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June 14, 2024

Managed Security 101: What every business owner needs to know

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Operating a business in the current circumstances can be intimidating. With ever-increasing risks of data breaches and cyberattacks, it’s become more challenging to manage everything on your own.

Not only do you have to worry about your own data being safe, but you must also ensure your clients’ information is always well-protected. That’s why more and more businesses are turning to managed security service providers (MSSPs).

What should you know about managed security? How can it help your business? And is it worth using MSSPs to protect your systems? We cover these and other questions in the article below.

What is a Managed Security Service provider?

As a business owner, you’re responsible for many different tasks and processes, including cybersecurity. Network monitoring, risk management, and security device management are just a few examples of the long list of tasks necessary for ensuring your data’s safety.

But if you don’t have the time and resources to constantly monitor your systems, you can always outsource some help. A managed security services provider can remotely manage your company’s security infrastructure and provide guidance in case of an emergency.

Moreover, if you don’t have your own in-house IT experts, a professional MSSP will become your trusted IT partner.

What services do MSSPs offer?

If you decide to use MSSP services, you can expect to receive comprehensive help that includes 24/7 continuous security monitoring, threat detection and response, virus and spam blocking, management of security devices and systems, security upgrades, vulnerability risk assessment, and more.

When choosing an MSSP to partner with, it’s important to discuss your specific needs and ensure you’ll receive the kind of assistance you expect. At Ingenious, we can build a bespoke package to suit your wishes.

Managed Security Services provider vs. Managed Services provider: what is the difference?

When researching IT services, you’ll come across two terms – managed services provider (MSPs) and managed security services provider (MSSPs). Although they sound similar, each of the services offers something different.

MSPs are known to provide a wide range of IT services. They’ll handle everything from software updates to system monitoring and data backups. MSSPs, however, concentrate their efforts on security-related tasks. If you need help managing firewalls, detecting potential threats and other cybersecurity ‘musts’, an MSSP is what you should look for.

At Ingenious, we offer comprehensive IT support and management, as well as managed security. If you’re unsure what the best solution for your company is, we’ll gladly discuss your options. Both MSPs and MSSPs can be beneficial, but you must first understand the kind of help you need.

Did You Know

The managed security services market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing complexity of cyber threats.

Mordor Intelligence

The benefits of MSSP

Expert help

No one wants a breach to happen, but unfortunately, harmful cybersecurity events are a daily occurrence. Between 2021 and 2023, the number of data breaches rose by 72%. What’s alarming is that cyberattacks target entities of all sizes and sectors. So, whether you’re a small or medium-sized business owner or the head of a large corporation, there’s no guarantee your data will be safe.

With more threats emerging every day, it can be difficult to keep pace with the ever-changing cybersecurity scene. That’s why it’s beneficial to partner with an MSSP that can respond to threats as they happen and provide guidance on detecting and responding to threats before they can do damage.

Moreover, MSSPs consistently invest in research and development to stay up-to-date with all the latest in the industry.

24/7 monitoring

Even if you think you can handle your IT infrastructure, you probably won’t have the means to monitor it 24/7. When you have an MSSP, you don’t have to do it! They’ll do it for you.

By continuously monitoring everything that’s going on in your IT infrastructure, your MSSP can prevent security breaches and offer proactive solutions.

Nowadays, it’s a common conception that all companies should plan for not an ‘if’ but a ‘when’. An MSSP will work on making the ‘when’ as unlikely as possible.

Reduced costs

It’s no secret that maintaining a proper cybersecurity presence can be expensive. But, in some cases, getting help from MSSPs can actually be more cost-effective. That’s because MSSPs are able to invest in advanced technology at a lower cost than companies could on their own.

Moreover, when you use the services of an MSSP and have a centralised security operations centre, you don’t have to spend money on several IT employees, which allows you to cut additional costs.

At the same time, it’s important to note that not every business will benefit from an MSSP. Ideally, you should try to strike a balance between security vs. business impact and costs vs benefits.

Get back to business

Whether we want it or not – accidents happen. If they do, it’s critical to have a plan to get back to business as quickly as possible. Thankfully, MSSPs like Ingenious offer recovery services. So, in case things go wrong, you don’t have to worry about losing your or your clients’ data.

How to choose the right Managed Security provider

As you’ll quickly discover, there are many MSSPs to choose from. To figure out which is the best match for your business, pay attention to these factors:

  1. Previous industry experience. Has your chosen MSSP worked with other companies in your industry? Are they familiar with the types of threats that may occur more often?
  2. Certifications. What kind of cybersecurity training and certifications does the MSSP have? To make sure you’re protected, you must ensure they’re staying up-to-date with all the latest in the industry.
  3. Technical knowledge. An MSSP can only help you if they understand your business’s IT infrastructure. Make sure your chosen company has experts who can fulfil your needs!

Final thoughts

Cybersecurity is more important than ever. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, it will remain a constant in the following years, so it’s crucial to ensure your business is protected.

If you want peace of mind, knowing your company’s IT infrastructure is in safe hands, you might want to consider managed security. Contact us today to find the best solution for your business and technology needs.

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