Selecting a Managed Security Services Provider: What You Need to Know

There has never been a more important time for businesses to emphasize their organizations’ cybersecurity. By the end of 2023, it is predicted that cybercrime will hit a valuation of nearly $8 trillion and that by 2025, that value will have increased to $10.5 trillion. The last thing any business needs is to find out that their lost data has contributed to that total value, which is why learning how to hire the right managed security service provider is crucial for all businesses.

What is a Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP)?

For those who have never heard the term before, a Managed Security Services Provider, or MSSP for short, is an outsourced third party that specializes in monitoring and managing company security devices and systems. The services offered by an MSSP can vary, but some of the most common include intrusion detection, anti-virus services, firewall management, vulnerability scanning, and curated cybersecurity protection.

Choosing the Right MSSP: Key Tips to Use

Oftentimes, businesses don’t have the technological capability or specific knowledge to protect themselves from advanced cybersecurity threats. This is why outsourcing the task to an MSSP is so beneficial. However, actually choosing the right MSSP for your business can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a few tips that can help any business make the right choice:

1. Evaluate the Expertise of Different Companies

First and foremost, you shouldn’t pick an MSSP just because they have a unique name or their website has an excellent design. You should look to the MSSP’s experience in the field and successful case studies from companies they have worked with. Reach out to partner organizations who may be able to recommend MSSPs they’ve worked with and know are accredited. If you do not have any industry organizations, research who top companies are currently utilizing to figure out where to start.

2. Consider the Technology Used by the MSSP

All Managed Security Service Providers use different technology. The last thing you need is to partner with an MSSP that uses outdated technology that cybercriminals can easily bypass. Additionally, ensure that the technology they use is compatible with your current OS, as speaking with an incompatible MSSP will be a waste of everyone’s time.

3. Read Up on Customer Reviews and Support

Another beneficial tip for choosing the right Managed Security Services Provider for your needs is to turn toward customer reviews. Don’t just strictly look at positive reviews when you consider different companies. Look at some of the negative reviews to see if a particular trend makes a certain provider undesirable in your eyes.

4. Think About Product Offerings and How They Align With Your Business

Finally, similar to how different MSSPs offer different technologies, they also offer a different suite of services and products. Many of those services will likely be unnecessary, depending on the scope of your business. You’ll need to align with an MSSP with services you will utilize while leaving room to scale in the future.

Enhance Your Security With the Right Partnership Today

No business wants to discover that cybercriminals have stolen sensitive internal or external data. This can create reputational risk and cause a business to lose potentially millions of dollars. By using the above tips, any business can find the right managed security service providers for their needs. If your business is located in the Columbus, Cleveland, or Akron area and you are in need of an effective managed security service provider, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately at Warwick.