There are several factors to consider when deciding which MSSP is suitable for your company. Whether you need a fully managed or co-managed service provider for security, the functions and responsibilities offered are vital to know if the provider can deliver.
Here are five things to consider when determining if you can trust and have confidence that the provider supports your company with consistent security services.
1. Skills and Experience
A good security services provider will have relevant skills and experience for more than just daily operations. Furthermore, their special skills should align with your business objectives and be compatible with your security needs.
Ransomware and data breaches are just one incident away from interrupting how your organization functions. As a result, the right provider becomes an extension of your company. Therefore, you need security strategies that can combat cyber attacks.
2. Proactive Detection and Response
Being skilled and aware of the ever-changing tactics of cyber attackers is one thing. However, taking a proactive stance that goes beyond monitoring potential attacks is another. You want a security services provider that offers an automatic response plan when threats emerge.
Evolving cyber threats require having sophisticated and advanced tools to match attacks on business technology systems. As a result, your company cannot afford a security services partner that waits for system alerts before implementing corrective measures.
The prolonged presence of an undetected malicious actor increases the potential damage to your IT system. Consequently, find a managed security provider that employs proactive tools to find potential attackers.
3. Technology Support
Another important factor is the provider that supports your company’s existing technology or is capable of providing new technology as needed. Generally, service providers that offer cloud-based solutions can complete a seamless integration to add value to the security environment.
Additionally, the provider should have a set of best practices for dealing with cyber security threats. Key technologies with your service should include:
- SIEM
- Vulnerability scanning
- Firewall management
- Email security
- Automatic compliance
- Security operations centers
Your service plan should provide end-to-end protection for your company.
4. Security Awareness Training
With the growing number of sophisticated and undetectable methods from hackers, you cannot operate in blind faith. Yes, a security services provider brings expertise to the table. But they should also prepare your entire workforce to identify potential threats.
A robust, secure server, actionable plan for security threats, and advanced technologies can only go far. An attack masquerading as an internal email is one click from creating serious system issues. This requires training employees, so they are aware of security threats.
Partnering with a provider that offers security awareness training ensures your first line of defense, your workforce, has the latest information on detecting suspicious activity that is trying to control the company’s sensitive data.
5. Customized Solutions
As stated previously, various managed security services providers are vying for business. Unfortunately, most may present cookie-cutter offerings disguised as security solutions that do little to understand your needs.
Every company in the Irvine business community has a different set of needs based on size, industry, and operational processes. Add the number of employees working in the office or remotely, and the need for customizable solutions is more apparent.
Selling technology that is of no use will not keep your company safe from cyber threats. Make sure that your potential security services partner focuses on the needs and objectives of your organization.