Today’s cyberthreats have become so advanced that they’re capable of rendering large organizations vulnerable to a security breach. Just this year alone, corporations like Zoom, Twitter, and the Marriott Group fell victim to various attacks that compromised sensitive data and resulted in thousands of dollars in damages.
Fortunately, these companies have the resources and manpower to quickly get back on their feet, but the average business in Kansas or Oklahoma may not be so lucky.
Protecting IT systems and data is a complicated process. From implementing multilayered defenses to training employees, building a powerful cybersecurity framework requires specialized expertise. At the same time, many small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the United States simply don’t have the budget to hire a dedicated cybersecurity department.
The most effective solution to this problem is to outsource your company’s cybersecurity to a trusted managed IT services provider (MSP). Here are five reasons why you should:
1. Dedicated security specialists
The problem with setting up an in-house security team is that there’s usually a small pool of highly qualified candidates to choose from. Recent studies show that the cybersecurity market is going through a talent shortage, and the few technicians who are capable are going to much larger corporations instead. That means other organizations are forced to rely on their tech-savvy staff or one-man IT department who may lack specialized cybersecurity expertise.
Outsourcing to MSPs solves this issue, because MSPs have dozens of cybersecurity professionals on their team that you can count on any time of the day. These professionals have certifications in various fields, including information security and database management, system and device administration, cloud security, ethical hacking, and many more. They also monitor the latest tactics used by cybercriminals to improve vulnerability detection and preventive strategies.
Having outsourced professionals on board ensures that your business has the knowledge to deal with malicious attacks and set up the right technologies with minimal training.
2. Independent security assessments
To fully grasp your company’s risk exposure, you need an objective point of view from someone outside the organization. Although MSPs serve as an extension of your business, they’re also in the perfect position to impartially validate existing controls and processes.
Cybersecurity consultants conduct a gamut of vulnerability scans, social engineering simulations, and risk assessments to gauge how your company will fare against modern attacks. Top-notch consultants will also evaluate how business partners handle your data and review your company’s compliance with the relevant industry standards.
They then distill meaningful insights from these assessments to help you make the right decisions regarding what security solutions and strategies will keep your business safe.
3. Proactive monitoring and support
A major benefit of outsourcing is you can delegate tasks your core team doesn’t have the time and capacity for. MSPs have several technicians in their roster who can monitor your systems around the clock for any signs of security issues, like an unusual number of login attempts or large file transfers. They then quickly address the issue before it becomes a full-blown breach, saving your business from extended periods of downtime and a lot of money in the process.
What’s more, the best MSPs help you develop a solid incident response plan for when a security incident does occur. This plan outlines data backup and recovery procedures as well as detailed steps on how to contain and eliminate threats like malware and network intrusions. Security specialists will also provide assistance in the incident response process so your business can quickly resume operations without a hitch.
4. State-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions
As cyberthreats evolve, so do the solutions and strategies required to counter them. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, more employees have had to work remotely, accessing company systems using potentially unsecured personal devices and home networks. This development has created new challenges for businesses since cybercriminals now have more opportunities to steal sensitive information using vulnerable devices as an entry point.
MSPs that specialize in cybersecurity provide the solutions your business needs. When it comes to dealing with security challenges posed by remote work, MSPs may recommend and implement endpoint management software, virtual private networks, and identity and access management tools.
Related reading: The types of cyberthreats facing remote workers today
Leading MSPs are not just limited to these solutions, however. Summit Advisors, in particular, also offers next-generation firewalls, AI-augmented threat detection software, anti-malware, email filtering, advanced encryption systems, and much more. Essentially, by outsourcing to cybersecurity specialists, your business gains the ability to evolve and adapt to the newest threats.
5. Cost-effective services
Even if your business has the budget to hire an in-house security expert, the costs may not justify the investment when compared to an outsourced option. Security technicians in Kansas usually command an average salary of $56,000, not including the additional benefits and training required to bring them on board. Depending on the size of your company and IT infrastructure, you may need to hire more than one technician for your team, which is going to cost you more money.
On top of these costs, you have to factor in security software licenses, company-secured hardware, and overtime pays for 24/7 threat monitoring.
Partnering with an MSP that specializes in security, on the other hand, costs merely a fraction of managing a fully staffed cybersecurity team. For a flat monthly subscription fee, you get a team of security consultants who will watch over your systems, keep everything up to date, and suggest strategies to fend off threats. MSPs also work with top software developers, enabling them to give you great deals on top-of-the-line security solutions.
We have an experienced team of cybersecurity professionals who can monitor your systems, identify vulnerabilities, and formulate a strategy to fortify your defenses. Our team also uses best-in-class solutions from leading security software developers, so your most precious assets are as safe as possible. Sign up for a free consultation today to find out how your company can better protect itself from dangerous cybercriminals.
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