Working with a managed service provider can give a business owner a break as they manage some or all of the business’s functions. However, some managed services providers bring a certain amount of risk with them. It’s critical to make sure that your managed service provider is secure by following these tips.
1. Educate Yourself On Security Measures
It can be hard to determine whether a provider is going to be secure if you know little to nothing about security yourself. Before working with a new service provider, take the time to research business security objectives. Learn about common terms that are used, such as ransomware and malware.
It can help to understand the basic framework of security systems and understand how network traffic can put your business at risk. Most companies need to have a general understanding of what phishing attacks are. This will help you make sure that you have the security guards in place that you need.
2. Know What You Need
As a business owner, you need to take a good look at the information that you have learned and your business. Then, decide what you need regarding security. This will help you prevent data breaches from your new provider. It will also help you know what questions you need to ask potential providers before you start working with them.
It can help to develop business objectives before interviewing a new service provider. Developing your own business objectives beforehand will guarantee that you find a provider that already delivers what you need instead of you having to negotiate a contract with a provider to get the services that you want.
Most companies will offer cyber security services, but you need to make sure that these meet what you need. For example, if you don’t own a large business with customer information stored in a computer, you will only need basic services regarding security. Larger corporations will need more measures put in place to save the business from destruction.
3. Research Your Managed Service Provider
Every year, there are providers on the news due to a security breach. It’s enough to make any business feel alarmed when they consider working with a new provider. However, a quick internet search can help you determine whether there have been previous security breaches, and how they were dealt with.
It’s also important to know how long the business has been in operation and the level of experience employees have. Are the employees working for the business fresh out of college, or do they have years of experience in the IT sector? You want to work with a business that is experienced and knowledgeable in the areas that matter to you to ensure business continuity.
4. Interview Your Potential Provider
In addition to doing your own research, it’s important to ask questions before working with a new provider. Ask them how they help prevent ransomware attacks. Inquire about what security is included in the plan. Make sure that they are willing to both provide for your business and protect your business.
5. Consider Hiring A Separate Managed Security Service Provider
Managed security service providers are a bit different than managed service providers. A managed security service provider will focus primarily on the security of your business. They can conduct a thorough evaluation of your current system, including the implementations made by a managed service provider. It’s always a great idea to get a second opinion.
They can also make sure that your system is secure. If your system is not secure, you’re more vulnerable to attacks, including ones from your IT provider’s system.
6. Opt For A Managed Service Provider That Provides Security Too
Finding a company that can offer everything you need, including cybersecurity solutions, is a perfect idea. Take the time to explore a company’s webpage. Call their customer service line to ask questions.
Explore the options that they provide for security threats. Do they offer services that will prevent internal threats? How do they handle cyberattacks on their customers? While a business won’t release all of the information about their operations to you (those are considered trade secrets), they will be able to tell you what they can do to prevent things like phishing attacks.
7. List Security Measures In The Contract
The contract should contain a comprehensive outline of what you expect from them regarding security, and how they can take preventative actions against security threats while performing common services.
For example, some businesses prefer that companies use computers that are already on the property and logged into the network instead of working from a remote location. Making sure that this is in the contract will help you prevent security problems, and can assist you in weeding out expert services that are not secure. Businesses that are not able to assure security will not feel comfortable signing such a contract.
8. Hold Companies Liable
If there is a security problem after you begin working with an MSP, and you can prove it was due to the new business that you’re working with, they should have to cover the repair costs. However, this doesn’t usually happen.
To make sure that you don’t have to spend business money to fix someone else’s mistakes, make sure that you put that clause in your contract as well. This can help you solve security problems that are the direct result of another company not being secure without having to take a loss, which can drastically affect your business.
9. Don’t Allow Unrestricted Access To The Entire Network
An MSP will need access to certain things in order to provide you with daily services. However, it’s important that you only give the company that you are working with access to parts of your network that they need to provide services. Giving them access to every part of your network and business can put your business at risk for costly breaches.
When shopping around for a managed IT service Miami provider, security should always be your number one concern. Follow these tips to make sure that you get the services you need without security threats that could destroy your business.
