What You Need to Know About Risk Acceptance

Ever had a client say “NO”? It’s frustrating, and it can even sting a little bit. However, that’s nothing compared to the ticking time bomb you’re sitting on if you don’t document that decision.

Imagine for a minute that you have a client who’s been with you for years.  Last month you suggested an upgrade to their server.  They refused. The server was old, unsupported, and vulnerable, but the client didn’t want to spend the money. This morning, they experienced a cyberattack.  It locks them out of critical files and exposes sensitive client data. In the aftermath, the firm’s leadership turns to you and asks the damning question: “Why didn’t you stop this?”

You point to your warnings and recommendations, but without a signed risk acceptance document, there’s no proof that they said no. Now there’s a lawsuit. Not only is the MSP named, but so are you personally.  BOOM!  The time bomb has now gone off and your MSP as well as your reputation are devastated.

Being held accountable for a client’s bad decisions is more common than you think. Fortunately, it’s also preventable. The solution lies in having the talk.

A Conversation That Needs to Happen

Talking to your clients about risk acceptance is more than just a conversation. It’s a vital opportunity to educate them and ensure they’re on the same page about cybersecurity risks and the decisions they make.

When clients reject your recommendations, they may not fully understand the risks. This conversation gives you the chance to:

  • Clarify risks so clients can make informed decisions.
  • Define accountability so you’re not held responsible for their choices.
  • Document decisions to protect your MSP if things go wrong.
  • Empower your clients to be strategic about their cybersecurity.

By discussing and documenting risk, you’re not just protecting yourself. You’re helping your clients to take ownership of their security, which goes a long way towards building a culture of cybersecurity.

What Risk Acceptance Means

Risk acceptance is a cornerstone of a collaborative and transparent client relationship. By discussing and documenting it, you create an opportunity to align with your client on cybersecurity priorities and ensure everyone understands their role in protecting the organization.

However, clients may not always recognize the full implications of rejecting security measures. Just remember that when you take the time to explain risks and document their decisions, you:

  • Establish Trust: Clients see that you’re proactive and professional, willing to discuss risks openly to protect their interests. This transparency reinforces your credibility and helps you stand out as a partner who prioritizes their success.
  • Set Clear Boundaries: Documenting decisions makes it clear where your responsibility ends and theirs begins, reducing confusion and potential legal disputes. It helps ensure that everyone involved understands their accountability in maintaining cybersecurity.
  • Empower Informed Decisions: Clients can evaluate the risks of declining recommendations with a full understanding of the potential consequences. This clarity allows them to make educated choices about how much risk they’re willing to assume.

PRO TIP: Discussions alone aren’t enough. Risk acceptance must be documented to provide tangible evidence of these decisions. That’s where Galactic and SignSecure Now come in, giving you the resources to make risk acceptance a seamless, professional, and collaborative process.

Risk Acceptance Made Simple

Galactic understands the challenges of managing risk acceptance. Tracking decisions, sending paperwork, and following up can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we created a partnership with SignSecureNow, a resource to help you defuse that ticking time bomb and create security collaboration with your clients.

With SignSecureNow, you can:

  1. Send Risk Acceptance Documents Instantly
    Use customizable, pre-built templates for common scenarios like declining upgrades or advanced security measures.
  2. Track Responses Automatically
    Built-in reminders and a 24-hour timer ensure clients respond promptly, with non-responses defaulting to risk acceptance.
  3. Document Decisions Securely
    All signed documents are stored in a centralized portal, ready for reference when you need them most.

Your Partner in Risk Management

Let’s face it. You don’t need yet another task on your to-do list.  That’s why Galactic provides a framework for effective risk management. Here’s how we can help you:

  • Client Education: Use Galactic’s resources, including the CIA Security Framework and risk scores, to illustrate the consequences of rejecting recommendations.
  • Tailored Documentation: Leverage customizable templates to ensure your risk acceptance agreements align with each client’s unique situation.
  • Ongoing Risk Reviews: Galactic helps you revisit risk acceptance quarterly, ensuring decisions remain aligned with the latest cybersecurity landscape.

With Galactic, talking about risk becomes a moment of collaboration and clarity, strengthening client relationships while protecting your MSP.

Protect Your MSP Before It’s Too Late

The lawsuits against MSPs that have been appearing in the media lately highlight one very important point: Without proof, you can’t win. It’s really that simple.

Do you know what else is simple?  Using SignSecureNow.  It helps you document decisions, streamline workflows, and ensure that your MSP is protected from unnecessary liability.

Start today. With one easy step: Click here to learn how to manage risk acceptance with confidence.

Explore how SignSecureNow can transform your client conversations and secure your business. Contact us today to get started.