As more and more employees are working from home in today’s environment, creating a secure network for a multitude of vulnerable devices is more vital than ever. Many businesses are turning to managed security service providers in order to handle all of their cybersecurity operations. There are thousands of managed security service providers on the market who promise the world.
How can you know who is for real and who is fake?
Business owners may believe that every managed security provider more or less provides the same service. That statement could not be further from the truth. IT security vendors offer different packages, products, and services. Those without a background in IT will have difficulty discerning one managed security provider from another. They will not be able to properly vet their offerings and may end up choosing a vendor who is not the right fit.
Thankfully, we are here to show you exactly what you should be looking for when choosing the right IT security vendor. These are some of the most basic criteria and questions to ask when reaching out to managed service security providers.
Experience in Your Industry
There are vastly different cybersecurity regulations and considerations depending on the industry. For example, the healthcare industry has to deal with complex HIPPA laws. Your company does not want an MSSP that specializes in the banking industry if you have to deal with confidential patient information. Finding an MSSP with vast experience in your industry will give you confidence that they can meet your needs. But, some IT security vendors may be tempted to lie about their experience to get your business.
Get references from other companies in your industry.
The vendor that you should be considering should be able to provide plenty of references to other companies that they have worked with. Testimonials are great, but speaking directly to another company will give you peace of mind. If they are doing a great job with another company in your industry, you will have the confidence to choose them as your MSSP.
Additionally, your company needs a managed security provider that will be able to cater to your individual needs.
A Customized Solution for Your Needs
A one-size-fits-all solution is not going to cut it in today’s world. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated by the day and are working to break down today’s cybersecurity solutions. Your security needs are different from nearly every other company’s. A big red flag would be a pitch about a generic solution. Their team likely does not understand your needs and are attempting to put a bandaid on a bullet wound.
What are they going to do for your company?
Good, honest communication will go a long way in creating a relationship that works for both you and your vendor. The right IT security vendor will be honest with you and your company. They should be able to showcase how they are going to add value to your company and outline the steps they are going to take. This will be a customized solution that will cater to your specific needs.
What is their Plan When Something Goes Wrong?
We all want to believe that a managed security service provider will be able to defend against 100% of all cybersecurity attacks. But in reality, there will likely be a time when your company has been compromised by hackers. When that happens, your managed security service provider should have a customized plan of attack for your company.
Here are a few questions you should ask when reaching out to potential vendors:
- What is their plan and how detailed is it?
- Are they transparent?
- Do they have a team dedicated to dealing with breaches?
- How do we prevent the issue from happening again going forward?
Mistakes are bound to happen. Learning from them and taking actionable steps to prevent them from happening again separates good MSSPs from great MSSPs.
A Long-Term Relationship
Your company needs a long-term relationship with a managed service security provider. The worst thing that could happen is you choose an IT security vendor and they end up going out of business within a few months. This would lead to a massive headache for your company. You will have to start the vendor vetting process all over again and it will make the transition to the next MSSP even more difficult. Do not be afraid to ask for assurances that your vendor will be around for years to come.
This is a partnership
You are partnering with an IT security vendor, this is more than just purchasing a tool from a company. Your MSSP is responsible for protecting your data, network, customers, and your staff. This needs to be clear to all parties involved. You and your MSSP need to work together in order to achieve the goals of your business. Your MSSP will be right by your side as your business continues to grow and your needs change.
BACS is the Right IT Security Vendor
We create a tailored solution for your organization that will meet all of your specific needs. We will gladly provide references to our happy customers who we have worked with for years. Our team will handle any cybersecurity crisis in a timely manner, so you can get back to running your business. If we are not the best fit for your company, we will happily recommend another MSSP who will be able to better service your business.
Reach out to BACS today to learn more about how we can keep you and your business safe. Our team is dedicated to adhering to the highest cybersecurity standards and providing your team with the tools to keep your data safe and secure.
