The digital transformation has been changing how businesses operate, compete, and grow for several years. The Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies are continuing to reshape how we operate in society and business.
Now, in this new digital world, security is essential for companies to thrive. The Ponemon Institute recently found that 73 percent of respondents believe cyber attacks will pose a severe threat to their business in the next 12 months.
Security has become a top priority for businesses large and small across all industries. As a result, managed security services providers (MSPs) have grown exponentially in recent years.
What Are MSPs
A managed security service provider specializes in offering IT security solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and easy to operate — all while giving companies more time to focus on other areas of their business.
A managed security service provider is essentially an outsourced IT department. They take on the responsibility of securing your network, handling upgrades and updates, monitoring your infrastructure, and providing your team with the tools they need to succeed.
These managed security service providers can help you protect your company from cyber threats while streamlining some of your internal processes.
So, suppose you feel like your security team is constantly playing catch-up or have the nagging feeling that there are holes in your security infrastructure. In that case, it’s probably time to consider bringing in an MSP to help manage your organization’s security.
The right managed services partner can take a lot of the stress and strain off of your IT department. They can give you peace of mind, freeing up more time for innovation and growth while also helping your company meet regulatory compliance standards.
With that said, here are seven detailed benefits a managed security service provider can provide your organization.
1. MSPs Are Equipped To Respond to Cyberattacks in Real Time
It’s essential to have a managed security team equipped to respond to attacks in real-time. A quick, decisive response can often be the difference between a small breach and a catastrophic event.
With cybersecurity attacks happening in real-time, you can’t afford to be playing catch up. A managed services provider can help you stay one step ahead of malicious actors and cybercriminals.
A managed service provider is trained to respond appropriately to each type of threat, minimizing damage and taking steps to remediate the situation with minimal disruption to your organization’s day-to-day operations.
When an MSP has tools and technologies that allow them to see and understand each part of your security infrastructure, they can work quickly and efficiently to contain an attack and minimize damage.
They can also provide real-time threat intelligence that your team may not have the bandwidth to accomplish on their own.
2. MSPs Can Help You Stay Compliant With Regulations
Breaches are at an all-time high, and the average cost of a data breach is estimated to be $3.86 million. As a result, there are many regulations that govern how businesses must handle and store data.
Compliance with regulations like HIPAA, PCI DSS, and GDPR is crucial, depending on the type of business you operate. A managed security service provider can help your organization comply with these and other industry-specific regulatory requirements.
They can provide your security team with the tools and resources they need to meet compliance goals without having to invest in additional infrastructure or personnel.
In the event of a breach, an MSP can provide you with documentation to show that you followed the rules and followed best practices. An MSP can also assist with SOC 2 audits, which your auditors may request from you during the audit process. These audits help ensure that you properly secure customer data and follow best practices.
3. MSPs Can Provide Your Team With the Latest Tools and Technologies
If your current security team is trying to manage the latest emerging threats on their own, they’re probably falling short. This could mean your security team isn’t keeping pace with the latest threats and technologies, thus putting sensitive data at risk.
A managed security service provider can provide your team with the latest technology and tools to help keep your organization safe and secure. They can also ensure that the latest security protocols are always protecting your data.
Your team can spend their time innovating and creating new products and services while the MSP takes on the responsibility of keeping your infrastructure secure.
4. An MSP Can Help You Train Your Employees On Security Best Practices
If your organization is growing, you’re likely hiring new employees who may not have the same level of security awareness that your seasoned veterans do.
A managed services provider can help train your employees on security best practices. They can provide your team with training videos, eLearning resources, and onsite workshops to keep everyone on the same page regarding security protocols. With the proper training, your organization can be more secure from the get-go.
5. MSPs Can Monitor Your Infrastructure for Vulnerabilities and Provide Remediation Guidance
With a managed security services provider, your team can have a dedicated resource to help monitor and identify potential vulnerabilities in your systems. They can provide you with remediation guidance so that you can get plugged into the right vendors as soon as possible.
This can help you reduce the time your team spends on monitoring, allowing them to get back to the business of creating new products and services.
6. MSPs Have Relationships With the Best Vendors – They’re Your Liaison!
Depending on the type of business you operate and the regulations you must follow, you may have to rely on third-party vendors to help protect your organization and your data.
A managed security services partner can be your liaison when choosing the right vendors. They can help you choose vendors that are a good fit for your organization. They can also help you negotiate your organization’s best rates and contracts.
The Bottom Line: Managed Services Providers Are Here To Help
When you bring in an MSP to help manage and implement your security protocols, they’re not just there to plug in some security software. They are here to help your organization as a whole operate more efficiently. They can help your team set goals, track and report on progress, and drive the adoption of best security practices. They can also help with strategy and process and provide 24/7/365 monitoring and support.
If you’re ready to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to security, it’s time to bring in an MSP.
