Choose the Right MSSP: Not All MSPs are Equal
The managed services provider (MSP) industry is growing, with many companies offering cybersecurity solutions to small businesses. However, not all MSPs are equipped to deliver effective cybersecurity. In this article, we will hear from three MSP business professionals with deep roots in cybersecurity, who will share their thoughts on the industry’s current state and offer insights into what small businesses should look for when choosing an MSP.
Robert Giannini, a cybersecurity professional with Giaspace, says small businesses are vulnerable to cyberattacks and must choose an MSP with the expertise to deliver effective cybersecurity solutions.
Small businesses should choose an MSP with expertise, resources, and a track record of delivering top-notch security solutions. By choosing the right MSP, small businesses can ensure they are protected from cyber threats and can focus on growing their business.
Small Business Must Protect Their Networks
The current state of the online world is forcing businesses to invest more in protecting their networks and data. The rise of technology and the growth of the internet have made businesses more vulnerable to cyberattacks. According to recent statistics, approximately 43% of cyber attacks target small businesses. This is because small businesses often have limited resources and may not have the same level of security measures in place as larger organizations.
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, using advanced tactics such as phishing scams, malware attacks, and ransomware to breach a company’s security defenses. In addition, the growing trend of remote work has increased the attack surface for businesses, making it more critical for organizations to secure their networks and devices.
Moreover, many industries have strict regulatory requirements for cybersecurity, and businesses must ensure that they comply with these requirements to avoid costly fines and penalties. This, in turn, drives businesses to invest in the latest security technology and expertise to secure their networks and data.
In conclusion, the current state of the online world and the increasing number of cyberattacks are forcing businesses to invest more money in protecting their networks and data. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and regulations becoming stricter, businesses need to ensure that they have the right security measures to protect their systems and data from cyber threats.
What Exactly Is A Managed Security Services Provider?
“A managed security service provider (MSSP) is a company that provides expert support and a wide range of security services to organizations to help protect their systems and data from cyber threats,” says Lisa Mitchell with Progressive Computers Systems, a cybersecurity company in North Carolina.
With the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber attacks, organizations face more challenges in keeping their systems secure. MSSPs play a crucial role in helping organizations meet these challenges by providing a range of security services, including:
- Threat detection and response: MSSPs use advanced technology and expertise to detect and respond to potential security threats in real time.
- Vulnerability assessment: MSSPs help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems and provide guidance on how to address them.
- Compliance management: MSSPs help organizations meet regulatory requirements and industry standards by supporting compliance management.
- Data backup and recovery: MSSPs help organizations protect their data by providing secure backup and recovery solutions.
- Network security: MSSPs help organizations protect their networks by providing firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and other security measures.
MSSPs offer a cost-effective alternative to in-house security teams, providing organizations with access to the latest security technology and expertise at a fraction of the cost. Outsourcing security to an MSSP allows organizations to free up their internal resources and focus on their core business activities.
MSSPs are a crucial component of any organization’s security strategy. With their expertise and technology, they help organizations protect their systems and data from cyber threats, ensuring that they can operate with peace of mind.
But..Be Careful! Every MSP Is Calling Themselves A MSSP
Indeed, many managed service providers (MSPs) are now branding themselves as managed security service providers (MSSPs), which can create confusion for companies looking to outsource their IT security. This trend is because cybersecurity is a high priority for organizations, and many MSPs are looking to capitalize on the increased demand for security services.
“However, not all MSPs that claim to be MSSPs have the same level of expertise or experience in security,” states Jorge Rojas with Tektonic in Vaughan, ON, https://www.tek-help.com
Companies should be aware of the following when looking for an outsourced company to look after their IT security:
- Expertise: Make sure that the company you are considering has a strong track record in security and has the necessary certifications and accreditations, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification.
- Technology: Ensure that the company you are considering has access to the latest security technology, such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
- Service level agreements (SLAs): Make sure that the company you are considering has clear and well-defined SLAs, including response times and procedures for handling security incidents.
- Communication: Ensure that the company you are considering has a clear and effective communication process, including regular status reports and ongoing updates on security incidents.
- References: Ask for references from other companies that have used the company’s services, and check their reputation online.
Companies looking to outsource their IT security should carefully consider the expertise and experience of the MSSP they are considering, as well as their technology, SLAs, communication processes, and references. By considering these factors, companies can ensure that they are working with an MSSP that can provide the level of security they need.
Yes, You Need A MSSP, But Do Your Homework
Businesses today face an increasing number of cybersecurity threats and must have the necessary support to protect their systems and data. This is where managed security service providers (MSSPs) play a crucial role. MSSPs provide businesses with expert support and the latest security technology to help detect and respond to these threats in real time. With many industries having strict regulatory requirements for cybersecurity, businesses must ensure that they comply with these requirements to avoid costly fines and penalties. MSSPs can help with compliance management, making it easier for businesses to meet these requirements.
In addition to these benefits, MSSPs offer a cost-effective solution for businesses. Robert Giannini, a cybersecurity professional with Giaspace (https://giaspace.com/it-services-gainesville/), says, “Outsourcing security to an MSSP provides organizations with access to the latest security technology and expertise at a fraction of the cost. By freeing up internal resources, organizations can focus on their core business activities, which is critical for success.”
MSSPs provide round-the-clock monitoring of a company’s systems and networks, which is crucial in detecting and responding to security incidents in real time. Furthermore, MSSPs have the expertise and technology needed to stay up-to-date with the latest security measures, providing businesses with peace of mind and allowing them to focus on their core activities.
In conclusion, businesses today need to have an MSSP to ensure that all their cybersecurity needs are taken care of. With their expertise, technology, and cost-effectiveness, MSSPs provide a solution that helps businesses protect their systems and data from cyber threats, ensuring that they can operate confidently.
