Small businesses are at even higher risk of attack by cybercriminals than larger corporations. Studies indicate that 93 percent of company networks can be penetrated by cyber-attacks. Small businesses often lack the in-house infrastructure necessary to create effective barriers between the outside world and their proprietary and personal data. From ransomware that could cripple your operations to malware that could cause issues for you and your clients, finding the right protection against these threats is critical to your company’s profitability and reputation.
Finding the right managed security company for your small to mid-market business can be challenging. Some of the most important characteristics to look for when choosing a firm to handle your IT security are listed here:
- Technical expertise: Your service provider should have the skills and the in-depth knowledge needed to deal with the latest data security threats and to create a barrier between your IT systems and outside intrusions. Selecting a company with the knowledge and experience you need can allow your IT team to focus on other priorities for your organization while remaining vigilant against cyber threats.
- Always-on protection: Most businesses cannot maintain on-site staffing 24 hours a day and seven days a week. By working with a company that specializes in managed security services, your business can close the after-hours gaps in your security and can enjoy always-on protection against malware and cyber-attacks for your company.
- Specialized tools and skills: In the small business world, many IT professionals must become generalists who do a little bit of everything. Outsourcing your cybersecurity tasks to a qualified managed security provider can allow you to access the experts and the knowledge base you need to put real muscle behind your IT security measures. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to cybersecurity, your dedicated IT security team can create a customized approach that suits your business needs and that allows you to enjoy greater confidence in the safety of your data.
- Cloud capabilities: As more data moves through the cloud, choosing an information security company with experience and expertise in cloud computing and storage is essential to provide the best protection for your company’s data. Today, financial and confidential information is often stored in the cloud. Making sure it is safe should be job one for your cybersecurity team.
- Up-to-date information on emerging threats: It can be difficult for your in-house IT staff members to stay current on the latest threats in the online world. By contrast, the team at your MSSP should be focused on the safety of your data and your systems. Choosing a cybersecurity company that stays on the cutting edge of information about cyberthreats can allow your business to stay protected even when new malware is unleashed or new threats arise in the online environment.
- Reliability and trust: Perhaps the most important factors to consider when selecting a security firm for your IT systems are the reliability of the company and the trust they inspire in you and your company. At Meriplex, we are proud of the reputation we have built for fast response times and communicating clearly with our clients.
- Cost-effective solutions: Hiring in-house cybersecurity professionals can be a costly undertaking for your business. In most cases, outsourcing your security requirements to a company that specializes in these managed services will save you money on the onboarding process as well as on the cost of benefits and other expenditures for your staff members. Managed cybersecurity services can be a cost-saving measure that will provide you with the protection you need at a cost you can afford.
At Meriplex, we tailor our cybersecurity services to the needs of our clients. This can allow you and your business to enjoy the best protection against threats to your data while allowing you to focus on your company’s core activities for greater productivity and profitability.