In the blink of an eye, the digital realm has transformed, leaving companies sprinting to catch up with the rapid evolution. In this era where time is of the essence, the pressure to fortify security measures has never been more intense. As organisations grapple with the challenges posed by digital transformation, the quest for top-notch security programs becomes a paramount mission. .
Picture this: organisations, big or small, lacking the resources or bandwidth to establish their security operations center (SOC). Even those with the means to hire and train expert staff find themselves in a tight spot due to a substantial cybersecurity skills gap. But fear not, for here comes the cavalry – Cybersecurity Managed Services (CMS).
Adding a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) to your arsenal is a strategic move, no doubt. But, hold your horses! Before you ride the trend, careful assessment and planning are crucial to minimise associated cyber risks. This article is your treasure map, providing a comprehensive overview of the purpose of an MSP and the key considerations when evaluating a potential partner.
MSPs have evolved beyond fixing the traditional IT break-fix cycles. They are the wizards of outsourcing, providing support for a company’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. Real-time threat detection and cybersecurity operations are their forte, allowing organisations to focus on their core business functions without fretting about system interruptions.
MSPs have evolved beyond fixing the traditional IT break-fix cycles. They are the wizards of outsourcing, providing support for a company’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems. Real-time threat detection and cybersecurity operations are their forte, allowing organisations to focus on their core business functions without fretting about system interruptions.
In the era of escalating cyber threats, even well-staffed enterprises can struggle with deploying complex cybersecurity solutions. MSPs come to the rescue by augmenting and alleviating security staff, offering a pool of robust cybersecurity expertise.
Read more: Learn how an MSP can lower costs and increase profits
Navigating the complex landscape of compliance becomes a breeze with MSPs. Dedicated and expert personnel ensure data collection, system monitoring, and internal/external reporting, allowing your internal staff to focus on innovation.
As organisations spread their wings into the cloud, the attack surface expands, creating vulnerabilities. MSPs, armed with expertise, address risks across this surface, providing incident response services and testing backup and disaster recovery plans.
In a world where cyber insurance is a must, MSPs can guide businesses through the procurement process. They ensure you’re leveraging the right technology and best practices to meet minimum requirements, potentially impacting your cyber insurance premium.
Think of shopping for an MSP like choosing a car. One size does not fit all. Consider your budget, existing resources, and security needs to make an informed decision. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offers a framework with three crucial components:
Balance cost with effectiveness, define security roles, evaluate existing security tech stack, and address gaps to improve your security posture.
Articulate requirements in a contract, vet MSPs thoroughly, and ensure performance-related service level agreements and other crucial factors.
Extend internal security practices to MSPs, implement supply chain security controls, and establish a robust risk assessment procedure using automation and AI.
There are a lot of strong arguments in favour of managed network services, but like all good things they don’t come without some risk.
In the quest for cybersecurity excellence, MSPs emerge as invaluable allies. As you navigate the digital frontier, choose your cybersecurity steed wisely, considering the strategic, operational, and tactical aspects. Armoured with the right knowledge and a meticulous selection process, your organisation can boldly face the evolving cyber threats, ensuring a secure and resilient future.
So, gear up, fellow guardians of the digital realm, for with MSPs by your side, you’re not just playing catch-up; you’re leading the charge!
From Catch-Up to Leading the Charge, NSP is enabling kiwi organisations to be proactive with their security controls, contact the team at NSP today to find out how we can support your business.