Benefits of Partnering with a Managed Security Services Provider

Businesses of all sizes have been affected by cyber crime, and here’s the sad truth: it will not slow down. Cyber criminals will find new ways to penetrate business networks to steal data, extort money, or cause disruption with the supply chain or business operations. Large companies have budgets to support IT departments to manage the network and provide 24/7 monitoring of security threats, but cyber criminals don’t necessarily care about the company’s size. Being the victim of a cyber attack can cause significant damage to a company’s finances and reputation and, in some cases, result in hefty fines and penalties. For small- and medium-sized businesses (SMB), a managed security services provider (MSSP) is an option when making your network secure is a priority.

What is a Managed Security Service Provider? 

An MSSP is an IT provider who partners with clients to provide security for their network system. They focus their attention on identifying and responding to potential threats while offering the following services:

  • Firewall Management
  • Detection of Network Intrusions
  • Private Networking Services
  • Antivirus Services
  • Scanning of Network Vulnerability
  • Secure Financial Transactions
  • Data Encryption

Benefits of Partnering with an MSSP

Businesses are starting to understand the importance of having security in place to defend themselves against cyber attacks but understanding and taking action are two different things. An article on the CyberSecurity Magazine website claims that almost half of all data breaches involve small- and medium-sized businesses, but 43% SMBs don’t have a cybersecurity plan. Partnering with an MSSP can alleviate some of the challenges SMBs face when managing network security and monitoring their system.

Lower costs 

Businesses will see lower costs in terms of training, staffing, and equipment. Partnering with an MSSP eliminates any capital expense and associated human resources employee expenses. The monthly fee will cost a fraction of what it would cost to hire and train a team of security experts to monitor systems 24/7. 

Access to security experts, resources, and tools

When it comes to managing, monitoring, and responding to security breaches, it’s essential that the right people and the right tools are in place to do it correctly. Because things change so fast, the security staff needs to stay updated on new threats and responses. MSSPs have solutions that utilize current technologies, including AI, machine learning, and dark web threat intelligence. They can rapidly deploy them into an existing network environment. Additionally, security tools must be maintained and configured correctly. If they aren’t, then they won’t be as effective and could lead to a security breach. 

Scalability

Since MSSPs have tools in place that work with any network infrastructure, MSSPs can quickly scale up and down to meet current requirements. SMBs can use this to their advantage so that when needed, resources can scale up, but they can scale down when they’re not required.   

Constant coverage

A cyber attack can happen at any time, so security teams must be monitoring systems 24/7 all year. Around-the-clock monitoring requires a significant investment that SMBs typically can’t commit to. Organizations are assured that their systems are continuously being monitored when they partner with an MSSP.

Automated detection and fixes

MSSPs can automate vulnerability scans across the company network, which reduces the resources needed for monitoring. They can also make changes, install patches, identify vulnerabilities, and evaluate policy compliance. 

Compliance Management

SMBs who must adhere to government or industry regulations may find it challenging to ensure that policies are implemented and followed. Rules can change each year, and security plans can become outdated and non-compliant very quickly. An MSSP must be compliant, so they are aware of the standards. As your security services provider, they’ll make sure that you are aware of the standards.

If not currently partnering with an MSSP, small and mid-sized businesses should consider doing so to protect customer and corporate data. At some point, a business’s network will be hacked, and the risk will be confirmed. It’s never safe to wait and see what happens. Companies need to take a proactive approach to IT security services and not wait until an attack occurs. 

Visual Edge specializes in managed IT services and security, cloud computing, and print/copy solutions for businesses across the US, including remote offices. The company has more than 30 years of technology service with a national network of expert engineers. Request your no-obligation assessment today and get a free dark web analysis.