Between your operational systems, email servers, accounting software, and CRM, your company likely collects and stores unprecedented volumes of data. At the same time, this data is coming under constant attack by cyber criminals armed with sophisticated software. The danger posed by these twin threats is clear, but do you have the resources to combat them effectively?
In the same manner that companies outsource their payroll processing or facilities management, many businesses are turning to managed security service providers (MSSPs) to handle their network security needs.
The Value of Outsourcing
Outsourcing is a popular response to the challenges posed by the security threats that businesses currently face. Many companies that previously may have been wary of outsourcing have since embraced it, in light of the growing rate of cyber attacks on businesses of all sizes, from small concerns to multinational corporations. According to Forrester analyst Edward S. Ferrara, the demand from MSSPs is expected to grow between 30 and 40 percent annually. The need for MSSPs is even higher in the midsize business market, where he anticipates demand could reach 70 percent annually.
You may already recognize the value of outsourcing, but you should consider the options carefully before selecting a security partner to manage your network security operations. Not all MSSPs are created equal. To get the most out of a security partnership, you need to select a capable, reputable and efficient security provider.
Below, are some considerations every business should make when choosing cyber security firm:
Portfolio
Many business owners are shocked to learn that different MSSPs provide different services. If you are choosing from a slew of MSSPs, forget the notion that they all do the same thing. Read their offerings carefully, comparing their services and expertise to your current needs. Consider also your needs in the future, and assess whether a security provider’s offerings can complement the expected growth and development of your business.
Stability
When you select an MSSP, you should expect to forge a lasting relationship. It is better to have a stable, consistent partner than to have to periodically find a new one. A steady, enduring partnership can reduce costs in the long run and mitigate headaches. When considering an MSSP for your business, investigate its list of clients and financial situation to ensure the organization’s viability as a long-term partner. A provider with an expanding clientele is less risky than the alternative.
Reputation
As part of your research on an MSSP, try to connect with current clients and get their opinion about their security provider. Find out what the firm excels at or specializes in, and what kind of support and assistance it can offer you. This kind of diligent detective work may seem like snooping, but you need to develop an objective, unvarnished understanding of what any candidate MSSP can do before making a decision. You want to know in advance what kind of relationship you can anticipate, and whether the provider will meet your needs.
These research strategies are intended to do one thing: help your business locate a MSSP that you can work with for the long haul. If you choose to outsource your security management needs, you want a partner who can support you both in the present and in the future. Veteran Business Solutions offers a host of services to protect your organization, from security assessment and product evaluation to security design and security staff augmentation. If we can be of service to your business, please call us at (703) 946-4922 or contact us online.
