’t wait for an emergency to show the cracks in your documentation. Reach out to Galactic Advisors to take the first step in building a culture of accountability today.